Two candidates will vie for the state House of Representatives 29th District in the Nov. 8 general election.
Incumbent Democrat Alex Garza takes on challenger, Republican James DeSana, for a two-year term in the recently re-configured District 29. Garza currently represents the 12th District.
The 29th District consists of northwest Taylor and southeast Romulus as well as New Boston, Carleton, Huron Township, and Ash Township.
Each candidate was asked three questions with a 75- to 100-word limit for each response. Responses over the word limit were edited.
James DeSana
1: List your education, and experience or skills you posses that make you a qualified candidate.
Graduate of Gabriel Richard High School (1981) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit/Mercy (1987) I have worked 36 years in the Fastener Manufacturing Industry as a Sales Manager and Rivet Specialist working with Tier 1 Automotive Suppliers. I have also been an NCAA Baseball Umpire for 13 years and a High School Baseball Head Coach for 9 years. Past President of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate Baseball League.
2: If (re)elected, what are three issues facing your constituents would you work to address and how?
The three main issues facing my constituents are inflation, taxation (property taxes) and overregulation of small business. I believe that our State and Federal Government have created great difficulty in the energy sector and in the agricultural sector of our economy by placing unreasonable constraints on the marketplace, through establishing monopolies and highly regulated corporations that are unable to bring fuel, electricity and food to the consumer at an affordable price. I believe that property taxes are too high and that our Seniors age 65 and over should receive a property tax break on their home for the remainder of their time living there.
3: Why are you seeking (re)election? Why should people vote for you?
I am running for State Representative to help re-claim our lost individual freedoms. Our right to worship freely without interference from the Government, our right to assemble for economic purposes, our right to educate our children without radical social positions being forced upon our children by the State and Federal Government. I have the private sector experience and the knowledge of how to efficiently run a business. Our Federal Government is out of control. We the people have to take back our Country and restrain the Federal Government from worsening the $30 Trillion dollars in runaway debt they have run up.
Alex Garza
1: List your education, and experience or skills you possess that make you a qualified candidate.
I am serving my second term as State Representative. I attended both the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Baker College, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and an associate’s degree in business management, respectively. I serve on the House Regulatory Reform, Local Government and Municipal Finance, and the Agriculture and Rural Development committees. I am currently serving as the Minority Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.
2: If (re)elected, what are three issues facing your constituents would you work to address and how?
Inflation is hurting families and seniors. I voted to repeal the Michigan Gas Tax in order to save Michiganders money. I am investigating price gougers of gasoline, farming supplies and more to hold them accountable instead of punishing people who are hurting.
We need to pass more meaningful legislation in Lansing. My colleague, State Rep. Joe Bellino and I worked together on bipartisan legislation that is already bringing good-paying jobs to Monroe and Downriver.
My work to put a cap on Insulin, Epi-Pens, blood thinners, and more is crucial. People are dying because they cannot afford the medication they need.
3: Why are you seeking (re)election? Why should people vote for you?
I am running for re-election because I want to continue to be a voice for our working families. We need to make sure we are moving forward toward a brighter future with more jobs and opportunities for Michiganders. I am the only candidate who truly supports high-quality public education, and only candidate that voted to repeal the Michigan Gas Tax.
I am the right candidate for you if you believe in the value of hard work and agree that leaders should work to find common sense solutions and not divide us. I am asking for your vote on November 8th.