People for Pappageorge

Detroit News endorses Pappageorge

2010-10-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Editorial: For state Senate: Oakland

The struggling economy requires lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to rethink how they govern

Michigan's budget has been balanced with gimmicks for years as tough decisions have been deferred. Fresh faces are needed in the Michigan Senate. But some incumbents who have tried to foster change should be returned to help the newcomers. These are our recommendations for state senators:

District 13 (Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Madison Heights, Royal Oak and Troy): Troy incumbent John Pappageorge, a Republican, faces a challenge from Royal Oak Democrat Aaron Bailey, a former Army officer and a business consultant. We support John Pappageorge , who has served admirably in the Senate since being elected in 2006 and is an advocate for cutting red tape for businesses and reducing costs in all aspects of government

Excerpt from The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101029/OPINION01/10290328/1008/opinion01/Editorial--For-state-Senate--Oakland#ixzz13mEOOuxo

Pappageorge earns trust, endorsement of law enforcement

2010-10-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Clawson - State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) announced today that he earned the endorsement of two prominent law enforcement groups in his bid for re-election– the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Michigan (DSAM).

“Public safety is an absolutely critical function of government,” said Pappageorge. “As a former colonel in the United States Army, I understand what it takes to protect our citizens both at home and abroad.”

POAM represents over 12,000 law enforcement employees and DSAM represents over 3,000 members consisting of patrol officers, detectives, local corrections officers, and more. Both are non-profit associations dedicated to the advancement of public safety issues in Michigan.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of both POAM and DSAM and I look forward to continuing to work to protect and improve public safety in Michigan,” said Pappageorge.

Pappageorge served 30 years of active duty in the Infantry and retired as a colonel in 1984. He currently serves on the Homeland Security & Emerging Technologies Committee in the Michigan Senate.

Sen. Pappageorge recognizes Royal Oak Community Farm with White Pine Award

2010-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

LANSING — Royal Oak Community Farm received a White Pine Award for Environmental Excellence from Sen. John Pappageorge Saturday for its efforts to teach children about farming and enrich the community through agriculture.

Pappageorge presented Royal Oak Community Farm Executive Director David Baldwin with a Senate tribute and a white pine sapling donated by English Gardens of Royal Oak.

“The Royal Oak Community Farm inspires local growth in a multitude of ways,” said Pappageorge, R-Troy. “The farm educates our children about the importance of agriculture and organic farming, provides residents with locally grown produce and encourages community. Acknowledging these admirable initiatives is extremely important and I’m proud to recognize the Royal Oak Community Farm.”

State senators present the White Pine Award to recognize innovative and creative initiatives addressing current environmental concerns.

The organic farm is located on the site of the former Lincoln Elementary School and is a venture of the nonprofit Royal Oak Forward.

According to its website, the Royal Oak Community Farm partners with MSU Extension, Oakland 4H Youth Development and the Royal Oak School District to provide students with the opportunity to join MSU-4H-sponsored groups and be mentored in agriculture and business.

The farm’s crops are sold at the local market, to local businesses and through Community Supported Agriculture shares. Farm profits will go to the Royal Oak Foundation for Public Education.

“Being able to honor the Royal Oak Community Farm for its extraordinary environmental efforts today was a privilege,” Pappageorge said. “I encourage local residents to check out the farm and support this great local resource. It is important that we all work together toward protecting and preserving our environment and its vital natural resources.”

Pappageorge will salute seniors

2010-09-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Observer & Eccentric:

State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) will host the third annual “Southeast Oakland County Senior Salute” on Monday, Oct. 4, at the Royal Oak Farmer's Market.

“The Southeast Oakland County Senior Salute has really grown to be quite an event - and the best part is that it's free of charge to all seniors,” Pappageorge said. “I look forward to the salute every year as an excellent opportunity to meet new friends, break bread and share vital resources with an important part of our community.”

The farmer's market is located at 316 E. 11 Mile Road, two blocks east of Main Street in Royal Oak. Doors open at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The senior salute will feature a hot lunch served by Ponderosa Steakhouse, as well as door prizes, games, health screenings, a cloth bag to store all of the vendor giveaways and much more. Those interested in flu shots are asked to bring their insurance card.

The event is organized by Pappageorge and the Southeast Oakland Community Fund, a nonprofit organization.

