Donna Lasinski is the Democratic Party candidate running to serve in the Michigan Legislature on behalf of the 52nd House District, of which Saline is a part. Her Republican opponent is Teri Aiuto. [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 Democrat Lasinski appear below. Responses from Republican Aiuto ran in Saline Journal yesterday. [3]
Saline Journal: “What would you list as your top five priorities in Lansing for 2019?” [4]
Donna Lasinski:
- Finding real budget and policy solutions to get Michigan’s public schools back on top
- Ensuring that everyone has safe, clean drinking water
- Fixing our roads for the long term
- Reforming auto no-fault insurance without compromising the quality of coverage
- Continuing to fight for reliable broadband access for rural communities
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]
Donna Lasinski: “We know that the travel and tourism industries are dependent on the overall strength of the business landscape. I’m proud to represent cities like Saline, already known for its robust small business community. This summer I rolled out the Neighborhood Businesses, Neighborhood Growth package that will ensure established and new local businesses have the tools they need to succeed, making Saline an even better place to live and visit. [6]
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?”
Donna Lasinski: “The Federal government just pre-empted local and state control over the roll out of next generation technologies for wireless communication.
I worked across the aisle in Lansing to ensure that we were able to put into law at the state level requirements for residential, downtown and historic districts to have direct community zoning control, incentivize co-location of equipment on existing equipment, and require the removal of obsolete equipment. Privacy concerns have also been addressed through legislation banning the sale and sharing of customer usage information.
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?”
Donna Lasinski: “As a member in the minority party throughout my first term, I worked hard to ensure that community, not political party, set my priorities. As a sitting legislator, I voted for an additional $500 million in funding for roads and infrastructure without raising taxes. I won stricter clean-up standards for 1,4 dioxane — a chemical that has been threatening our water for decades. And I passed a transparency bill unanimously on both sides of the aisle within my first two months in office.
Because I represent a balanced district, I am able to focus on the issues that matter here in our community: Safe roads, strong public schools, and clean drinking water.
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” [7]
Donna Lasinski: “I have already developed a strong relationship with Chief Hart over the past twenty months, and am looking forward to continuing to work with him in my next term as I prioritize policies around public safety and law enforcement.
There is no such thing as ‘unsolicited input’ from local officials, law enforcement, community leaders, or constituents.
As State Representative for the 52nd House District I work for the people of Saline every day. Through the over 5,000 eMails and calls my office has responded to, as well as at the hundreds of community events I have hosted and attended, my constituents regularly provide the input and advocacy to help me shape our priorities in Lansing.
Saline Journal: “Describe a memorable experience you’ve had at Rentschler Farm Museum, Saline Railroad Depot, or Weber-Blaess. [8]
Donna Lasinski: “These three historical sites are a part of what makes the Saline area so special and how our community is so tied to its present, past, and future.
Raising three young boys, the farm animals at Rentschler Farm were always a big attraction. For me, it is the driving by the farm or school house that add a moment of peace, beauty and reflection into my day. The bit of pastoral calm that the Rentschler Farm Museum adds to Michigan Avenue is a reminder of the choices we make as we determine together how we grow our community. [9]
Additionally, each candidate was offered the opportunity to put forth a question of their own and then answer it for publication here.
Donna Lasinski: “What is it like to govern in such divided political times?
I am often asked, ‘How is it really up in Lansing?’
It is an honor and a privilege to represent a district that is nearly evenly split across the political spectrum. I am elected by a majority of our community in a November election, not a small group of voters in a political primary. When I am in Lansing, the pressing issue is the best way to make sure we can all live, thrive and succeed — from our children to our businesses to our families.
Lansing is difficult, partisan and political, yet I have found that my focus on strong policy and community priorities makes the realities of legislating the most effective for all of us.
References
- Donna Lasinski 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.
- “Dems Unveil Plan to Protect Small Business, Foster Growth” (July 9, 2018) Michigan House Democrats.
- “Police Department” City of Saline.
- Candidates were requested to limit their responses to only one of these.
- “Rentschler Farm Museum” Saline Area Historical Society.
