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Green Party of Michigan

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A brief bio:

In 2000 I became part of the Green Party because democracy requires that voters have a real choice on the ballot, and not just two choices! Like most voters, I didn't realize the hurdles to ballot access that have been crafted in most states to deny more than two party "choices." The Green Party collected more than 30,000 valid voter signatures to achieve a listing on the Michigan ballot, and must continue to show voter support to maintain this status. I am proud to offer myself as the first local Green to seek the Tenth Congressional District seat, currently held by Candice Miller (R) - this is an historical opportunity at a crossroads point in national history.

During my lifetime, I have seen World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam war, the Somalia intervention, the Gulf War/Desert Storm attacks, and now the current misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite polls that clearly show current voter disapproval, the major parties plan to ignore the public and support and endorse war-supporters as candidates. Therefore I feel compelled to become a candidate for Congress. I have regularly marched on the Miller Road berm in Flint on many Sundays for the past three years. I have seen the swelling support by honks of motorists - but now it's time to unequivocally stand for the peace position they endorse.

Other key issues are the future of the auto industry and of energy policy, as well as pension protection and portability. My husband, Desmond Collins, is a Skilled Trades retiree from GM so this has intimately connected me to the labor and retirement issues involved.

As a person born and raised in the wheat-farming country of North Dakota, I understand the problems of the corn and soy producers on the vanishing farmland of Michigan. I am hopeful that the new crop of wind-power, being generated by 3 start-up turbines now operating in the Thumb, will provide increased amounts of sustainable electricity to our area.

I support continued Amtrak passenger service at our local depots.

I'm aware of the problem of crop field tile drainage and the resulting pollution run-off risks from farms.

I'm not an "expert" on these matters but neither are any of the current Congresspeople. As a former urban gradeschool teacher, health care worker, pollution lab analyst, US Army reservist, and as a mother and grandmother, I have the credentials to make intelligent decisions, consulting with the voters and knowledgeable persons that I know that can help us tackle these complex issues.

I am a volunteer with Planned Parenthood of Eastern Michigan ,and a member of the Lapeer County Equal Rights Alliance (LCERA) and the American Public Health Association. I participate in our local Pax Christi study group. I need you to join my efforts, and to make your voice heard--I ask for your vote.

Candace Caveny