Bottom Up Politics

The 91^st is Primary bound.

 Ken Punter announced mid August that he will be running for the 91^st State House seat.  See my post about it below. 

—–link—–
http://bottomuppolitics.blogspot.com/2009/08/servant-leadership-for-91st.html
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Holly Hughes announced that she is entering the race for the 91^st also.  With both Ken and Holly in the race for the Republicans, the field is set.  There will be a Primary come Aug. 2010. 

Holly ran in 2008 for the 91^st and lost.  She has name recognition not to mention all of her signs from that race.  She will be hoping to take that advantage from her loss into this race to put her over the top. 

This race is turning into a classic “David and Golliath” match up.  Holly has the money and political connections and knows how to play the game while Ken Punter is a fresh face and running his campaign on a shoestring and a lot of effort. 

Below is the press release Holly issued. 

I’m sorry for the delay, but look on the bright side I scooped the Muskegon Chronicle.  I hope they decide to report on the primary.  If not I’ll keep you all informed from my lonely outpost in the hood at Bottom Up Politics.com . 

Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative

——–PR———– 

For Immediate Release             

Contact: Holly Hughes-(231) 740-8974

October 19, 2009                                                                           

 Holly Hughes Launches Campaign for State House with Hoekstra Endorsement

Hughes emphasizes need to start solving problems – will use background in small business, education and local government to work for Muskegon.

Muskegon, MI. – Congressman Peter Hoekstra joined Holly Hughes today, announcing her run for State Rep. of the 91^st District in Muskegon at Eagle Alloy and Eagle Precision.  “I have a passion for Muskegon.   I have fought for jobs and actively worked to make Muskegon a better place to live and I would like the opportunity to do more for our hometown.” Holly said. 

Hughes thanked John Workman and Mark Fazakerley for providing jobs for generations of Muskegon workers and being dedicated to our hometown. Eagle Alloy has been using

alternative energy though piping of  methane gas from the landfill for heating of the plant.  Eagle Alloy is currently experiencing 60 percent less business with the economic downturn but is expecting to add another shift in January.  Eagle Alloy and Eagle Precision could get better tax incentives by moving to another state but have chosen to stay in Michigan.  Mark Fazakerley said, “I am pleased that Holly selected Eagle Alloy and Eagle Precision to announce her run for State Representative.” 

As a small business owner and 4^th generation to live in Muskegon, Holly Hughes knows that Michigan is struggling to keep and attract jobs.  Hughes said, “I would like the opportunity to do more for our community.  Jobs are priority ONE, so that our children and grandchildren do not have to leave West Michigan to find a meaningful job in a distant state.”   

Congressman Hoekstra endorsed Hughes this morning and said, “Holly Hughes is the type of leader we need in Lansing.  She has proven her dedication to Muskegon.” 

Holly has worked to attract small business in Montague by rehabbing the historical buildings retaining the character of downtown.   Small business in downtown Montague include a pet store, real estate agency, book and coffee shop, art gallery and arts center.

Master Tag is their family business run by her husband, Rick.

Holly says, “We are judged by the way we treat our youngest and our oldest.”  Healthcare needs to be affordable and accessible.  Holly says, “Seniors need our special attention.”   When she took care of her grandmother, her prescription drug bill was $1,600 a month.  She was taking a drug for years that she originally should have been only taking for 2 weeks.  Holly helped her grandmother reduce her drug bill a third by asking the right questions.  

As a former school board member of Montague Public Schools and mother of two daughters who have graduated from college, Morgan and Taylor, Holly Hughes understands that education is the key to a brighter future and higher quality of life in Michigan. 

Hard working people of Muskegon deserve to keep more of their money to support their families.  Lower taxes facilitate business with job growth.  We are competing with other

states for business.  Holly says, “We need to establish an environment that encourages

business to want to expand here while protecting needed infrastructure, emergency services and education.” 

Holly Hughes has actively sought clean up dollars from the federal and state government for the many contaminated Super Fund sites in Muskegon.  She has testified before the legislature, regarding Tannery Bay cleanup, encouraging the passage of a resolution for clean up of Muskegon and White Lake.   Holly also encouraged legislators to include Muskegon sites in the Clean Michigan Initiative that passed in the 1990’s.  She was recognized with a special tribute at our State Capitol for working tirelessly to seek funding for Muskegon cleanup and protecting our environment. 

A drowning death of a local teenager off of the White Lake Channel spurred Holly to call her friend Tim Korthase to develop and install a system.   Life rings were being stolen as souvenirs for college dorms and tourists.  That system has successfully ensured that life rings are always in place for emergencies.  This was the first of its kind in the nation!

Hughes finished by saying, “We have a lot of work to do to bring more jobs to West Michigan to make sure that our future is strong.  I am ready to rollup my sleeves and get to it.”

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BIO

Holly J. Hughes – (R)

Holly is in her third term as White River Township Trustee and is a former Montague Area Public School board member. Being involved in the community in making Michigan a better place to live is very important to Holly. Holly Hughes is the National Committeewoman for Michigan.  She has served and continues to serves on a number of boards including the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, White Lake Community Fund, Hackley Hospital Cornerstone Foundation, West Shore Symphony Orchestra, White Lake Recyclers and Lebanon Lutheran Church. She has received the White Lake Chamber of Commerce Athena Award in 1999 which recognizes businesswomen and community leaders. Holly was also awarded in 1999 the American Hometown Leadership Award from the National Association of Townships after being nominated by her fellow White River Township Board members.  This award also came with $5,000 for use by the township.

Holly is a small business owner working in property management and her husband Richard is CEO for Master Tag in Montague. Holly has worked at Master Tag, which manufactures horticultural tags and worked with her family business Bolema Lumber, a retail hardware and lumber company and property management. Holly received her degree in business from Michigan State University in 1981. Rick and Holly have been married for 27 years and they have two beautiful daughters, Morgan and Taylor have graduated from college.

 Business Owner – Property Management

Master Tag – Family Business

White River Twp. Trustee – 1996 to 2008

National Committeewoman for Michigan – 2004 – Present

Montague Area Public Schools Board Member and Sec. – 1992-94

Community Foundation for Muskegon County – Board Member

White Lake Community Fund – Board Member, Sec.

     and former Chair 1998-Present

Hackley Hospital Cornerstone Board Member – 2006 - 2008

Muskegon Rotary Club

Muskegon LEPC – Local Emergency Planning Commission

    Former Board Member

MUSTFA – Michigan Underground Storage Take Financial

    Assurance Policy Board – Former Board Member

West Shore Symphony Orchestra

    Former Board Member and Pres.

White Lake Recyclers – WLR

    Former Board Member, Chair

    WLR – Established Recycling Center and Curbside

               – Community group earned “Recycler of the Year” Award

Athena Award –  1999 Businesswomen recognized for Community Work

Hometown Leadership Award – National Assn. of Townships – 1999

Lebanon Lutheran Church

    Former Council Member, Former WELCA Chair

B.A. Business – Michigan State University – 1981

Paid for by Friends of Holly Hughes, 8801 Lehman, Montague, MI.  49437, (231) 740-8974

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