Paul was endorsed by the Detroit Free Press. Here is the story:
District 10
(Clinton Township, Roseville, Sterling Heights and Utica)
State Sen. Michael Switalski, D-Roseville, is term-limited, and the Democratic primary features two of Macomb County’s best-known and most talented politicians: Carl Marlinga, Macomb County prosecutor for 20 years, and Paul Gieleghem , the chairman of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and the county’s top elected official.
Marlinga, now a practicing attorney, was an effective and fair-minded prosecutor, winning five 4-year terms from 1985 to 2004. He left the job to fight a federal corruption indictment but was acquitted in 2006.
Marlinga, 63, of Sterling Heights, is a big-picture thinker with creative ideas for bringing new manufacturing jobs to Michigan by financing prototypes for new products and making the state an industrial laboratory. He also favors a fairer, simpler tax for businesses and citizens, including increasing the amount allowed for personal exemptions while bumping up the base tax rate.
Gieleghem, 40, of Clinton Township, served six years as a state representative before running successfully for county commissioner in 2004. He was elected commission chairman in January 2009.
As chairman, Gieleghem produced a balanced budget and helped erase an $18-million deficit. He was instrumental in getting labor unions to agree to concessions and kept a sometimes contentious board working together. Gieleghem helped craft a plan to lease the county library to Wayne State University, lowering costs while expanding services. He has been a strong advocate for intergovernmental partnerships and shared services, which the state desperately needs to promote.
In a close call, PAUL GIELEGHEM is the district’s best bet. A Democratic state senator will likely serve in the minority and will need proven legislative skills. Gieleghem knows how to get things done.
Term-limited state Rep. Tory Rocca of Sterling Heights is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
