Teri Aiuto is the Republican Party candidate running to serve in the Michigan Legislature on behalf of the 52nd House District, of which Saline is a part. Her Democrat opponent is Donna Lasinski. [1,2]
Earlier this month, Saline Journal invited each individual to share their thoughts with our readers on a specific series of questions. Responses from Republican Aiuto appear below. Responses from Democrat Lasinski will run in Saline Journal tomorrow. [3]
Saline Journal: “What would you list as your top five priorities in Lansing for 2019?” [4]
Teri Aiuto:
- Fixing our roads, bridges and highways
- Improving K-12 education
- Improved skilled jobs training
- Protecting our Great Lakes
- Lowering the cost of car insurance
Saline Journal: “Saline will take a big step into the travel and tourism arena next year with the opening of a brand now hotel. How might your anticipated work in this position help us better plug into and leverage initiatives for that?” [5]
Candidate chose not to answer this question.
Saline Journal: “How do you balance the need of our community to be competitive in ‘smart’ technology advancements against responsibilities for public safety and privacy?”
Teri Aiuto: “I would need to hear the voices of the community residents to determine what their needs and desires were to be able to answer this question. The needs and desires of the City of Saline may be different from the needs and desires of the rural areas outside of the city.”
Saline Journal: “If you found yourself a member of the minority party in the Michigan House, how effective do you think you could be on behalf of your constituents?”
Teri Aiuto: “I believe that I would still be a very effective representative even if I was the minority party because working with my constituents is only a portion of the job.
I have sold real estate for over 32 years and have had the experience and pleasure of working with all personality types, thus making the negotiations at times difficult but the desired outcome was achieved. I believe serving the people and helping them with their concerns and issues is a big part of being a State Representative, and whether I am the minority party or not, I would be there for my District.
Saline Journal: “Do you anticipate being personally accessible to Chief Hart or members of his command staff for unsolicited input on new or existing legislation regarding law enforcement and agency coordination? Please elaborate” [6]
Teri Aiuto: “In my role as the Sharon Township Clerk, I was always known for reaching out to other individuals to make informed decisions. I value hearing from those effected by new and existing legislation.” [7]
Saline Journal: “Describe a memorable experience you’ve had at Rentschler Farm Museum, Saline Railroad Depot, or Weber-Blaess. [8]
Teri Aiuto: “I have many memorable experiences of Saline from my childhood. I grew up in Bridgewater which I think only Bridgewater and Saline residents know where Bridgewater is located on the map!
My parents were Bert and Lois May. My father worked at the Saline Ford plant for years. When growing up, our family always ate at the Big Boy every Friday night, banked at Comerica Bank, and shopped at the Calico Cat and Trickey’s women’s clothing store. I can’t forget the numerous orthodontist appointments at Dr Ash’s and all the take-out dinners from Whites!
These are only some of my memories of Saline and it sure has changed and grown over the last 40 years!
Additionally, each candidate was offered the opportunity to put forth a question of their own and then answer it for publication here.
Teri Aiuto: “How does my life experience make me the best candidate to serve the residents in this community?
I am a small business owner. I am a real estate broker and own Manchester Real Estate, LLC. I have owned many businesses in the past: a lawn, landscape and snow removal company, tanning salon, and a property management company. I was the Sharon Township Clerk for sixteen years and secretary of the Sharon Township Zoning Board of Appeals for 18 years. I have sat on many non-profit executive boards. I am a Washtenaw County assistant 4-H leader, a MIHA Equestrian coach and a mother of two teenage boys that are in band, choir and basketball.
I am guided by traditional values and support the 1st and 2nd Amendments. Also, I am against proposals 1, 2 and 3.
I believe that I can be a great representative for Saline if allowed the chance! Please attend my meet and greet on November 3rd from 8:00am to 9:30am at Tim Horton’s [in] Saline.
Additionally, Ms Aiuto encouraged Saline Journal readers to visit her website and invited voters to contact her “with any questions and/or concerns you may have. I will always be available and willing to serve you. I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 6th. Thank you!”
References
- Teri Aiuto for State Representative (home page).
- Michigan House of Representatives (home page).
- “Major Political Party Candidates Have Answered Questions In Races Of Local Interest To Saline Michigan” Dell Deaton (October 12, 2018) Saline Journal.
- Candidates were requested to limit their responses to ten words or less per item.
- “Lucy Ann Lance Updates Her Radio Audience on Saline Hotel Progress” Dell Deaton (January 25, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Police Department” City of Saline.
- Sharon Township, Washtenaw County MI (home page).
- Candidates were requested to limit their responses to only one of these.