American House Senior Living Communities is this year's “platinum sponsor.” Gold sponsors are Beaumont Hospitals and DTE Energy, while silver sponsors include CVS Caremark, Guardian Angel Home Care, Michigan Podiatric Medical Association, Molina Health Care, Oakland Community College, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and Waltonwood of Royal Oak.

Seniors can obtain additional information about the event by calling (517) 488-7866.

Those interested in sponsoring, donating or volunteering should contact Jackie Mosher in Pappageorge's office at the same phone number.

“If you're looking for a fun way to spend a fall day, then you should check out the third annual senior salute. I hope to see you there,” Pappageorge said.

Pappageorge gives back

2010-09-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Observer & Eccentric:

State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) announced Monday he is donating 10 percent of his legislative salary to a new scholarship fund for students at the new Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. The scholarship was created after the senator approached leaders at both institutions with the idea.

Pappageorge presented an $8,000 check to Robert Folberg, M.D., dean of the Oakland-Beaumont medical school that is scheduled to begin classes Aug. 8, 2011.

“These are extraordinarily difficult times in Michigan and as I have said repeatedly, public servants need to be at the front of the line willing to sacrifice. I made the decision some time ago to voluntarily give back 10 percent of my salary as an elected official, but the more I thought about it, the less I was inclined to just give it back to the state,” Pappageorge said.

Pappageroge said he came up with the idea for a new scholarship for the medical school after long deliberations about how the money could best be used to trigger economic recovery and cultivate job growth in southeast Michigan.The medical school has established an “Elected Officials Scholarship Fund” to encourage support from other local, county, state or federal officials. Recipients of scholarships from the fund will be Michigan residents with a documented financial need.

“We are very grateful to Senator Pappageorge for his generous support,” Folberg said. “The average medical school student graduates with more than $150,000 of debt. Scholarships are a primary tool for helping students shoulder the financial burden of becoming a doctor.”

Pappageorge is the incumbent Republican in the 13th state Senate District race. He is facing Democrat Aaron Baily in November.

MMA Supports Pappageorge for the Michigan Senate

2010-09-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Clawson –The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) Political Action Committee (PAC) endorsed Sen. John Pappageorge for the State Senate, saying Pappageorge’s strong support for issues of importance to manufacturers and job providers in this state will be a positive force in Michigan’s Legislature.

“Michigan is renowned for its legacy as a hub of manufacturing,” Pappageorge said. “With the right regulatory and tax climate, we can preserve our position as a leader in innovation and productivity. I have a proven plan to reinvent Michigan and I look forward to working with the MMA to put that plan into action.”

The MMA is the state’s leading advocate exclusively devoted to promoting and maintaining a business climate favorable to manufacturing.

MMA represents the interests and needs of thousands of members, ranging from small manufacturing companies to some of the world’s largest corporations in a sector that employs approximately 500,000 people in Michigan.

Pappageorge is the recipient of several business group endorsements, including the National Federation of Independent Business – Michigan and the Small Business Association of Michigan. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his Master of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland at College Park.

Pappageorge stays on course during campaign

2010-09-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Observer & Eccentric:

By Greg Kowalski
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

State Sen. John Pappageorge, the incumbent Republican in the 13th State Senate race, met with Rick Snyder recently and is still pushing to have a complete audit done of the state's finances.

In other words, it's been business as usual. It's not that he isn't campaigning — he is — as shown by the volunteer roster at his campaign headquarters on 14 Mile in Clawson, but the real push will come after Labor Day.

Pappageorge is too much of a veteran politician to take any election win for granted, but he still can draw some comfort in the results of the August primary in which he crushed two Republican challengers as he garnered 78 percent of the vote.

Pappageorge is going door-to-door through the district, but he is keeping busy in Lansing as well.

“I met with the Michigan Association of CPAs,” he said. His goal is to have volunteer help in auditing the state's operations, with the auditors being paid later from the savings that will be realized in what they find.

The CPAs haven't committed to it, but “they are warming to the idea,” Pappageorge said. It's just one of a host of ideas Pappageorge has floated to deal with the state's continuing economic problems.

At 78, he remains energetic and forward-looking. He has been promoting new technologies, like manufacturing batteries for electric cars, which could help infuse the state's economy. He also has proposed a plan to eliminate the state's budget deficit by having every person who is paid by the state in any capacity, including college professors, take a 5 percent pay cut and pay 20 percent of their health care costs. The amount saved by doing that would almost exactly equal the deficit.

