Note: For the Michigan Nov. 3 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here, For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
State of Michigan 72nd District House of Representatives
The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr. For a district map, click here and then search for district 072.
The candidates are a two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Johnson of Wayland, and Democratic challenger Lily Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood.
Steven Johnson – Incumbent State Representative 72nd District
Occupation: State Representative for the 72nd District for the past 4 years; former Staff Sergeant in U.S. Air Force, worked on nuclear missiles.
Why did you decide to run for this position? And issues you feel voters are facing:
I am running for reelection to:
Work on providing more government transparency so taxpayers have a better understanding of how and where their hard earned money is being spent.
Reduce government debt so our children are not burdened by our actions today.
Improve the quality of education by giving parents more options and ensuring our education policy understands that each student learns differently and a one-size-fits all policy does not work.
Lily Cheng-Schulting — Candidate State Representative 72nd District
Occupation: Founder and President of the Disability A-Team of West Michigan (501c3 non-profit), and Disability and Human Rights Advocate
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As I am a proven disability and human rights advocate, I am running to ensure a high quality of life for everyone in our district! At this time, many people are hurting. Our society is facing many unaddressed social, economic, racial, and environmental problems. We need more healing and less division. I will, therefore, listen to all views and work together with you to create solutions. I will also dedicate my skills, my experience, and my energy to create positive changes for everyone, including people with disabilities, people of color, and our working class.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Families across District 72 are strongly concerned about the quality of education for all students. Since I share everyone’s concern for the quality of education and equity in education, one of my top priorities will be education.
Many families across District 72 are also concerned about the combination of healthcare, disability services, and mental healthcare. Many families either have or know someone close to them who has a disability or mental health challenge. Since disability services and mental health are both local and state issues, I will make every effort to ensure access to high quality services to aid everyone’s present and future quality of life.
Almost all voters are deeply concerned about their neighbors and the myriad of issues which affect their neighbors. They are concerned about equality and fairness for all people. They are also concerned about our working class and small businesses, since many of their neighbors have small businesses.
State of Michigan 77th District House of Representatives
The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville. For a district map, click here and then search for district 077.
There are two candidates are two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Tommy Brann of Wyoming and Democratic challenger Bob Smith of Byron Twp.
Tommy Brand — Incumbent State Representative 77th District
Occupation: restaurant owner and state representative
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I have been a small business owner for 49 years and in the restaurant business, which is the hardest business in the world. My restaurant I take to Lansing every day in the form of my employees struggles, customers living life and my small business mind that knows how important costs and waste are in a small business and now I bring that mindset to Lansing on costs and waste.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Three issues are the virus, employment due to them, and jobs, and that is one really. The other two is health care and my citizens safety. I took an oath to protect the health and safety of my citizens and I carry that oath, Section 51 and article 4, in my wallet.
Bob Smith — Challenger State Representative 77th District
Occupation: Factory worker. I am a Production Team Member at North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing in Kentwood.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I have spent most of my life working hard to get ahead, but rarely doing more than barely keeping up. Involvement in union leadership inspired me to find other ways to serve. Seeing laws passed in Lansing that were designed to keep workers’ pay low inspired me to run for public office.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Employment uncertainty due to the Covid-19 crisis, inflation outpacing wage growth, and concerns about sending their kids back to school during the Covid; or not being able to work if the kids continue online schooling.
