Candidate Profile: Mary Kerwin, Michigan House District 41

The following candidate information is taken directly from the non-partisan website www.vote411.org, a "one-stop-shop" for election related information launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund in 2006.

Duties: The Michigan House of Representatives shares responsibility with the Michigan Senate to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws.
Qualifications: State Representatives may serve a maximum of  three full terms.  There are 110 State House districts which are re-apportioned after each census.
Term:  2 years

Mary Kerwin (D-Troy)

Campaign Website
www.marykerwin.com

Occupation/Current Position
Mary conducts training for elected officials for MASB and UM/Dearborn IFLG, and works for B&GCT.

Education
Mary received her BA in English and her Teaching Certificate from Immaculate Heart College in California. An alumna of MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program, she is a Citizen Planner.

Qualifications/Experience
Mary served two-terms on the Troy Board of Ed, holding all offices, and a term on City Council. While serving as Mayor Pro Tem, she was President of the Michigan Municipal League's Elected Officials Academy. As Planning Commission Vice Chair, she developed the Master Plan and reviewed ordinances.

1. EDUCATION: What changes would you support to ensure adequate funding for K-12 education?

In 1993 citizens voted for a way to finance K-12 education with the expectation that their local schools would have a guaranteed funding stream and a more equitable distribution among school districts. Supplementing lower property tax with an increase in sales tax, cigarette tax and lottery dollars has not kept pace with the rising costs of high performing schools. The legislature needs to take an in-depth look at this issue and find a permanent solution that allows for greater stability, and should end the recent practice of raiding the K-12 budget and diverting scarce resources to the state's general fund.

2. VOTING: What changes, if any, would you support to provide all voters with an option to vote by absentee ballot or other early voting methods?

Every effort should be made to encourage citizen participation in government, especially when it comes to exercising the right to vote. Early voting and no-reason absentee voting provides flexibility for voters and can be cost effective and efficient.

3. PRIORITIES: What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

Focus on jobs, attract businesses and entrepreneurs to Michigan and invest in our local economy. Return state revenue sharing to communities so that we can guarantee public safety, good roads and quality services. Ensure quality education for all, so we can stay competitive in the global marketplace. Repeal the pension tax so that seniors have confidence that they have enough resources in their retirement years.

Kerwin will face Republican candidate Martin Howrylak on Nov. 6. For more information on local races and issues, visit Troy Patch's 2012 Election Guide.

Michigan House District 41

Duties: The Michigan House of Representatives shares responsibility with the Michigan Senate to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws.

Qualifications: State Representatives may serve a maximum of  three full terms.  There are 110 State House districts which are re-apportioned after each census.

Term:  2 years