Wednesday, October 21, 2026
jward@tctimes.com
INDEPENDENCE TWP. — On Nov. 3, residents of Independence Township and The City of the Village of Clarkston will vote for its representatives in the State of Michigan’s House of Representatives and State Senate.
Candidates for Michigan’s House of Representatives (52nd District) are Democrat Brendan Leddy and incumbent representative, Republican Mike Harris.
Candidates for Michigan’s Senate (23rd District) are Democrat Greg Hill and Republican Donni Steele, the two battle it out for the seat formerly held by Republican Jim Runestad.
To help introduce the candidates to the community and share their views, the candidates were asked to give some background information and answer three questions on topics pertaining to Michigan voters.
Editor’s Note: Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. Photos were optional. Responses from the candidates running for a two year term in Michigan’s House of Representatives are:
Harris
Mike Harris
Occupation: State Representative
Political Party: Republican
Political Experience: State Representative, 52nd District (Elected in 2022); House Majority Whip; Chair, House Insurance Committee and the Select Committee on the Rules and Procedures of the State Board of Canvassers and Bureau of Elections; Majority Vice Chair, Government Operations Committee; Economic Competitiveness Committee; Judiciary Committee; Legislative Council. Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus.
Community Involvement: Retired Waterford Township Police Sergeant with 25 years of service; Severed as the local union president for the Patrol Officer’s Assoc and then the Command Officer’s Assoc; Served on the Executive Board for the Michigan Assoc of Police; Former Chair of Waterford Coalition for Youth; Former Advisory Board for Waterford Youth Assistance; Former Waterford Parks & Rec Soccer Coach; Volunteered martial arts/self-defense training for area youth programs and nonprofits; Former local business owner for 25 years. Member of the Sons of the American Legion; Member/ CPL Instructor with the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners; Member of the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce.
1. Residents have become increasingly vocal on topics such as data centers and Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), as State Representative, what will you do to ensure that the voices of residents on hot button topics such as these are heard?
I hear from residents regularly about issues affecting their communities, and I take those concerns seriously. I recently cosponsored legislation putting restrictions onALPR use, with penalties for those who misuse the technology. On issues like data centers, residents deserve to know what’s being proposed and have an opportunity to weigh in. I’ll continue speaking with constituents, asking tough questions in Lansing, and making sure their concerns are part of the decisions we make.
2. What is your plan to combat rising costs for Michigan residents?
I hear it everywhere I go. Families are frustrated with property taxes, utility bills, insurance premiums, and the cost of everyday necessities. I’ve supported legislation aimed at lowering property taxes and utility costs, and I’m working on reforms to address rising healthcare and insurance expenses. We also need to stop unnecessary government spending and regulations that drive up costs. People work hard for their money, and government shouldn’t make it harder to get ahead.
3. What do you believe is the most important issue(s) for Michigan residents and how do you plan to address it as a member of the State Legislature?
Affordability and public safety are two issues I hear about constantly. Families are being squeezed by rising costs, and people want to feel safe in their communities. I’ll continue pushing for property tax relief, fewer burdensome regulations, and competition to help lower insurance, energy, and healthcare costs. We also need policies that attract businesses, give law enforcement the resources to do their jobs, and hold government accountable for how it spends taxpayer dollars.
Brendan Leddy
Leddy
Occupation: Substitute Teacher at Clarkston Community Schools
Political Party: Democratic
Political Experience: Previous campaign manager for the Committee to Elect Kim S. Corcoran and candidate for Houghton City Council while an undergrad at Michigan Tech.
Community Involvement: Volunteer at Bittersweet Farm where we grow fresh produce and donate to communities in need, Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 189 where I previously earned the rank of Eagle and two time guest speaker with Clarkston Area Backyard Birders as Clarkston’s local ornithological citizen scientist.
1. Residents have become increasingly vocal on topics such as data centers and Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), as State Representative, what will you do to ensure that the voices of residents on hot button topics such as these are heard?
I have been active in joining community members across the district in speaking out against threats from data center and mining developments, and use of ALPRs. With recent data center intimidations and investigations of potential misuse of Flock, the legislature needs to act to ensure protections for Michiganders. I am dedicated to enacting a data center moratorium, regulations on Flock, and holding regular town halls to guarantee transparency with residents across the district.
