Snodgrass, Masters seek election

0ffice Running for: 50th District State Representative

Party affiliation: Democratic Residence: Richfield Township

Age: 51

E-mail address: germasters@charter. net

Family: I am happily married to Shelly for 14 years. We have two children. Robert, is a U.S. Navy Submariner - 3rd class petty officer. Lynsey is a middle school honors student. I am George & Mary’s youngest son.

Education: Davison High School graduate, UAW / GM Machine Repair Apprenticeship Program. M.P.L.P (Michigan Political Leadership Program) 2007 Fellowship through Michigan State University, Attended U of M, Mott and Baker Colleges receiving my Bachelor’s degree Magnum Cum Laude in Industrial Management 2008 from Baker College. CPL (Center for Progressive Leadership) 2009 Fellowship. Master Gardener Program through Michigan State University 2009.

Profession: (current ). Skilled Trades Machine Repair at General Motors Power Train / UAW Local 599.

Political experience: Current Richfield Township Trustee since 2004 (I am endorsed by the Michigan Township Association PAC), Democratic Precinct Delegate, Democratic Club 225 member, Genesee County Metro Alliance and Davison / Richfield Fire and Senior Authority Boards. UAW CAP Committee

Community service: Lifetime Member and second Vice Chair of the Old Newsboys Board of Directors, Platinum Sponsor of the Ballenger Lecture Series through the Foundation of Mott College, Member/River Sponsor of the Flint River Watershed Coalition and was recognized for Outstanding Leadership in Water Stewardship and received the Joe Leonardi Leadership Award (I am endorsed by the Sierra Club of Michigan), Hundred Club of Flint, Youth sports sponsor and coach for many years in the Davison / Richfield Township areas, Valley Area Agency on Aging “Big Wheels Deliver Meals”, Master Gardener and ongoing Volunteer including (Farmer’s Market, Crossroads Village, For-mar Nature Preserve and plant and pest hot line), Member of the Davison Eagles, Flint Elks Club 222 and Mason Welfare Lodge 517.

Please list what you see as the most critical issues facing your district and your solutions (please limit to 300 words).

I consider myself to be the working class candidate. I am endorsed by the UAW & GLS Building Trades. Most of the nation is experiencing a shortage of jobs, but Michigan and Genesee County have some of the highest un-employment rates in the nation. I have also owned my own business and created jobs. When I reach Lansing, I will not forget all those who are suffering under these current conditions in the 50th District. Words alone cannot pay employees, we need new ideas and concrete plans.

The state should use all available resources to “retrofit” (adding high efficiency alternatives such as lighting, windows and HVAC systems) to publicly owned buildings, making them as energy efficient as current technology allows. This would create jobs and help reduce energy costs. The state should purchase, on a preferential basis, from Michigan firms whenever possible, who use “green” technologies and create ecologically — friendly products. The state needs to create tax incentives for employers who keep jobs in Michigan and make sure that firms who outsource, pay their full share of taxes. Tax incentives should be given to businesses and people who buy local, made in Michigan products.

We must ensure that our children get a world-class education. We must find new ways to fund schools on an equitable basis. We must have a curriculum that stresses science, math and problem solving. We need future leaders who can think beyond the status quo. I believe that we should tie the state legislator’s pay to the pay of the teachers in our public schools. If we cut teachers pay or benefits, then the legislator's pay and benefits should be cut accordingly.

We need to use all available brainpower, from both political parties, from all state universities, from labor unions and business leaders, who need to come together in a common cause to get Michigan’s economy rolling again. We all need to do our part by buying local, Michigan and American made products.