Sounds reasonable, but there has been little movement on that in Lansing, although Pappageorge remains optimistic.

Pappageorge promotes “common sense” over party ideology. It's a lack of that which has caused so many people to embrace the Tea Party, he said. “It's not one political party,” he said, although he does concede the Tea Party philosophy more closely aligns with the conservatives than the liberals.

“What bothers all of us is the concern that we are losing control of our lives,” he said.

That is a fear he sees on the campaign trail from all sides of the political spectrum, he said.

Pappageorge, a Troy resident, was born in Detroit. He is a graduate of West Point and spent 30 years in the military before retiring in 1984 at the rank of colonel.

In the service he did two tours of duty in Vietnam — an experience he still draws from to show how efficiency can produce savings. He was highly decorated, including receiving a Bronze Star.

Pappageorge served in the state House from 1998 to 2004 and prior to that was on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

Experience, vision keys to election

2010-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Observer & Eccentric:

You've heard their claims and counterclaims. You've heard their promises delivered by mail and by the South Oakland Eccentric and its website, www.hometownlife.com, and you may even have watched cablecasts of forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Now there is one final thing for you to do — vote. But with a long list of candidates and three ballot issues, you'll want to be prepared before heading to the polls on Tuesday. To help, this newspaper carries on the front page of this issue a handy check list of candidates and issues that you can take to the polls.

Remember: Because it is a primary election, voters may not split their tickets, meaning they must vote either Republican or Democratic all the way down the ballot. What follows below is a brief explanation of our recommended choices for readers to make at the polls.

U.S. HOUSE

The winner of the Republican primary will face incumbent Congressman Gary Peters, a Democrat. Experience was the tipping point in our endorsement of Paul Welday to face Peters in the November general election. Welday has notable experience working for a decade in the office of former U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg. Key points are his efforts in building relationships and seeking consensus, both of which are sorely needed in Washington.

STATE SENATE

In the 13th District, incumbent Sen. John Pappageorge faces a challenge as he bids for a second term on the Republican side of the ballot. Pappageorge ought to be the voter's top choice, since he will be one of the few returning legislators who know who runs state government, and how. Having served as a state representative earlier in his political career, Pappageorge has a good grasp of not only what happened in the past, but why.

Importantly, Pappageorge knows how to follow the money, and he offers concrete proposals for cutting the state's budget deficit.

In the 14th District, Democrat Vincent Gregory is banking on his experience as a current state representative to win him this Senate seat. It is a point well taken, for reasons similar to those just expressed for Pappageorge.

But Gregory has another important skill: He has shown that he can reach across party lines to get something done. For Gregory, building consensus is his mode of operation. Combine that with a thorough understanding of state issues, and he offers what the district needs.

STATE HOUSE

If there is one theme to this year's overall ballot, it is change. As legislators are term-limited and unable to run for the same office, the field has broadened to a host of comers.

That is true in the 35th District, which Gregory is relinquishing to run for state Senate. Among those hoping to win that post are Democrats Eric Coleman, now serving as a county commissioner, and Rudy Hobbs who, like Coleman, is a former member of the Southfield school board.

It has been a contest between supposed youth and experience, but the real issue is getting the job done. Coleman gets the nod in that department, having spent long years in preparation on the board of commissioners. Moreover, he has a good grasp of state issues and an understanding of how they impact residents and businesses in his district.

In the 26th state House District, Jim Townsend is an easy choice. He is unafraid to say what he thinks, and that thinking can be expected to represent the business and residential sectors equally. Also impressive is his vision for the state that ranges from education to the environment.

Pappageorge earns Detroit News endorsement

2010-07-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Reprinted from the Detroit News July 20th Edition

Editorial: Our picks in state Senate primaries for Oakland County
Progress in Michigan will rely on candidates who are willing to make tough decisions

THE DETROIT NEWS

Oakland County will see some new faces in the Senate and voters will have considerable choices in the upcoming primary, as some of the races are stacked with contenders from both parties. These are our recommendations for candidates who have the best chance of reforming state government and improving the business climate, in contested races:

District 12 (Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Independence Township, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sylvan Lake, Clarkston and part of West Bloomfield Township): In a six-way Republican primary race, the best choice is State Rep. James Marleau , a fiscal conservative whose 12-step budget-cutting plan includes a proposal to reduce public worker benefits to match those in the private sector. Dermatologist Ted Golden , one of two Democratic candidates, opposes a services tax but would vote to increase the gasoline tax to fix more roads.

