Three candidates will vie for the state Senate 2nd District in the Nov. 8 general election.
Incumbent Democrat Sylvia Santana takes on challengers, Republican candidate Harry Sawicki and Working Class candidate Larry Betts, for a four-year term in the recently re-configured District 2. Santana currently represents the 3rd District.
The 2nd District consists of Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, northern Allen Park and two parts of Detroit.
Each candidate was asked three questions with a 75- to 100-word limit for each response. Responses over the word limit were edited. Betts did not respond to the questionnaire by publication time.
Sylvia Santana
1. List your education, and experience or skills you posses that make you a qualified candidate.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Eastern Michigan University. Also, I recently completed my Master’s in Business Administration from Michigan State University. I started in the financial industry and focused primarily on helping entrepreneurs to receive loans to start their businesses from the ground up. As a grassroots community organizer in the Warrendale Neighborhood of Detroit, I learned to listen and understand what issues are affecting my community.
2. If (re)elected, what are three issues facing your constituents would you work to address and how?
1. Access to job opportunities. In Southeast Michigan, I want to make sure we attract new businesses with good paying jobs and encourage existing companies to expand in the region.
2. Education. I want to continue the historic funding levels to our school systems and provide opportunities to increase the number of teachers in the profession.
3. Access to affordable health care. Prescription drug prices are increasing, co-pays are increasing and access to mental health is diminished. I will work to find bi-partisan solutions to increase access and choice at a reduced cost.
3. Why are you seeking (re)election? Why should people vote for you?
I am seeking re-election to continue working on common sense reforms and investments in our state and region. In 2020, I was recognized as Democratic Legislator of the Year for my leadership on bi-partisan, common sense legislation. I still have a lot more to work on and I want to continue to serve the communities of Dearborn and Detroit. I am excited to have the opportunity to get to work on the issues facing the families Dearborn Heights and the 2nd District’s portion of Allen Park. I am committed to the communities of the 2nd District and I will continue to work hard from them every day in office.
Harry Sawicki
1. List your education, and experience or skills you posses that make you a qualified candidate.
I am a self-employed sales person. My background includes working for various companies in managerial roles. I am a former police officer. I am married with one son. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Davenport University. I am a long-time resident of this area and have continuously been involved in politics.
2. If (re)elected, what are three issues facing your constituents would you work to address and how?
The three issues that need to be addressed are education, mental health and a soaring crime rate. Education is the key to future success. Education can be either college or trade school. For younger students there should be “school of choice” with your tax dollars following them. Mental health ties into the crime rate along with the defunding of our law enforcement community. We need to support the law enforcement community. We need to reject the “No Bail” policies. Citizens need to have the 2nd Amendment so they can protect their families.
3. Why are you seeking (re)election? Why should people vote for you?
I am seeking this office to ensure that our state and communities are going to prosper and grow. I will make sure that our cities receive their fair share of state funding. My education and my work experience have provided me with a background that will allow me to work with all levels of government and people. I will provide people the opportunity to meet with me on a regular basis. I will strive to meet the needs of the citizens in my district.