Ben Frederick held several kickoff events Saturday, Aug. 29, announcing his candidacy for the 85th District state House seat throughout Shiawassee and Saginaw counties.
Stops included Laingsburg, Perry, Durand, Chesaning, Merrill and Owosso. Numerous supporters joined Frederick at the events and on an Indian Trails coach for the “whistle stop” style tour throughout the day.
Frederick spoke of his priorities for the state, which includes a central theme of restoring local control to area communities and school districts.
“Michigan’s recovery is being driven by the actions of many volunteers, entrepreneurs and citizens of our cities, townships and villages across this state,” said Frederick. “I firmly believe that our communities, when given the flexibility and proper support from the state, can work through any challenge.
“The state must partner with our local communities and schools to keep positive momentum building. If elected as your state representative, I will not support any new unfunded mandates on our schools and communities and will work to remove those burdens that presently exist. My first question in considering new legislation will be whether it hinders or helps our communities and schools in their efforts to provide essential services to our families.
“The same will be asked in considering our economic development efforts to ensure that such programs actually support local businesses in their efforts to create jobs rather than merely creating more paperwork. I also support a regular review of our state agencies to ensure that they are responsive in meeting the needs of our citizens.
Frederick also spoke about encouraging skilled trades careers and educational opportunities. “Through the leadership of State Rep. Ben Glardon, Perry Supt. Mike Foster and a bipartisan group of legislators and educators, we have made strides as a state in allowing flexibility for students interested in the trades,” noted Frederick. “I intend to fully pursue promotion of trades and agricultural careers as opportunities for good paying and sustainable jobs. This work will include allowing for effective partnerships and collaboration between employers and schools and looking to establish trades-specific scholarship opportunities for our students. Mid-Michigan is well positioned to take advantage of a highly skilled workforce and must focus on opportunities for veterans and disabled workers as well.”
Frederick also noted that while much in politics is presented in a negative light, his campaign will remain positive. “I have sought to be a positive voice during my time in local service. The problems facing our state in large measure are not partisan problems and I don’t think they require partisan solutions. In all things, I will strive to remain constructive and positive in approach. My campaign will seek to engage residents constantly for their input and ideas in the months ahead.”
Frederick has served on the Owosso City Council since 2007 and is in his third term as mayor. He has served as a legislative staffer for the past 13 years, including time as chief of staff to former State Sen. Roger Kahn, M.D. He lives in Owosso with his wife Lydia and their two children.
Frederick can be reached at VoteBenFrederick@gmail.com or (989) 272-3413. For more information on his campaign platform and upcoming events, persons may visit www.VoteBenFrederick.com.
