I met Carol Higgins, Democratic candidate for the 59th district for the Michigan Legislature, in the spring of 2009.

She was my supervisor, while working on the 2010 census. During that time, I learned Carol is a competent and personable leader, who relates well to large groups of people, as well as individuals.

She was conscientious and thorough in detailing our responsibilities. Carol was able to handle a great many tasks with ease, and she always followed through when she said she would do something.

As a candidate for the Michigan Legislature, I know her top three priorities are the economy, education, and the environment.

Carol knows that if we want our state to flourish economically businesses must grow along with workers’ wages.

She knows that our hope for the future lies with our children and grandchildren. If we want to retain and recruit the best teachers, they must be compensated fairly for their expertise and dedication.

Finally, Carol knows that if we want clean air to breathe and safe water to drink, we must be good stewards of our environment, which includes our infrastructure. It seems like we have a boil water order in one of our communities every other day.

Let’s not allow a water crisis like Flint’s to occur in our district.

PAULA SMITH

Sturgis