State House District 13 special primary election set for Jan. 30

WARREN — In the Warren Weekly’s coverage area, Warren voters will be among those electing a candidate to represent District 13 in the Michigan House of Representatives this winter.

A special primary election is scheduled for Jan. 30. Voters will select candidates from a field of three Democrats and three Republicans. The top vote-getter in each party will appear on the ballot for a special election on April 16. The winner of that election will serve in the seat in the Michigan Legislature vacated by Democrat Lori Stone when she was elected mayor of Warren in November.

Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. The answers are printed verbatim.

 

Democrat
LaMar D. Lemmons
Age: 69
Occupation: Policy Consultant
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: No answer given.
Online campaign information: returnlamarlemmons.com/
Education: University of Wisconsin Bowhay institute for legislative leadership. MASB Master level certification, Michigan State University training and Ferris State training on legislative budgeting. Detroit Public schools k-12 Finney high school Mississippi Industrial college, liberal Arts.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Representative in State Legislature 1999-2006, Library Commissioner Detroit Public Library, President/Member Detroit Public School District Board, Democrat Precinct Delegate.
Top goals: Repeal and eliminate the retirement tax. Expand the eligibility of home repair grants for seniors and low to moderate income families.  Mandate home and auto  insurance rate reduction by tying rates exclusively to claims made and driving records. Mandate physical sovereignty for health and reproductive decisions. Mandate just compensation for documented criminal acts and civil rights violations. Redraft and restrict the Emergency Manager Law. End gerrymandering and mandate constitutional compliance with the 14th amendment.

 

Democrat
Suzanne Ostosh
Age: 62
Occupation: Executive Director of Harvest Time Christian Fellowship
Municipality of residence: Warren Resident 
For how long: I have lived in Warren for over 3 years.
Online campaign information: VoteSue@Ostosh.com
Education: I have attended SC4 and Macomb Community College.
I have owned 4 businesses in Warren, North and South End. I have Championed a law in Lansing in 2015 to reduce landfills and provide good and nutritious food to people who go hungry every day. I currently run the largest food pantry through Macomb County food bank.  Serving 6,800 people per month.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am not a career politician; my career is to serve. 
Top goals:
Create affordable housing programs for stabilization of the families.
Improve the education opportunities of children, increasing the number of graduates.
Create safe environments for children after school, rec centers and parks.
Incentives for job creation for higher paying jobs with living wages.
Clean water and energy.
Reducing taxes for our seniors and low-income families.

 

Democrat
Mai Xiong
Age: 39
Occupation: County Commissioner & Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 20 Years
Online campaign information: https://voteformai.com
Education: MBA Student, Western Governors University
Taubman Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
MPLP Alumni, Michigan State University
BFA, College for Creative Studies
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner, 2021-Present
Top goals: As commissioner, I’ve worked to care for our seniors, fought for public transportation, and delivered results to Warren’s working families. I am committed to building on the progress that has been made in our state and maintaining Democrats’ majority in the House. I will work to help families to be financially successful, invest in our teachers and students, put money back into the pockets of our seniors, and bring resources back home to our district.

 

Republican
Brandon Cumbee
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

 

Republican
Curtiss Ostosh
Age: 61
Occupation: Senior Pastor, Harvest Time Christian Fellowship
Municipality of residence: Warren resident
For how long: More than 15 years
Online campaign information: Facebook, CurtissOstoshforStateRepresentative
Education: Some college and Seminary
Previously and currently held elected offices: Never held political office
Top goals: Help the underprivileged in our community.
Address serious issues affecting our community,  mental health, affordable housing, food insecurity, educational outcome improvements and provide awareness of community resources.
To be a strong community advocate.

 

Republican
Ronald  Singer
Did not return questionnaire by press time.