Denise Mentzer

Denise Mentzer was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Mentzer earned a high school diploma from L'Anse Creuse High School, an associate degree from Macomb Community College in 1999, a bachelor's degree from Baker College in 2009, and additional education from Grand Valley University and the Academy of Professional Small Business Consultants in 2011. Her career experience includes working as the senior buyer for Macomb County and as a government administrator. Mentzer has served as the vice president of the Mount Clemens Optimist Club and on the board of the Mount Clemens Public Library Board of Friends.[1][2][3][4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I earned a Bachelor in Business, Summa cum Laude, from Baker College in Clinton Township

in 2009. I graduated from the Academy of Small Business Consultants in April 2011 while

working for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. Overall, I worked twenty

five years for the County, ending my employment as the Senior Buyer.

In 2013, I was elected a Mount Clemens City Commissioner. One of the policies I am most

proud of is my sponsorship of a local preference purchasing policy, which was adopted

unanimously.

I am a board member and past President of the Mount Clemens Optimist Club, and am on

the Board for the Friends of the Mount Clemens Public Library and the Anton Art Center.

I was an AFSCME 411 steward for nineteen years and Vice President for four. I retired as a

dues paying member of UAW 889.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Water Infrastructure!

Governor Whitmer announced last year an additional $290 million to support water infrastructure through EGLE’S MI Clean Water Plan. Money is split between the Clean Water Revolving Fund and Drinking Water Revolving Fund. I also got several million dollars over the past two years for water infrastructure in Mount Clemens. Just this year Mount Clemens started on residential lead pipe abatement with the $3Million I secured for that project. Additionally, I got $2Million for sanitary sewer and storm water separation.We need to stop the war in Iran. Although that is controlled by federal representatives, we need to have serious conversation about why we are still there, because every day we increase our costs, deplete our military and arms, and keep oil prices high which increases gas prices. Michigan is suffering from the loss of tourism and business from Canada. We need to invest in updated and broadened aerospace and defense industries here in Macomb. Selfridge brings between $850 million and $1billion worth of economic income to southeast Michigan. We need to invest in more research and development for advances in military systems that local manufacturers like General Dynamic Land Systems are working on.I put forward a bill for legislation creating the Prescription Affordability Drug Board. I also put forward a bill on forgiving long term medical debt. Both got sent to committees to die by Speaker Hall. And there needs to be serious conversations about where health care is going, work requirements for Medicaid recipients, and prescription drug prices.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The economy

Our Water and natural resources

Education

Healthcare

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Carpenters & Millwrights, LCV, Planned Parenthood, Mi List, MAJ, Emily's List, IBEW, UAW, AgriPac, AFL_CIO, MEA, MPFFU, SEIU, Voters not Politicians, LiUna, Michigan Pipe Trades, Smart TD, Building Trades, AFSCME, AFT, FOP, POAM, Realtors, Sierra Club, Equality Michigan, Operating Engineers, Moms Demand Action, County Roads Association, Mi Nurses, Warren Sterling Heights Dems, Progressive Turnout Project, Giffords, Committee to Protect Health Care,

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Mount Clemens, graduated from L'Anse Creuse High. I worked for a landscape contractor for 13 years as a Landscapers & Graders 1191 member before accepting a job as a Clerk in the Macomb County Health Department. I was promoted to computer tech at the County Library, then a Small Business Consultant in the Planning Department, all under AFSCME Council 25, Local 411. I was a member for 20 years, steward for 19, Vice President for 5. I was promoted to senior purchasing agent and moved to UAW Region 1, Local 889 for 5 years. I earned a degree in Business Administration, Summa cum Laude, from Baker College while working both a full-time and part time job and taking classes at night. In 2011, I purchased a home in Mount Clemens and became interested in City issues. In 2013 I was elected to serve on the Mount Clemens City Commission and served for ten years. I won election as State Rep for HD61 in November 2022.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education: Continue breakfast and lunch program. Kids can’t learn if they’re hungry. Fully fund school safety and mental health programs. Give teachers more say in lesson plans. Make sure everyone has access to college or trade programs.Water: Upgrade infrastructure, replace old piping and residential lead lines. Protect our Great Lakes by banning PFAS/PFOS chemicals. Stop industrial pollution and plastic particles from entering storm drains.Proud to have supported these 3 MSHDA housing programs: Housing Readiness Program, Missing Middle Program, MI Neighborhood Program. All 3 not only build or rehabilitate more housing, but help make housing more affordable.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe in in a woman's right to choose. I want to protect abortion rights and ensure women can access birth control and fertility treatments like IVF.

I believe in clean energy. I supported legislation that expands wind and solar options but expands public input and local involvement. I believe DTE and Consumers should be held accountable for outages and increase infrastructure upgrades.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My Dad. Straight forward, kind, hard working, loves a good joke, plays a mean hand of Euchre.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I believe and follow a method called the three C's when I'm making tough decisions. . You must first vote your conscious. Are you doing the right thing for the right reasons. The second C is Constituents. Is the decision you're making the best outcome for the residents of your district and for the whole state. The last C is for caucus. I always consider the first two before I vote the way my caucus wants.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Politicians need to listen. They need to reach across the aisle and work together in a bipartisan fashion for the betterment of their communities, the county and the state. Be upfront and honest. When you give your word, make sure you follow through.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am outspoken and frequently blunt. I want you to know what I'm thinking. I don't want you to have to guess.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To do everything you can to make your constituents lives better. Local governments need to work together to fix infrastructure, repair roads or share services like mental health treatment and mass transportation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people to say I was intelligent, humorous and kind.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember my teacher collapsing when John F Kennedy was killed.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at a Big Boys as a car hop for a summer

