Anti-Gretchen Driskell mailers, phone calls bogus to those aware of her experience
By now many voters in Michigan's 52nd State House District already know just how bogus the anti-Gretchen Driskell phone calls and mailers really are. We know Gretchen and can trust her to represent us well in Lansing.
We understand that the attacks on Driskell spring from the fact that our current Representative, Mark Ouimet, has a voting record that is way out of sync with most of his constituents. He can't run on his record, but the Michigan GOP wants him back in the legislature to do their bidding — thus the indignant voices blasting from our answering machines to savage Driskell. (Analysis of Ouimet's record can be found on the Project Vote Smart).
To put the claims from the anti-Driskell mailers and phone calls in context, I offer the following information:
Gretchen Driskell has been mayor of Saline for 14 years. During that time her salary has increased from $3200 per year to $4000. That's the 25 percent you've been reading and hearing about. And, if you spread the cost of all the taxpayer-funded trips she's taken representating Saline over her 14 years as mayor, the average for those is about $2500 per year.
To put this in perspective, as a Washtenaw County Commissioner for 6 years, Ouimet received a salary of $15,500 per year and nearly $36,000 in reimbursements. It was determined that $14,386 of those reimbursements (about $2400 per year if spread over 6 years) were inappropriate and he decided to pay the County back for them.
It's a common Republican Party tactic again this year to take what is dubious in your candidate's record and try to project it onto his or her opponent. Let's make sure this doesn't work in the contest for Michigan's 52nd House District.
Gretchen Driskell is an excellent candidate. She has my vote.
Bernadette Malinoski
Lima Township
Comments
music to my ear
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
all these political people need to stop the defamation, we teach our kids not to bully .and look at all of them even the president and Romney I am tired of seeing grown people act so foolish.
kdaniels
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
The final paragraph of this letter perfectly characterizes the technique that the Republican Party has been using in their attempts to discredit Gretchen Driskell, and illuminates why these attempts should be ignored. The Republican Party knows that Mark Ouimet awarded himself inappropriate reimbursements as County Commissioner, and they also know that there is no way to dispute this fact. Because Ouimet's record is so indisputably bad that they cannot deny it, they are instead attempting to distract us from it by projecting Ouimet's flaws onto Gretchen. Thank you AnnArbor.com for publishing this letter, and clearing up the facts. Reviewing the numbers cited above makes the distinction between these two candidates resoundingly clear: Gretchen Driskell is a public servant, while Mark Ouimet is merely self-serving. It's time to get Ouimet out of office. Elect Gretchen Driskell for state representative in 2012.
perfectly lubricated weather vane
Thu, Nov 1, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
I applaud Mr. Ouimet for repaying his $14,385 after it was deemed ineligible. If it's true that Mr. Smith has not repaid his $591, then I think he should.
rushvillerocket
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
After he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar...
average joe
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
And, "there is no way to dispute" the fact that Conan Smith, a Democrat, has yet to repay the county ( that would be us ) for the amount that he "awarded himself inappropriate reimbursements as County Commissioner". Mark, however promptly wrote a check to the county.
susie
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
Mark Ouimet is a liar. He may show up to everything, but have any of you noticed that he leaves as soon as he is introduced? Ask the Dexter residents how much he helped out after the tornado. Gretchen does have part of Ann Arbor, apparently you haven't paid attention to re-districting. He cuts funding to schools, at all levels. Pay attention. He does NOT listen and have a conversation with anyone--have any of you actually tried to ask him a direct question about his policies or record? He does not answer. He passed himself off as a "moderate" in 2010 and has pissed off alot of Democrats that voted for him. He can not say he is a moderate, his voting record proves it.
SalineTeacher
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
Name the Ann Arbor precincts which are now part of the 52nd.
Ed Jackson
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.
52ndGirl: no one takes your comments seriously because you are clearly an alias account set up by Ouimet's campaign staff. In the future, when flooding message boards with fake accounts, pick names that sound somewhat realistic. Noone identifies themselves by their state house district. Also, it's well reported that Ouimet did nothing in Dexter, so at LEAST employ some degree of fact when trolling these boards. Shouldn't your campaign manager have you doing something productive or at least less transparent? Of course, Ouimet's campaign has been run so ineffectively that it wouldn't surprise me if this is actually what you're doing all day: trying to decieve voters with deceptive comments from a fake account.
