Flint Township View

Kennedy, Martin compete for 48th District House seat


 

 

DAVISON — Incumbent State Rep. Sheryl Kennedy (D-48th District) will face opposition in the Nov. 3 general election from current Genesee County Commissioner David Martin (R-Davison).

Kennedy, a first-term state representative, currently holds the office which represents Clio, Davison, Davison Township, Forest Township, Genesee Township, Montrose, Montrose Township, Richfield Township, Thetford Township, and Vienna Township.

Martin, who is a first term county commissioner, has also served previously on the Davison City Council.

Here is what the candidates had to say:

Dr. Sheryl Y. Kennedy, Age: 54

Education: Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Oakland University

Accomplishments: My greatest accomplishment is being a wife of 28 years to Michael, and mother to David (Megan), Joe (Stefanie) and Karissa. Professionally I was a classroom teacher for 22 years and a middle school principal for the last eight, before being elected to serve in the State House. As an educator, I also achieved my Ph.D., I am a published education researcher, and continue to teach in the Master of Public Administration program at UM-Flint. I have served one term, representing Michigan’s 48th House District on the Appropriations Committee, and Corrections, Agriculture (MDARD), and School Aid (K-12) subcommittees. My greatest accomplishments so far in the State House is correcting the PFAS groundwater contamination issue at the Richfield Landfill, and supporting a state budget through the COVID crisis that keeps schools and State Police budgets whole.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? I hope to continue serving on Appropriations and will advocate every day for full and equitable funding for public education, investment in skills education and community college, keeping our local governments and first responders funded, and protecting our natural resources.

David W. Martin, Age: 59

Education: Homeland Security, A.A., Keiser University

Accomplishments: Honorably retired U.S. Air Force. Former Security Services Director, Pontiac Silverdome. Davison City council and Mayor pro-tem, 2009-2013. Current Genesee County Commissioner, 9th District (Chair, Community & Economic Development Committee, President, Economic Development Corporation of Genesee County, member Michigan Association of Counties’ Judicial and Public Safety Committee). Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA-of-the-Year, 2019). Veteran Services Coordinator, Mott Community College.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? Protecting life, liberties and livelihoods. Safely opening our economy making all workers essential for their families again. During these times our local hardworking families have had to make tough decisions, I will fight for a healthy economy and safe communities. Encourage local control of tax dollars and reduce unfunded mandates burdening staffs in our local municipalities. Elevate the respect of professional law enforcement, I will not associate with groups advocating for defunding our police. Leverage my experience and training in emergency management to prepare a viable opening plan and better coordinate actions in future disasters. I want to make Genesee County’s voice essential in Lansing.

The Genesee County View will run more candidate profiles over the coming weeks for the various races through the county.