District 13 (Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Madison Heights, Royal Oak and Troy): Among three Republicans, incumbent John Pappageorge has been a steady and dependable Senate majority member.

District 14 (Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield and Southfield Township): Among the six Democrats, we give the edge to Dave Coulter , a self-described "tightwad," who at times has pushed fiscal restraints beyond those called for by County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. Community college student and administrative assistant Robert Vaughan , who favors tax deductions for health insurance premiums rather than mandated coverage, is a good choice among three Republicans.

District 15 (Commerce, Highland, Holly, Lyon, Novi and Milford Townships, part of Northville, Novi, Orchard Lake Village, Rose Township, South Lyon, Walled Lake, part of West Bloomfield Township, White Lake Township, Wixom): Six Republicans are vying for the position. Out of the field of candidates, Mike Kowall , 58, of White Lake, stands out. Kowall would like to see the Michigan Business Tax restructured and to create an environment that attracts new businesses to the state. As he said, the "state loses more business to Indiana than India." Three Democrats are competing in the primary, and Pam Jackson seems the most-qualified choice. She is in favor of repealing the business tax surcharge and restructuring the tax system.

District 26 (part of Genesee County including Atlas Township, Burton, Clio, Davison Township, Forest Township, Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc Township, Mount Morris, Mount Morris Township, Richfield Township, Vienna Township and part of Oakland County including Brandon Township, Groveland Township, Springfield Township and Waterford Township): Four Republicans are vying for the nomination. Our choice is David Robertson , who supports a part-time legislature and has taken a no-tax pledge. On the Democratic side, Jim Slezak is our choice.

Michigan doctors pick Pappageorge

2010-07-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Clawson - The Michigan Doctors (MD) Political Action Committee (MDPAC) has announced their endorsement of State Sen. John Pappageorge in the primary election for the 13th District seat in the Michigan Senate.

“Physicians provide a service unlike any other,” said Pappageorge. “There is no doubt that this profession has unique needs that must be addressed in order to help save lives and improve the quality of life for everyone. I am honored to work with doctors across the state to make sure Michigan is a great place to practice medicine.”

The MD PAC is the non-partisan political action committee of the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), a non-profit organization representing over 15,000 physicians.

Pappageorge has received endorsements from a wide-array of business and community groups. As the only candidate with a demonstrated record in the Michigan Legislature, Pappageorge has shown that he understands the problems facing our state and he has a proven plan to fix Michigan.

Pappageorge earns NRA endorsement

2010-07-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Clawson - State Sen. John Pappageorge announced today that he earned the endorsement of America’s foremost defender of the Second Amendment – the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“As a card-carrying member of the NRA, I believe in the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pappageorge. “I have been consistent in defending our Second Amendment rights and I am proud to be a voice for gun-owners in the legislature.”

Pappageorge received an “A” rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund based on his responses to candidate questionnaires and his strong record of supporting Second Amendment legislation while serving in the Michigan State Legislature.

The NRA was established in 1871 and is the world’s premier firearms education organization. Pappageorge was one of fourteen Michigan Senate candidates to receive the NRA endorsement.

Observer & Eccentric endorses Pappageorge

2010-07-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Observer & Eccentric:

Support Pappageorge in 13th District

In the race for the 13th state Senate District, the clear choice is incumbent John Pappageorge.

Seeking a second term, Pappageorge continuously has demonstrated not only a clear grasp on the problems facing the state of Michigan, but has proposed viable solutions. He does not resort to the usual political babbling that “we must cut waste and eliminate inefficiency.”

Instead he proposes concrete options. For example, his proposal to deal with the state's $1.7 billion budget shortfall is to cut the pay of all persons paid by the state, including college professors, by 5 percent and boost medical coverage contributions to 20 percent.

That's a bitter pill, but it spreads the pain and avoids devastating job cuts. Pappageorge has also made reasonable proposals to deal with such issues as the adverse affects of term limits and the need for realistic budgeting on the part of the state. Perhaps not all of his solutions would work, but they certainly are worth considering. And unlike so many of his colleagues in the Legislature, he at least is proposing solutions, not blaming every misfortune on the governor or the opposition party or whatever.

We need answers. Pappageorge has them. The Legislature needs to listen to him, and he should be returned to the state Senate.

