Candidates say state budget key in 33rd District state Senate race

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Candidates in the 33rd District state Senate race agree next year’s looming state budget deficit is the first issue they will tackle if elected.

Democratic James Hoisington and Republican Judy Emmons said they anticipate more than a $1-billion dollar shortfall if Michigan loses federal stimulus dollars.

Hoisington said he is bipartisan and will work with the entire legislative body to design effective policies.

“We’ve got to get something there that’s going to change and actually work,” he said.

Emmons said the Senate has just “moved pots of money around” to fix the budget, but she wants to evaluate it to effectively rebuild and reinvent Michigan.

“Once we get a grasp of that, then we can start working on the solution,” she said.

Hoisington got a 30-day head start in the campaign over Emmons.

The Republican Party’s original candidate was Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland. Calley dropped out of the race in late August to be Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder’s running mate. The 33rd Republican Party Executive Committee selected Emmons to replace Calley Sept. 1.

The issues

The candidates also said they will focus on job creation, education, infrastructure and public safety.

Making practical cuts in the budget will demonstrate fiscal responsibility to businesses, Hoisington said, which will in turn inspire more investment.

“We have to show businesses that we care about our state and we’re going to invest into that so they won’t be apprehensive to come here,” he said.

Emmons said she advocated for jobs for her constituents when she represented the 70th House District from January 2003 to 2008.

Emmons said she is fiscally conservative and believes in traditional family values.

She said her political experience gives her a good grasp of what voters expect from their government.

“(I want to) provide a climate in the state of Michigan where families can thrive and businesses can strive,” she said.

Hoisington said he is running for office because he wants to make a difference in state government.

“There are so many different things that this state needs and I just don’t see them getting done,” he said.

Emmons said higher education must be a budget priority because it’s a hallmark in Michigan.

“Certainly, higher education is important in the state of Michigan and building the future for businesses,” she said. “I think one of the great programs at CMU is the entrepreneurship program that has been developed.”

Libertarian 33rd District candidate Joshua Lillie was unavailable for comment.