July 25, 2006

For House 68: Newcomer Baker has edge in field of able candidates

A Lansing State Journal editorial

Democratic voters in the 68th House District (Lansing and Lansing Township) get to choose a candidate from a large field of able hopefuls with notably deep and varied experience.

Looking for a way to distinguish candidates, it struck us this election isn't about what has been done, but what Michigan should do in the future. From that perspective, two candidates - Patrick Baker and Chris Lewless - moved to the fore. And, in a very close call, we recommend voters advance Patrick Baker to the November ballot.

In Baker, voters get the best combination of personal experience and a specific agenda for moving Michigan forward.

Throughout his written responses to LSJ Editorial Board questions, Baker emphasized the key issue in state government: Michigan citizens want and need more services from the state than it can pay for. And Baker was forthright about a solution - changing the tax code to raise money to meet Michigan's structural deficit.

His call for restoring the state income tax rate to 4.4 percent (from the current 3.9 percent) is bold. Though we favor altering the income tax to a graduated system with rates above and below the current 3.9 percent, we agree with Baker that Michigan has to be talking about taxes.

Baker can pair his ideas with experience in state government, both in the executive branch and as a legislative aide. It is this particular combo that gave Baker the tiniest edge over another new face to Lansing politics, Chris Lewless.

Like Baker, Lewless distinguishes himself with a well-thought-out agenda focused on investing in education. Lewless also has raised his profile with a vigorous door-to-door campaign. The tri-county area and the state will benefit if Lewless continues his interest in public affairs and public office.

The same goes for two other well-known names in the race: City Councilwoman Joan Bauer and Jerry Hollister, son of former Lansing mayor David Hollister.

Bauer and Hollister have much to offer the area as public servants. From Bauer, we had hoped to see a more definitive agenda for change as a legislator. And Hollister should look for other opportunities to enter public office short of the State Capitol.

Also on Tuesday's ballot are educator Diana Rouse and Melissa Sue Robinson.

In selecting a replacement for term-limited Rep. Michael Murphy, 68th District voters need someone with energy and a plan to pursue from day one. In our eyes, Patrick Baker best fits that bill in the Democratic field.

This editorial was published in the Lansing State Journal on July 25, 2006