It’s unanimous! Michigan Credit Union League Action Fund endorses Pappageorge

2010-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Clawson - The Michigan Credit Union League Action Fund announced its endorsement of State Sen. John Pappageorge for the Michigan Senate. The league’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to endorse Sen. Pappageorge for the 2010 primary and general elections.

“We should all live our lives by the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” said Pappageorge. “I am honored that the MCULAF recognizes that I always have, and always will, put people first.”

The MCULAF is a political action committee sponsored by the Michigan Credit Union League, a statewide trade association representing 95% of Michigan’s 331 credit unions and their over 4.4 million members. The MCULAF endorses candidates who support their philosophy of “people helping people” and take a similar stance on legislative issues.

This endorsement follows on the heels of two other prominent endorsements Pappageorge announced last week; National Federation of Independent Business/Michigan and Small Business Association of Michigan.

Pappageorge is running for the 13^th District seat in the Michigan Senate.

Pappageorge provides answers

2010-07-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Observer & Eccentric:

By Greg Kowalski
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

A stack of one billion $1 bills would stand taller than the Empire State Building. Michigan's budget deficit — at $1.7 billion — would rise almost twice as high.

State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) likes to use that analogy. It's a concept that is easy to visualize, yet makes a dramatic point. And it emphasizes just how serious Michigan's financial mess is.

“We have a big problem,” Pappageorge said. But unlike many of his colleagues in the state Legislature, Pappageorge doesn't deal just with abstract analogies. He looks for realistic solutions.

“The thing that separates us in Lansing is the issue of income redistribution,” Pappageorge said. Conservatives favor tax cuts, liberals tilt toward tax increases to deal with the budget shortfall. Pappageorge proposes an alternative. If every person who is paid by the state in any capacity, including college professors, took a 5-percent pay cut and paid 20 percent of their health care costs, which is comparable to the private sector, it would save the state about $1.7 billion.

At age 78, Pappageorge is energetic and looks toward the future. Although Michigan is in for a rough time as it works to balance the budget, there are bring spots on the horizon, if the state takes advantage of them.

New technologies, like the manufacturing of batteries for electric cars and other cutting edge industries, offer promise. “We still have more engineers than any other state,” he said. But new industries have to be nurtured for the state to prosper. Pappageorge puts the situation into a historical perspective.

There have been three fundamental revolutions in the development of human history. The first occurred thousands of years ago, when roaming humans settled down to a life of farming. The second took place about 175 years ago with the Industrial Revolution. And the third is happening now, as we settle into the computer age.

“Michigan stayed too long in the second revolution,” Pappageorge said. We're still caught in the gears of industry when we should be pioneering new technologies. “In government, people are always looking to see where the wind is hitting. I concentrate on where the boat ought to go.”

Pappageorge would also like to see a complete audit done of the entire government with an eye on improving the tax structure, budgeting process and regulatory system. But making changes in Lansing can be a painfully slow, politically tainted process, Pappageorge said.

Part of that is due to term limits, which keep the state Legislature in a constant state of flux. But Pappageorge even has proposed an answer to that by allowing legislators to serve a total of 14 years in the House and/or Senate. That will provide the leadership continuity that is now missing.

Pappageorge is no stranger to the Legislature. He served in the state House from 1998 to 2004 and prior to that was on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. A resident of Troy, he spent 30 years in the military before retiring in 1984 with the rank of colonel.

Business groups agree: Pappageorge is a champion of small business

2010-07-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Clawson – State Sen. John Pappageorge announced today that he earned the endorsement of two prominent business groups: Small Business Association of Michigan and the National Federation of Independent Business/Michigan.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy,” said Pappageorge. “I am honored that SBAM and NFIB recognize my commitment to making Michigan a better place to do business and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of those that create jobs so we can fix Michigan.”

The NFIB is Michigan’s largest small business advocacy group.According to NFIB State Director Charles Owens, “lawmakers voting to rein in state government and balance the budget through spending cuts rather than tax hikes received high marks.”

The SBAM is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. Endorsements were based on candidate surveys, voting records, personal interviews and other relevant criteria in determining which candidates will best serve the interests of small business.

Both SBAM and NFIB are non-profit, nonpartisan organizations committed to small business advocacy.

Pappageorge promotes special plate

2010-07-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

As Featured in the Observer & Eccentric on 7/4/2010:

Sen. John Pappageorge's measure to create a license plate honoring families across Michigan who lost a loved one in combat was approved Tuesday by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 749 would establish the “Gold Star Family” specialty license plate. The measure would allow a spouse, parent, sibling or child of a member of the armed services who died during combat to qualify for the special plate.

