Dean E. Hill, District 78

Democrat

66-years-old

Niles

Education

• Eastern Michigan University, bachelor’s

Professional Background

• Forty-three years teaching in Dowagiac schools, including 14 summers in the Dowagiac Summer Migrant Program

Political Experience

• Ran for city council in Niles, lost

Civic Involvement 

N/A

What will be your top priority if elected to office?

I would like to lessen the impact of the state on local school districts. Legislation passed in recent sessions has dictated to the districts to not pass third graders if they do not pass a reading test and teachers can not use the calendar as a bargaining issue. The state has imposed lengthy evaluations that take teachers and administrators away from their primary jobs of teaching and running the school.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

The Republicans, since 1990, have controlled many of the major elected offices in the state of Michigan. In that time median income in Michigan has dropped nationally from 22nd to 33rd, education investment dropped from 13th to 26th. The state has lost about 250,000 manufacturing jobs and the percent of people living in poverty rose from 13 percent to 16.9 percent. As a Democrat, I would like to be a part of a new way of thinking to get the state out of its doldrums.

What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

As a teacher in the Dowagiac schools for almost 44 years, I feel most proud about the relationships I have had with my students and my fellow teachers and administrators. The students I have run into years after I have had them in class have always made me feel good on how I helped a person move on in their life and become successful. The teachers and administrators have been a second family to me and I have enjoyed the bonds I (we) have created through the years.

What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it?

The biggest challenge is to keep the good paying jobs in the area. Layoffs have affected all parts of Michigan and jobs being lost to foreign countries is common. Companies layoff or leave for monetary reasons. Somehow, as a state we have to figure out how to stop the job losses either through a tax incentive or through creating jobs that can not be shipped out to a foreign location.

 

Dave Pagel, District 78

Republican

61 years-old

Berrien Springs

Education

• Berrien Springs High School

• Bachelor’s in agribusiness from Michigan State University.

Professional Background

• Started farming in 1976

• Founded Dave Pagel Produce in 1978, a produce marketing business which I still operate.

• Founded Dave Pagel Farms, an apple farm, in 2004.

Political Experience

• President of the Berrien Springs Board of Education, 1993 to 2006

• Chairman of Berrien County Board of Commissioners, 4 years

• Four years as state representative

Civic Involvement

• Coaching numerous youth sports teams

• Serving on church board

What will be your top priority if elected to office?

Keeping Michigan’s economy growing, which will provide opportunities for job growth and help Michigan youth stay in our state, as well supporting and improving K-12 education and family farming.

What makes you best candidate?

Lifelong experience in southwest Michigan running a business, raising a family and serving the community in public service.  I have a proven track record of leadership, accomplishment and character. My experiences in education, business and agriculture help me to represent southwest Michigan effectively.

What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

Establishing and running for more than 35 years a business that employs local families, supports local farmers, serves local food stores and has helped put my four kids through college. Helping Berrien Springs Public Schools survive at a critical time, and then to grow and improve. Serving at the county and state levels has been an honor and privilege.

What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it?

We need better job opportunities, which will come as we promote our area to businesses and improve the overall business climate.  Employers need a qualified workforce, and we must improve in all areas of education, including career technical education.

Other comments  

With term limits, this could be my last opportunity to serve the public in elected office, something that I have enjoyed and, I believe, have done effectively.  I have worked to bring common sense solutions to bear in all my elected positions, and have used my wide variety of life and leadership experiences to serve the public. I have been and will continue to be open to input from constituents, and will do my best to represent them with integrity.