EDITORIAL - Battle Creek Enquirer Endorsement

October 23, 2008

Segal is best choice for 62nd House District
The race for the 62nd District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives offers voters two top-notch candidates with very distinct political philosophies but who both have demonstrated an ability to work across party lines for the good of the people.

We endorse Democrat KATE SEGAL to replace Republican state Rep. Mike Nofs, who cannot run for re-election because of term limits.

Segal has been an outstanding representative of District 1 on the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners since 2002 and currently serves as board chairman. She was a driving force behind the creation of the Calhoun Health Plan, an innovative effort to maximize local, state and federal resources to meet the health needs of county residents.

Having worked as a legislative aide and policy analyst in Lansing, Segal is well-acquainted with state government and recognizes the need for the Legislature to restructure the state budget and bring spending in line with revenue, including reducing legislative salaries. She also wants to implement preventive strategies that will result in reduced welfare and corrections costs in the long term.

In most circumstances, Segal would be an easy choice for 62nd District representative. But her Republican opponent, Greg Moore, is an equally well-qualified candidate, having served as District 5 Calhoun County commissioner for nine years. He has valuable experience both as a legislative staff member in Lansing and as a congressional aide. Moore advocates down-sizing state government while at the same time rewarding businesses for investing in Michigan, thus creating new jobs and reversing the state's economic slide. His background in business and in helping to write legislation would make him an effective lawmaker.

Ultimately, we endorse Segal. Unfortunately, campaign tactics were a factor in our decision. Moore's recent distribution of a flier "exposing the money behind Kate Segal" from "billionaire homosexual activist Jon Stryker" - a $500 contribution - was as offensive as it was unnecessary. Voters are tired of such attacks, and want candidates to give them reasons to vote for a candidate. We think there are many good reasons to vote for Kate Segal on Nov. 4.

Originally published October 23, 2008
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