“Gold Star license plates have been referred to as a ‘moving memorial' by family members who support such legislation,” said Pappageorge, a Republican from Troy an a retired U.S. Army colonel and veteran of two tours in Vietnam.

If approved, the license plate would be inscribed with a gold star and the words “Gold Star Family.”

“Without mothers, there's no military,” said Joyce Fabian, a member of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. and Warren resident. “The Gold Star Family plate will allow the family members of fallen heroes to honor their loved ones.”

Eligible individuals who choose the specialty plate would pay a $5 fee in addition to the standard registration fee.

Michigan law currently allows for issuance of specialty license plates for prisoners of war, World War II veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors and Purple Heart medal recipients.

Pappageorge's legislation is modeled after 45 states that have some form of a Gold Star Family or Fallen Warrior license plate to honor families who lost a loved one in combat.

“Being able to honor the memory of their loved one with a special license plate would mean a great deal to the family members of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Pappageorge said. “I hope my colleagues approve this measure.”

SB 749 now goes to the full Senate for further consideration.

Pappageorge: Michigan can't afford its own government

2010-05-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Senator Pappageorge's Guest Opinion column, reprinted from the Detroit New s:

We are facing a huge budget problem. This is beyond puny solutions being posed by some. We must take care of the $1.7 billion problem we face.

Let me illustrate the enormity of the problem. If we had a million dollars in $10 bills in front of us, the stack would be around two feet high. A billion dollars would be taller than the Empire State building.

What ties legislatures into knots when putting a budget together is the issue of income redistribution. Conservatives oppose it and liberals want more. Consequently, conservatives will pound the table and say we have to make cuts. This sends people to the unemployment line. Liberals insist that taxes must be raised. This sends us all up the wall, and, eventually, a different set of folks to the unemployment line.

Neither argument preserves nor creates jobs. There is, however, a middle ground that can reduce the cost of government without cutting programs or sending anyone out the door.

I believe in times of crisis that public servants -- I don't call us public employees -- need to step up and share in the economic pain being felt by the private sector. And I mean all public servants, including those at local levels, college professors, legislators and anyone else who is being paid with taxpayer dollars.

The total payroll for Michigan public servants comes to $21.3 billion ($5.6 billion is for state workers and $15.7 billion is for all others), not counting health care. A 5 percent cut in pay for all of us would reduce the cost of government by $1 billion.

I have introduced a constitutional amendment (SJR U) that cuts our salaries by 5 percent on Oct. 1 and freezes any pay increases for a total of three years. Step increases will still be allowed, as will promotions. Any reduction already taken by a government unit going back to Jan. 1, 2009, will count against the 5 percent.

My colleagues Mark Jansen, R-Gaines Township, and Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, have introduced constitutional amendments that will have all of us assuming 20 percent of our health care costs. Some now pay zero while others pay 20 percent. This will reduce the cost of government by $680 million.

That's the $1.7 billion we're short. We can reduce the cost of government without sending anyone out the door. This is the true middle ground between two opposing views that are creating gridlock in the legislature. It's exactly what private businesses have been doing for some time.

This is not a mean-spirited assertion that public servants are overpaid. They aren't. It's about what we can afford. With a two-thirds vote of the Legislature these resolutions can be put to a vote on the August ballot in time to affect the budget that begins on Oct. 1.

I despair at those who suggest we can end our differences by a combination of cuts and tax increases. This nonsense simply sends the same number of people out the door -- some from the public sector and the rest from the private sector.

The proper compromise is to reduce the cost of government.

Sen. John Pappageorge is a Republican from Troy and is vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Pappageorge announces candidacy for Michigan Senate

2010-04-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Fixing Michigan at top of agenda

TROY — State Sen. John Pappageorge today announced his candidacy for the 13th District seat in the Michigan Senate and launched his new campaign Web site, peopleforpappageorge.com.

The 13th state Senate District is entirely within Oakland County, including the communities of Troy, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson, Berkley and Madison Heights.

“I have decided to run for the Senate because we must fix Michigan. Lansing needs leaders willing to make the tough decisions necessary to bring back jobs and streamline government. I have been frustrated by a corrosive culture that puts politics over people, but I am focusing my energy on a reform agenda that makes state government fit with our new reality in the 21st century,” Pappageorge said.