52ndGirl
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
Apparently, Susie, you need to take a look at the new district - no Ann Arrbor! Obviously you are not informed and not very nice when you call people liars. I was out helping clean up trees in Dexter and I saw Mark there for almost 3 days- his constiuents were very happy with his help. Democrats seem to get very nasty when they are losing. We don't need that negativity that surround Driskell in Lansing.
Joe Sandman
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
Thank you AnnArbor.com for publishing this letter. Perhaps Mark Ouimet is willing to meet with constituents, but that is meaningless when he votes lockstep with the GOP in Lansing for cuts to our K12 schools, higher tuition at our universities, and new taxes for our seniors. Listening is worthwhile, but a legislator's voting record is far more important – and Ouimet's is shamefully out-of-touch. In addition, Ouimet should be ashamed of his attacks on Driskell's salary increase, which amounts to an average of $57.14 per year. Ouimet is public official who improperly charged – or borderline embezzled – over $14,300 in taxpayer money as a county commissioner. Ouimet lacks the standing to criticize Driskell's small and legal salary increases, and, quite frankly, lacks the competence or character to hold public office.
SalineTeacher
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
Joe, show me one instance where MARK OUIMET attacked his opponent.
average joe
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
"Ouimet is public official who improperly charged – or borderline embezzled – over $14,300 in taxpayer money as a county commissioner". You forgot to tell the rest of the story- He was one of a few county commisioners who"borderlined embezzled" as you stated, that paid the county back. There are a few who still haven't, including Democrats. Since many commissioners were doing this "improper charging", this indicates to me that they were all under the impression that what they were doing was okay.
BettyS
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
As a retired teacher living in Saline, I am embarrassed and feeled ashamed by the negative adds that continue to be produced by the MEA and other unions - and then cry foul if they see a negative add coming from a conservative leaning group. Quite the double standard! The MEA has fully funded Driskell's campaign and has spent SERVERAL thousands of dollars over the past two years attacking Ouimet. This money could have been spent in our schools and for our CHILDREN! The current system was not sustainable - we all realize that. The unions and union bosses refuse to accept that and are willing to go back to the prior Granholm administration of letting someone else deal with the problem. Look who Driskell surrounds herself with,- Jeff Irwin, Debbie Stabenaw, John Dingell- certainly no one that has looked to the right in a long time, if ever. Ouimet deserves to be re-elected and returned to Lansing this November.
Jay Davenport
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
It would be very hard for the MEA to fully fund a state house race. But we wouldn't want facts to get in a way of a good conspiracy theory.
ruminator
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
Mr. Ouimet has done a fine job representing me. Opened my wallet and taxed my pension. In his support of taxing pensions, the retiree voting base has been split. Those who saw no change are really happy. Those whose pension is partially taxed say "well, it could be worse" and the rest of us are paying the full fare. Pretty clever and well played. That said, I will have my say about who deserves the job at the polls.
ScioIndy
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
I have blogged in a lot in this race because as an independent voter who often does vote Democratic, I have been appalled at the negative comments against Mark Ouimet. He has represented his District fairly and with a lot of effort. He is accessible, will listen to his constituents and works tirelessly to improve the state as a whole. Take a look at his endorsements - a majority of elected officials in the district (and Saline as well). He is obviously winning by a sizable margin considering the baseless, negative attacks that her supporters are placing on the blogs. He deserves the endorsement from Ann Arbor.com - he deserves to be re-elected on November 6th.
bornblu
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Bernadette: Unfortunately "anti" campaigning does continue, but I must ask if you have been oblivious to the current ads that Mayor Driscell continues to run on the radio/tv. These are nothing more than a smear attack on Rep. Ouimet (presented by democratic party members Mark Hopper and Mary Waldron) based on, and providing false information. I alse believe that our current Supt. of Schools in Saline has praised Rep. Ouimets voting record, indicating the importance of legislation passed relative to school funding. I also would much rather see campaigning based on presentation of how the candidate will provide for the residents rather than a critique of an opponent. I would rather continue to see Mayor Driscell present a plan on how she will improve the Michigan economy, our educational system (what has she actually done to improve our schools?), quality of life for residents, etc. within a budget; rather than continued attack on Rep. Ouimet. I guess finally, as you are so upset by "anti" campaigning, your own letter shows your bias, and selective indignation, with the continual referral to Rep. Ouimets repayment of expenses immediately after they were determined not to meet the criteria definition; without any mention of the refusal of a demacrat, Comm. Connan Smith, to reimburse his expenses that did not meet criteria. I would characterize Rep. Ouimets actions as honest and honorable, how would you charaterize that of Dem. Comm. Smith?
