10/19/2006

Grucz challenges Walker for 104th Dist. seat

Both look to improve school funding, economy

BY VANESSA MCCRAY

vmccray@record-eagle.com

Grucz

Walker

TRAVERSE CITY — Education funding and the economy are the top issues in the state 104th district House of Representatives race, both candidates agreed.

And both incumbent Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, and Democrat challenger Roman Grucz said voters in Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties would be best served by electing them.

"My background as a land surveyor and my interest in land-use issues, my experience as a business owner make me well-suited for this job," said Walker.

Walker first was elected in 2002 and said a return ticket to the state capital would allow him to continue to work on a solution to school funding inequities and to address what he said is a "slow" economy in northern Michigan.

Traverse City resident Grucz said Walker hasn't done a good job representing northern Michigan.

"My concern is that Lansing doesn't listen to us. Lansing listens to the big power centers in Detroit and Grand Rapids," he said.

A self-described "moderate" and "fiscal conservative," Grucz said he picked up on frustration from area residents and believes he can win a seat traditionally held by Republicans. Grucz is an attorney and Friend of the Court in Missaukee and Wexford counties.

Both candidates called for changes to the state's school funding system, which doles out less money to some districts — including Traverse City and Kalkaska — than others.

Walker said the solution is to garner support from similarly situated districts, encourage citizens to testify at hearings and increase funding for the lowest paid districts.

"What we need to do is keep the pressure on the budget process," Walker said.

Grucz said changing the system will require politicians who can "stand up to their party." He would start by urging a "short-term freeze" on "over-funded schools" and use that money to bump up the lowest-paid districts.

The two candidates also listed the economy as a major topic. Grucz said many fault "national policy" for tough times.

Walker said the state must continue to balance its budget and create and maintain jobs statewide. Walker touted legislation he sponsored to create renaissance zones for forest-related businesses and hopes it will attract companies to Kalkaska County.

Grucz also emphasized the need for greater local control on a variety of issues instead of giving authority to the state. Environmental concerns such as landfill, water and septage practices are also a priority. Grucz said he's passionate about giving northern Michigan a stronger voice in Lansing.

"You've got to ring the bell. You've got to be a Paul Revere," he said.

Walker stressed younger people need "higher learning opportunities" to survive in a state economy that's veering from manufacturing to technology fields. He also wants to complete work on an agricultural preservation bill.

"(It's) another reason to send me back to Lansing," he said.