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Posted on Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 9:25 a.m.

Rise & Fall: Marc Breckenridge and Michigan's U.S. Senate candidates

By Paula Gardner

One is being praised for his outstanding preparation in the face of a natural disaster; the others are being scrutinized for their inability to give voters what they need before a crucial election. These are AnnArbor.com's picks for a winner and loser in the news last week:

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Rise: Marc Breckenridge

Washtenaw County’s emergency manager has spent 21 years in the role that anticipates disaster — and prepares teams to respond. The Dexter tornado last March was the worst incident he’s seen during his tenure, he said. Yet the tornado — which caused upwards of $9.1 million in damage and cost the community $1.6 million to clean up — stands as an example of just how good Breckenridge is at his job. That the incident caused no loss of life is miraculous. But the rest of the success surrounding the disaster involves the training and preparation of all of the teams of people who responded afterward, under Breckenridge’s mobilization.

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Fall: Michigan’s U.S. Senate candidates

We could keep debating about whether Sen. Debbie Stabenow and her Republican challenger, Pete Hoekstra, should stand in front of voters and show us how they respond to questions. However, it would be futile, thanks to their inability to set at least one public debate before the Nov. 6 election. Really? This is the best Michigan voters get as they face this crucial vote? Both sides are pointing fingers. We’ll let you decide who’s at fault, but it’s obvious who’s losing here: Everyone who’s ready to take an active role in deciding Michigan’s future.

Comments

Great Lakes Lady

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.

Debbie Stabenow refuses to debate. Regarding her support of agriculture: she voted AGAINST S.Amdt. 2310 to S. 3240 (Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012), which would've informed consumers whether or not their food contained GMO, Genetically Modified Organisms. Given that a majority of the population want to know what's in their food and where it comes from, she voted in favor of the large corporations who produce and promote Genetically Engineered seeds and products.

Great Lakes Lady

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.

Agriculture: Over 50 nations including all of Europe label genetically modified food. Stabenow voted AGAINST it in the Senate in June, 2012. S.Amdt. 2310 to S. 3240 (Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 Given that a majority of the population wants to know what's in their food and where it comes from, she does not represent you....she represents the corporations that push GMO agriculture.

Great Lakes Lady

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.

Talker, what are you trying to say with your comment: "Why does he want to prevent women and their doctors from making health care decisions? " What are your facts to back up such a skewed statement? Specifically what has Stabenow done for Michigan agriculture? Increased use of GMO foods? She does not support truth in labeling of foods. Distributed by "ABC Co." does not tell me whether or not that product originates in China. It does not tell me if it contains Genetically Engineered foods.

talker

Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 5:13 a.m.

Is Ann Arbor.com so in need of revenue that ugly SPAM, likely by a PAC, overpowers the title page and makes AnnArbor.com subscribers and supporters want to remove every dollar of financial support and urge other advertisers to do the same. Those things aren't a few ads. It's a bombardment of ugly attacks that don't leave any room for disagreement. But then, maybe that bombardment move those who are undecided to support the Senator they are attacking. Readers: Factcheck, factcheck, factcheck and from unbiased sources.

talker

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.

Debbie Stabenow's support of Michigan agriculture has led to more agriculture jobs and to bipartisan endorsements. Peter Hoekstra was criticized for sharing classified security information when he was a Representative in Congress. Voters might be interested in answers to two questions. Why did he give up his "seat" in Congress to another (Rapublican) person ot the same party? Why does he want to prevent women and their doctors from making health care decisions? Based on research, I believe a debate between Senator Stabenow and former Congressman Hoekstra would help Senator Stabenow's re-election to the Senate.

Great Lakes Lady

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.

Then why does she refuse to debate?

GP

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.

Paula. If this is your far from subtle way of suggesting Marc run for public office in the future, well I'm in full agreement with you!

xmo

Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.

How did Senator Stabenow even get elected? I am voting for Hope & Change just like in 2008!