52ndGirl
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
This is getting ridiculous - Bernadette and Jay obviously have not done their homework on the election. Mark is being supported by the Lima township Board UNANIMOUSLY- Jay, take a look at Mark's Legislator of the Year Award from the statewide township government association. Neither of you seem to want to mention her ridiculously negative campaign in the mail, on TV and on the radio. She isn't even being supported by a majority of Saline elected officials - says a lot, doesn't it? This not Ann Arbor - western Washtenaw is a red district and would not do well at all being represented by Driskell and her ultra liberal views and friends like Jeff Irwin.
rushvillerocket
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
SalineTeacher is not an English teacher...he was referencing Lima Township I believe, since the initial post referenced Lima Township?
SalineTeacher
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.
@Jay: the new 52nd has NONE of Ann Arbor, no city, no township.
Jay Davenport
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
The township association is a Republican Controlled entity. Also...I'm pretty sure the entire Lima board is Republicans. Those endorsements mean a lot. The 52nd is not a RED district. Its been held by both parties and mostly Democrats over the last 2 decades. I know that you work for Ouimet so it is hard to take your opinion seriously. Before Mark Ouimet won in a 2010 Republican wave it was held by oh..a Democrat. And then Gene Derossett had it for a cycle and before that it was held by...oh a Democrat in John Hansen. Before that...oh a Democrat. Come on...did you just move here? Let's get back to the MTA award. 2009 Winner: Republican Mike Lahti 2003 Winner: Republican Mike Pumford That's just what I could find based on a quick search. Are we going to start touting the Michigan Republican Party's award or Rick Snyder's best friend award? This area is too well educated and sophisticated for these tricks.
jcj
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
"And, if you spread the cost of all the taxpayer-funded trips she's taken representating Saline over her 14 years as mayor, the average for those is about $2500 per year." Are you using a little wizardry with the numbers here? Just Asking. If all that cost was in the last 5 years then its $7000 a year.
Ed Jackson
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
I've been commenting a lot on this race, something I hadn't intended on doing until I noticed Ouimet's campaign making fake profiles and flooding discussion boards with inane and false comments. Gretchen's campaign has done a great job of talking about the issues, something you'll never see a Ouimet adverstisement or supporter mention; they'd rather try to decieve voters into thinking Gretchen spends too much money. Somehow they've convinced some people that a woman who earns 4,000 dollars a year as mayor, spends well under her alloted mayoral travel budget, and has kept taxes and fiscal budget in check is somehow irresponsible. While they try to make out someone with a perfect fiscal record in such a deceptive light, they defend someone who spent thousands on ILLEGAL per diems. Just look at aa.com's own articles about Ouimet's personal integrity and responsibility (or lack there of): http://www.annarbor.com/news/snyder-endorses-ouimet-in-52nd-district-state-house-race-as-dems-attack-ouimets-business-record/ http://www.annarbor.com/news/questions-surround-republican-state-house-candidate-mark-ouimets-academic-credentials/ http://www.annarbor.com/news/mark-ouimet-cuts-check-to-county-for-14386-after-audit-finds-commissioners-improperly-collected-pay/ I just hope voters recognize the ridiculous campaign tactics Ouimet is employing to decieve voters.
Jay Davenport
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
I'm glad that this site posted this. After that poorly conceived endorsement which actually said almost nothing positive about Ouimet it is good to see something well thought-out on this race. Mark has pulled the wool over the eyes of voters in this area. He is a hack and cares nothing about voters and continues to help out his rich buddies. Gretchen has dedicated her life to her community and a change in this district couldn't be more important. I'm not sure the schools, public services, local governments and the most vulnerable Michiganders can handle another 2 years of Mark Ouimet. But, hey if you all want Michigan to be the northern Alabama by all means keep this guy in office.
rushvillerocket
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
I concur wholeheartedly...
sflower
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
Saying Mark is out of touch strikes me as unthinkable. He is at every community event, attends village, township and school board meetings, has town halls and coffee hours what more do you want from him? Vote Mark in 12
A2sparty
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
These letters are starting to get old. Mark has 20 times the experience that Gretchen has which is why he had my vote
rushvillerocket
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
"20 times the experience" is not necessarily a good thing. Honesty is a better foundation to base your vote on... Not the traditional political mish-mash, etc. that has our founding fathers rolling over...
