Primary elections Tuesday / Here are the candidates

In June, The Monroe News ran a list of candidates who are pursuing various seats that directly affect Monroe County residents.

The following is that list of candidates who are running opposed on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The winners will move on to the general election in November.

Unopposed races are not included. Candidates who are named without any statements did not return information when requested. There are 11 contested races for elected positions that will at least partially be determined by the region’s residents.

The Monroe News reached out to all candidates participating in those races and asked them to provide certain information. The following are the candidates:

U.S. Representative, District 5 

The winner of the Republican ticket will face Bart Goldberg of New Buffalo, the sole Democratic candidate, in the November general election.

Tim Walberg, R-Tipton

Employment history: Division Manager, Moody Bible Institute, Strategic Partners Division, September 2000-January 2006; President, Warren Reuther Center for Education and Community Impact, January 1999-September 2000; State Representative, MI House of Representatives, January 1983-January 1999; Pastor, Union Gospel Church, Tipton, MI, August 1978-1982; Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, New Haven, IN 1973-1977

Previous elected positions held: Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, January 2007–2009, January 2011–Present; State Representative, MI House of Representatives, January 1983-January 1999

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?: As Michigan’s most conservative Congressman my top priority will be to combat inflation and get Michigan’s economy growing again. Reducing taxes, stopping wasteful spending, making health care affordable, increasing domestic energy production, and eliminating bureaucratic red tape are all elements to help grow our economy and help Michigan families.

Sherry O’Donnell, R-Stevensville

Employment history: Southwestern Medical, Berrien Springs Clinic; Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, emergency room; Owner, St. Joseph (Rappha Medican Center)

Previous elected positions held: None

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?: Goals when elected: Constitutionally-driven decisions, America first, Economic stabilization, Secure the southern border, Balanced budget and fiscal responsibility, Term limits, Decrease crime and strengthen safety efforts, including school safety, Restore parental rights, Educational excellence in the basics, Affordable pharmaceuticals and health care, Revoke current policies that impede our farmers, ranchers and energy industry  

Elizabeth Ferszt, R-Jackson

*Note: Ferszt is running a write-in campaign after the Board of Canvassers disqualified her signatures for heading errors.

Employment history: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 7 years as Lecturer in Comprehensive Studies Program and Summer Bridge; Arizona State University, Tempe, 6 years as Instructor in Writing Programs and W.P. Carey School of Business; Jackson College, Jackson, MI, 3 years as Lead Faculty in FYS 110/JCEC, and Adjunct Faculty in CEP/MDOC

Previous elected positions held: None

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I hope to return the Republican Party to its Austin Blair roots (Blair was a founding member of the GOP in Jackson, MI in 1854; our ‘Civil War Governor’ 1860-64; friend and ally to Pres. Abe Lincoln; staunchly anti-slavery, for both moral and economic reasons). Priorities would be to listen to significant constituent groups such as farmers, as our district is largely agricultural; and to other groups and individuals whose concerns need voicing in Washington.

State Senate, District 16 

The winner of the Republican ticket will face Katybeth Davis of Monroe Township, the sole Democratic candidate, in the November general election.

Joseph Bellino Jr., R-Monroe

Employment history: Owner, Broadway Market in Monroe

Previous elected positions held: State Representative (three terms); Board Member, Monroe County Community College.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I wish to continue my efforts to provide lower taxes and economic relief to Michigan families and businesses. I will fight to put more power in the hands of parents when it comes to the education of their children. I will continue working on agricultural policies that protect the rights of the family farmer. 

TC Clements, R-Temperance

Employment history: For four years, I was employed by a manufacturing firm that produced embroidered clothing, luggage, patches and caps for a variety of clients including the United State Military. I began my time there working in the warehouse and within six months was the Production Manager, then Sales Manager and for the last three years was the Chief Operations Officer of the company. Additionally, I have started multiple small businesses in my life as an entrepreneur. These would include real estate development, graphic design, solar technology, business consulting, and my current co-ownership of a travel agency with my wife Jamie since 2013. Lastly, I was a police officer and was assigned to many roles. During my tenure I was trained and performed patrol, traffic, investigations of multiple natures, marine patrol, bike patrol, school resource, media relations, special teams, community service, and training. When I left law enforcement I had made the rank of Deputy Chief of Police working directly for the Chief of Police.