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything by Lee Child

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Under Pressure by Queen

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The House and Senate should listen to the Governor's priorities but vote out what they believe best servers the constituents.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Green Energy and Climate Change, Housing, Agriculture and Farming, Labor and Jobs,

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely. I thought I was a budget hawk during my ten years on Mount Clemens City Commission. I studied the budget and asked questions. The budget is around $15 million annually. That is nothing compared to the $86 billion in the State budget.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. There are people in my caucus I contact regularly to talk about our like positions and where we can do the most good. I have heard brilliant, really smart ideas from both Republicans and Democrats. I've also heard some attention seeking, self serving garbage. We must work together for the betterment of our communities. I think voters are getting tired of the fighting.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Former Senator Ken DeBeaussaert. He is a highly intelligent, kind, and just man. I have called him once or twice for advice.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Nope

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I knocked a door and the gentleman told me that his employer had recently switched insurance carriers. He said he had Insurance #1 and his diabetes medicine was only $80 for a three month supply. After his employer switched to Insurance #2 his diabetes medicine suddenly cost $450 for a three month supply. Same dose, same brand, no changes. That is absolutely ridiculous. We must do better with drug prices. Thats why I am an advocate for a Drug Affordability Board.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I've already passed bills which have become public acts on the following:

Asbestos violations

Use Tax distribution to local governments

Environment protection against flushable wipes

Using a computer (ProPads) to program and steal cars

Revise grain dealers licenses

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

POAM, FOP, CARPENTERS AND MILLRIGHTS, AFSCME, LIUNA, SEIU, UAW, MPPFU, CFCW 876, OPERATING ENGINEERS 324, SIERRA CLUB, MLCV, AFL-CIO, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, EMILY'S LIST, MICHIGAN NURSES, TEAMSTERS, CLIMATE CLOSET, MEA, IUPAT, MOMS DEMAND ACTION, IBEW 58, MI CREDIT UNION LEAGUE, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER, SHEET METAL WORKERS, VOTERS NOT POLITICIANS

What committees interest you?

Labor Policy - I am currently Majority Vice Chair.

Appropriations

Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Small Business and Economic Development

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I cosponsored and voted for the BRITE Act - Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics . These bills would increase reporting and disclosure requirements for registered lobbyists and would require state-level public officials to submit comprehensive financial records on an annual basis.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

We need to go to the National Popular Vote system.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a common-sense problem solver with over 25 years of experience working in local government, including nearly 10 years as City Commissioner for Mount Clemens. I grew up in Clinton Township, graduated from L’Anse Creuse High, and put myself through college while working a full time and part time job and earned a degree in Business Administration from Baker College.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Service to the community. I have been part of the community in Michigan’s 61st District for many years and have worked tirelessly to make it a better place. My goal as State Representative will be to understand the issues that are most important to my constituents and remain accountable and transparent throughout my service to them.Respect and equal rights for all. I believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare; to remain safe from gun violence; and to live in a world where climate change is recognized and steps are taken to keep the environment clean.Fiscal responsibility and transparency. As Senior Buyer in Macomb County and City Commissioner in Mount Clemens, I have extensive experience with municipal budget, taxes, enterprise funds, and special assessments. I also pushed for quarterly departmental reports to be made at City Commission meetings to improve transparency. If elected, I will bring that knowledge and openness to Lansing.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

If elected, I will stand up for everyday families in Michigan and the values that are important to them. I am passionate about securing the right to abortion in Michigan and ensuring that healthcare, especially reproductive healthcare, is more accessible to all. I also support legislation to reduce gun violence, including red flag laws, eliminating the sale of assault rifles and high capacity magazines, and mandatory safety training. I am concerned about the environment and want to make sure that we acknowledge climate change, move toward sustainable energy solutions, and have clean, safe drinking water available to all.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my father, who retired as a Detective Lieutenant from the Macomb County Sheriff Department after 34 years. I admire his commitment to serving the community and his hard work ethic–and I love his sly smile when he slides out the right bower during a euchre game. He has a quiet way of letting you know what you did wrong and a loud way of letting you know what you did right. He also accepts whatever choices I make, even when we disagree.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials need experience (both professional and lived), education, and a focus on their community. I believe that elected officials should always do their homework on issues, vote with their conscience, and keep their word. They also must be able to communicate with the other side, even when they disagree.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I consider myself a servant to my community and always strive to listen to what my constituents have to say about important issues. I am hard working and determined to give everything I do my all. I’m not afraid to speak out, both in agreement and disagreement, but know the importance of compromise.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a carhop at a local Big Boys. I worked there for about a year and a half.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Anything by Lee Child. I’ve read everything he has written. Most of his books are about a man who left the Military as a Major and just roams the United States via bus and hitch hiking. He always runs into a dilemma and solves it. Honorably, and totally.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Infrastructure needs. Water quality and availability, sewer and storm system upgrades, electrical grid upgrades and expansion.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, you can gain experience in budgets, enterprise funds, millages and taxes, and grants. You learn when to compromise and when to stand your ground.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations

Natural Resources

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Fred Miller

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Nope

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a founding member of Neighbors Helping Neighbors I participated in many home cleanups for seniors or handicapped residents. Each one had a story of their love for their home and their inability to care for it. The joy on some of their faces as we worked to help them always stays with me.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, the legislature should have a say in declaring emergencies.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, in my 25 years of experience in local government, I’ve learned the importance of being able to communicate even when you disagree with someone. It’s important to be able to work together to get things done.