John T
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
If Gretchen Driskell wants to waste her time saying Mark is out of touch, good for her, but anyone who sees him at every and any event in the district knows it could not be further from the truth.
Tom Wieder
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Showing up at events and listening to peope means he's good at looking good. The fact is, I don't think you can name a single significant vote (or how about a few) on which Ouimet departed from the "severely conservative" House GOP leadership, which IS clearly out-of-step with the district.
A2democrat
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
I will finish my post here. Painted as a partisan hack, but that is simply not true. He will meet with anyone and listen to their side of the story. Just because he does not agree with them does not make him wrong or close minded. Gretchen on the other hand will go up an be a rubber stamp for he dems
Tom Wieder
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Showing up at events and listening to peope doesn't mean someone isn't a partisan hack. It just means he's good at looking good. The fact is, I don't think you can name a single significant vote (or how about a few) on which Ouimet departed from the "severely conservative" House GOP leadership, which IS clearly out-of-step with the district.
A2democrat
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
Have to agree with Alex on this one. This argument seems like a huge double standard. Mark is being painted as a
Paul Fisher
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
Way out of sync with most of his constituents? That immediately discredits your entire letter. This is a Republican district, Bernadette! This is the most frustrating part of Driskell's campaign- she thinks she's in Ann Arbor! I would think someone living in Lima Township, which has an all-Republican board of trustees, would be more aware of that.
Tom Wieder
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
A Republican district? For 18 of the previous 20 years, the 52nd was represented by Dems. In a landslide GOP year, Ouimet squeeked by with a margin of about 3%. The current, newly drawn district was carried by Obama in 2008 by a 55-44% margin. We'll see how Republican it is this year.
Alex Kar
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
Ok, so let me get this straight, Bernadette - the amount Ouimet was accused of was LESS than what Driskell used on an annual basis, and Ouimet PAID IT BACK, whereas Saline will never see a dime of the money Driskell used. Sound right? Why does that make you want to vote for Gretchen?
perfectly lubricated weather vane
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
Teacher, it's easy to look up the Independent Auditors' Report, so I did. I copied the chart from the report's Attachment B and created a chart to make the conclusion even easier to see. http://tinyurl.com/OuimetBogusPerDiemExcuse Can we please put to rest the excuse that poor old Grampa Mark was confused but really no more confused than everyone else? If I was claiming expenses like he did, I would show up at every flippin' community event too.
perfectly lubricated weather vane
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.
Teacher, I am so tired of this bogus "ever-changing rules" excuse. Ouimet's disallowed mileage and per diems dwarfed any other commissioner's. His "misunderstanding" of the rules was much more costly than anyone else's.
SalineTeacher
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 3:53 a.m.
@Robert: "tried to cheat the system" is a complete distortion. In part because of ever-changing rules, nearly EVERY commissioner was found to have discrepancies (the only ones that didn't were those who took zero reimbursement). Once the audit was complete, Mark promptly repaid the disputed amounts.
Robert Gordon
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
Alex, point is that Mark tried to cheat the system, got caught, and got his wrist slapped. Gretchen worked within the system for a whopping $800 in raises over a 14 year period. I have no inside knowledge, but I assume her travel is the result of mayors' conferences around the country. I have nothing against republicans. I have a lot against one whose voting record indicates he is a Tea Party republican. Mark duped us two years ago by telling us he was a moderate willing to work in a bipartisan way. How has that turned out?
Ed Jackson
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
Alex, please look up the facts before commenting: Gretchen spent well under her alloted travel budget as mayor, whereas Mark Ouimet spent way over his. Not only did exceed a budget for travel, he illegally claimed per diems for travel and meetings he never attended. Gretchen's salary of 4,000 dollars a year is a mere fraction of the amount Ouimet illegally stole from the taxpayers through falsely-claimed per diems.
Jay Davenport
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
I worry about the fact that you can't see the difference. Mark used his illegal per diems to pad his bank account. Gretchen used the money to find opportunity for Saline. But you're right dude..what she did was way worse.