2. What is your plan to combat rising costs for Michigan residents?
I support SB 328, a bipartisan bill that would directly lower automotive insurance costs by 10% across Michigan. For utilities, it is imperative that we prohibit energy-related PACs that donate thousands to Michigan candidates, encouraging independence from Michigan’s utility monopoly. I support a gas tax suspension triggered at $4.50, providing needed relief to Michigan residents. Embracing community, I praise MDARD’s Farm to Family program that uplifts local farmers and increases access to affordable produce.
3. What do you believe is the most important issue(s) for Michigan residents and how do you plan to address it as a member of the State Legislature?
Across Michigan and HD-52, families are struggling with the cost of basic goods and services, and our legislature needs to do more to create realistic solutions. With a focus on local issues, I will work to empower community leaders to ensure we are sheltered from a tumultuous economy, fighting excessive development — namely data centers and the Davisburg Mine Project — and prioritize investments in small businesses and our future visionaries.
Responses from the candidates running for a four year term in Michigan’s Senate are:
Hill
Greg Hill
Occupation: Small-Business Owner
Political Party: Democratic
Political Experience: None — first-time candidate for elected office
1. Residents have become increasingly vocal on topics such as data centers and Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), as State Representative, what will you do to ensure that the voices of residents on hot button topics such as these are heard?
Protecting people’s quality of life and privacy aren’t hot-button issues. Residents deserve a meaningful voice when decisions affect their homes, property and personal information. I support statewide minimum protections while allowing communities to establish stronger local standards. As Senator, I’ll hold regular town halls, communicate openly about legislation, and make sure residents have opportunities to weigh in before decisions are made, not after.
2. What is your plan to combat rising costs for Michigan residents?
Families need relief from rising costs for groceries, utilities, insurance, health care and housing. I would strengthen oversight of utility and insurance costs, support local farms and Michigan-grown businesses, expand access to affordable health care and target property-tax relief toward those who need it most. But affordability isn’t only about lowering bills. We also need good-paying jobs and opportunities that help families earn more and keep more.
3. What do you believe is the most important issue(s) for Michigan residents and how do you plan to address it as a member of the State Legislature?
Trust. People increasingly question whether the government is working for them or for the people and organizations writing the biggest checks. I don’t accept corporate PAC money, and I support greater transparency, accountability and reducing money’s influence in politics. As Senator, I’ll hold regular town halls, make government spending easier to understand and give residents a meaningful voice in decisions. Government works better when people believe their voice matters.
Donni Steele
Steele
Occupation: Current State Representative for District 54 (4 years – 2 election cycles). Chair of the Michigan House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, secured a historic $2 billion increase in local road funding.
Political Party: Republican
Political Experience: Former Orion Township Treasurer (6 years – 2 election cycles) and Orion Township Trustee (4 years). As Treasurer, I was charged with treasury management and operations, tax collections and distributions. As a Board member we were charged with the governance and acted as the legislative body that runs the Township.
1. Residents have become increasingly vocal on topics such as data centers and Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), as State Representative, what will you do to ensure that the voices of residents on hot button topics such as these are heard?
Yes, input should be welcomed and encouraged, we represent the people of our district and their voices matter. Also, local control should prevail whenever possible, especially for data centers. In addition data centers should have adequate written zoning ordinances deliberated thoroughly in open and public meetings. Ordinances that include self-contained water and discharge systems; autonomous energy; and no tax abatements or nondisclosures.
2. What is your plan to combat rising costs for Michigan residents?
Lowering the tax burden for residents and businesses. We need to prioritize our spending and be better stewards of the taxes residents pay by cutting wasteful spending. Property tax, personal income tax, personal property tax, corporate income tax, user fees and licenses should be analyzed and reduced. Overspending by the government creates inflation which increases costs for all residents.
3. What do you believe is the most important issue(s) for Michigan residents and how do you plan to address it as a member of the State Legislature?
Currently we are not retaining and recruiting talent for our businesses. Our children are leaving the state; our schools are failing; cost of energy and insurance are higher than other states; Michigan is unfriendly for businesses and consequently our economy is suffering. We need to rollback many bad policies such as the Earned Sick Time Act, unnecessary energy mandates, right-to-work, mandatory third-grade reading, and school accountability metrics.
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