While many choose to ignore the primary and focus on the general elections that take place in November, the truth is that the primary is the diving board into the pool that is the general. The candidates all take a turn to jump and then the voters have the power to decide who sinks and who swims.
Along those lines, the experience and knowledge of MITA’s staff, particularly the legislative team, helps to direct the political contributions that members like you submit to the MITA PAC. When MITA sends a contribution to candidates running for office, the industry is helping to influence and shape the political landscape in Michigan. The results of yesterday’s primary clearly indicate that the strength and support of the MITA PAC are important game-changers in the political sphere.
For example, State Representative Wayne Schmidt, Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was successful in beating his opponent, State Representative Greg MacMaster, in a joint bid for the 37th district Senate seat. His success can be largely credited to the support he has received from MITA and industry members throughout his terms as a state representative, as well as during his current campaign for state senator. MITA PAC’s support of additional incumbent candidates Rep. Brad Jacobsen, Rep. Marilyn Lane and Sen. Mike Kowall, who are supportive of the industry and sit on important transportation and infrastructure committees, also yielded positive results.
Last, but not least, MITA publicly supported and promoted Proposal 1, which was overwhelmingly successful at the polls last night, despite the resistance from the opposition and the fear that voter turnout would be low. Proposal 1 will benefit not only all MITA members and the industry as a whole, but the entire state of Michigan, as well.
If there was ever a time to contribute to the MITA PAC, that time is now. With the primaries now behind us, our focus can narrow on a very specific field of candidates, and we can put the strength of the MITA PAC behind those who are supportive of our issues and understand the needs of the industry, particularly the need for a permanent long-term investment solution for our roads and bridges.
Please contribute to the MITA PAC today by clicking here. You can also send a check, made out to MITA PAC, to P.O. Box 1640, Okemos, MI 48805. Your contribution matters, it makes a difference and it supports the industry. Thank you!