“These are turbulent times in Michigan, but we can do better and I am not going to quit until the Michigan I envision – one with a thriving economy, where jobs are abundant and state government is leaner – is a reality.”

While it has been an unprecedented period in Michigan’s history, Pappageorge has tackled big projects and achieved real results. On job creation, Pappageorge has been second to none in the Michigan Senate.

Pappageorge’s accomplishments include:

Sponsoring legislation that helped create an entire new industry of advanced battery technology and manufacturing in Michigan. The state recently touted that his legislation is responsible for 8,000 new jobs in Michigan and more than $5 billion of new business investment.
Being recognized by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in 2008 as a “Champion of Commerce” for his efforts to improve Michigan’s job climate and economic competitiveness.
Demonstrating a keen understanding of his district and willingness to fight for Oakland County’s fair share of funding as well. He has been the most active and vocal leader in the state to restore “20j” education funding vetoed by the governor last year in a move that disproportionately hurts Oakland County students.
He successfully lobbied the Michigan Department of Transportation to conduct a study regarding statewide traffic patterns that could significantly increase road funding to Oakland County in future years.

“I am proud of our accomplishments over the past three and a half years, but there is still so much more work to be done to build a better Michigan,” Pappageorge said. “I am eager to share my ideas of common sense reform and leaner, more responsible government with the voters.”

Pappageorge is seeking his second term to the Senate. A Michigan native, he is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. For 30 years he served active duty in the U.S. Army Infantry, including two combat tours in Vietnam. Pappageorge retired as a colonel from the Army in 1984.

Following his military service, Pappageorge was named director of business and strategic planning with General Dynamics Land Systems. He continued his public service to the residents of Oakland County as county commissioner and state representative. Pappageorge was elected to the Senate in 2006, where he serves on the Appropriations and Finance committees.

He and his wife Cristina have made their home in Troy for more than 25 years. For more information, please visit peopleforpappageorge.com.

CONTACT: Justin Winslow

248-320-5507

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Paid for by John Pappageorge for State Senate, 573 Paris Ave. Lansing, MI 48910

Observer: Pappageorge has another good idea

2010-04-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today, the Observer & Eccentric reported:

State Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy, is to be commended for pursuing the effort to restore the so-called 20j funding that was stripped from many local school districts.

Without getting too technical, 20j funding was allotted to the “hold harmless” school districts — those that were allowed to levy a local millage above the state funding level — to make up for a glitch in the funding formula that denied the districts the money they were entitled to under Proposal A. Each year the state appropriated the money to the schools in the state budget under section 20j. But with the state's economy falling apart, Gov. Granholm, for the first time, vetoed the 20j funding.

That left the school districts, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak, with an even bigger loss on top of state per pupil cutbacks already implemented.

The local schools were furious over still another promise broken by the state that left them scrambling over how to cover the loss.

Pappageorge has introduced an amendment to the School Aid budget that would restore the $52 million that was stripped from the budget. According to Pappageorge, that would mean at least a $10 per pupil increase to every school district.

But there is a catch. The funding is contingent on the passage of Senate Bill 884, which would create a tax amnesty to help collect delinquent taxes. While that admittedly won't raise much, it could cover the $52 million needed.

Pappageorge has shown an adeptness for proposing reasonable answers to tough financial questions, such as drafting budgets that actually have slightly less expenditures than projected income.

This is another good idea. Restoring 20j funds is an even better one. It deserves to be enacted, and Pappageorge deserves the credit.

Observer reports: Pappageorge pushes bill to boost school funding

2010-03-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Observer & Eccentric covered Sen. Pappageorge's boost in public school funding:

State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) announced that he has negotiated an additional $26 million in both Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 funding for 20j school districts.

“The governor's misguided veto of $52 million in 20j funding last fall was extremely short-sighted,” said Pappageorge, vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Since then I have been aggressively working with my colleagues for a solution that would restore these desperately needed funds.”

Under Pappageorge's amendment to the School Aid budget, Senate Bill 1163, 20j districts would see half of the original $52 million slated for them, with the other $26 million to all other districts using the 2x formula.

“By adopting this amendment, every single school district could expect an at least $10 per-pupil increase in funding - with the lowest-funded schools potentially seeing a $20 per-pupil increase,”

Pappageorge said. “Times are tough, but we have to prioritize, and education is at the top of the list.”

Section 20j arose in 2001, when hold harmless districts were ineligible to receive the same per-pupil increase all other districts received due to technical issues stemming from the passage of Proposal A. There are 12 school districts in Oakland County - including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak - and another 28 across Michigan that receive 20j funding.

The amendment makes funding contingent to passage of SB 884, which would establish a tax amnesty in Michigan. The measure was approved by the Senate last October.

If SB 884 is not signed into law, the funding would not be available.

If enacted, but the actual revenue generated falls short of full funding, then a prorated amount equal to that revenue would be distributed accordingly.

Estimates vary on how much revenue SB 884 could generate, but the state of Oklahoma recently granted tax amnesty with the modest goal of collecting $22 million in delinquent taxes. To the surprise of state officials, the tax amnesty generated $115 million in new revenue.

“My amendment will allow us to restore this unfairly vetoed funding, while simultaneously helping the lowest-funded districts without increasing our own debt or raising taxes,” Pappageorge said.

As amended by Pappageorge, SB 1154 now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Bill helps those in service to vote

2010-03-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

Senator Pappageorge's Guest Opinion column, reprinted from The Oakland Press:

The votes of the brave men and women serving overseas in our Armed Forces are just as important as those of U.S. citizens living stateside.

They fight for our freedom and deserve to have their voices heard and their votes counted.

In 2006 an estimated 1 million ballots were issued for military and overseas voters but only a third were returned — as many of those voters face procedural hurdles and tight deadlines to have their ballots counted in a timely fashion.

As a retired U.S. Army colonel and veteran of two tours in Vietnam, I know the sacrifices that individuals in uniform make for our freedom and their right to vote should not be one of them. That is why I helped craft a package of bills designed to guarantee the voting rights for those serving in the military or living overseas.

These proposals would help ensure that they are able to participate in the democratic process they are protecting. If the Senate measures become law, U.S. military personnel stationed outside the continental United States would receive electronic ballots that can be downloaded, filled out, and mailed back to clerks. Many military personnel are unable to return ballots in time if they are in places like Iraq or Afghanistan.

The average completion rate for an overseas Michigan ballot is 57 days, according to a national report issued in 2009 by the Pew Center on the States, based in Washington, D.C.

My measure, Senate Bill 1096, would require ballots be delivered to the county clerk at least 47 days before an election.

This would allow sufficient time for the electronic ballot system to work.

I sponsored SB 1096 to help ensure that those serving in the military overseas protecting our freedom have an opportunity to take part in the electoral process and I look forward to seeing my bill and the other important measures in the package become law.

State Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy, is vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He represents the 13th Senate District, consisting of the cities of Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Madison Heights, Royal Oak and Troy and Bloomfield Township.

Legislation to give public details on government spending stalls

2010-03-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

The Oakland Press covered Sen. Pappageorge's efforts to increase openness and transparency in government:

By CHARLES CRUMM
Of The Oakland Press

A year ago on March 17, during Sunshine Week, Ottawa County Republican Wayne Kuipers introduced legislation to establish a Web site searchable by the public that details all Michigan state government spending.

As Sunshine Week approaches March 14-20 this year, the legislation languishes in the state Senate Appropriations Committee.

Among the sponsors is Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy, who would like to see some action as the state again struggles to eliminate massive projected deficits.

“We want to get that thing hopefully by the end of this month,” Pappageorge said Wednesday. “To me, it’s really important.

“The basis for coming to an agreement and for satisfying constituent concerns is to have a common set of facts as to what the situation is,” Pappageorge said. “For me, it’s an issue of trust and believability in the government because we’re laying out everything for them to look.”

Sunshine Week occurs in mid-March each year and coincides with James Madison’s birthday and National Freedom of Information Day on March 16.

The week promotes transparency and openness in government.

The legislation pending in the Senate would require state agencies to provide to the Department of Management and Budget the name and location of the entity receiving state funds, the amount, the type of transaction, the funding agency and a description of the expense.

It also would require the state to operate a Web site that can be searched by the public at no cost.

Holding up its passage, says Pappageorge, are issues concerning cost and information that could be considered confidential.

“It’s not that we just let it die,” Pappageorge said. “What’s happened is I’ve had meetings with the IT guys about how to do it and the cost of it, and trying to find a balance between cost and getting as much information out there as possible without breaking the bank.”

There are no cost estimates associated with the legislation. Pappageorge said some say it can be done for little expense while others say the initiative will cost a lot of money.