UPCOMING CAMPAIGN EVENTS:
Stay tuned for soon-to-be announced events!
MARK IN THE NEWS:
ANNARBOR.com - October 7, 2010 – “Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti chamber endorses Republicans Rick Snyder and Mark Ouimet in state races”
By Ryan J. Stanton
The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced its endorsement of Rick Snyder in the gubernatorial race and Mark Ouimet in the 52nd District state House race.
Chamber officials said in a statement that the decision to endorse the two Republican candidates was based on their long affiliation with both chambers, and their strong efforts in support of the greater Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area business community. Read more…
Endorsements :
As of September 27th, 2010
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Michigan Restaurant Association
Michigan Association of realtors
Michigan Township Association
Michigan Association of Home Builders
Michigan Automobile Dealers Association
Michigan Agri-business association
Michigan association of Home Builders
Michigan Association of Health Plans
Detroit Regional Chamber
Ann arbor Ypsilanti regional chamber
AnnArbor.com
Small Business Association of Michigan
National Federation of Independent business
Association of builders and contractors
Ann Arbor Firefighters Association
Ann Arbor Area board of realtors
South Eastern Michigan Chiefs of Police
Police officers association of Michigan
94 of the 121 County Elected officials in the 52nd district
33 of 42 elected School Board officials in the 52nd district
Washtenaw Area Apartment association
WASHTENAW County Mutual Aid Foundation
Washtenaw County command sheriff’s association
Washtenaw Deputy Sheriff’s association
Southeastern Mi Association chiefs of police
Michigan Professional fire fighters union
Dexter Area Fire Fighters
Ann Arbor township Fire Firefighters
Washtenaw County Skilled Building Trades Council
Heritage Papers - September 13, 2010 – “Guest Column: Michigan doesn’t have to be left dangling in the wind”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
If there’s anything more sobering than the sight of an empty house that’s been foreclosed, it’s an empty factory that once employed thousands of people.
In Michigan, that’s something we see too often.
The automobile industry here may never return to its former glory. But those plants can once again become manufacturing centers of another sort. Michiganders can get back to work producing something important to the growing alternative energy industry with the wind turbine. Read more…
Heritage Papers - July 15, 2010 – “Guest Column: Washtenaw County supports needy veterans”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
On Independence Day, many of us attended a parade or service honoring those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. But what about the veterans who are still with us? How can we ever repay our veterans for the sacrifices they, too, have made?
Though no compensation seems nearly enough, we must do what we can, knowing that anything less is unthinkable.
Last October, for the second straight year, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a millage that raised money to care for the emergency needs of the county’s veterans. Prior to 2009, the county paid for these services out of its general fund.
As vice chairman of the board, I strongly supported this millage. And I’m more convinced than ever that we did the right thing. Read more…
Heritage Papers - June 19, 2010 - “Guest Column: Government should remove hurdles”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
A Gallup poll last fall found that the number of people who say there is too much government regulation of business and industry has reached its highest point since Gallup began asking the question in 1993.
In the new survey, 45 percent say there’s too much regulation, while 24 percent say there’s too little and 27 percent say the amount is right.
Considering how a lack of regulations led to the country’s housing crisis, this may come as a surprise to some.
But many of us in Michigan understand completely. Read more…
Heritage Papers - June 16, 2010 - “Grillin’ for Food Gatherers draws big crowd”
By Gerald LaVaute, Heritage Newspapers
When it comes to celebrations that help worthy causes, longtime supporters of Grillin’ for Food Gatherers will tell you this one is near or at the top.
Ann Feeney of Chelsea described the June 13 fund-raiser as “a feel-good event,” and that she kept returning to bid on one of the many auction items, an opportunity to take a baking class at Zingerman’s Bakehouse.
“It’s just a great event,” she said, adding there must have been 200 or more volunteers.
Mark Ouimet of Scio Township called it a true community event where people come together to help their neighbors.
“It’s a wonderful time,” he said, adding that the “best part is raising money for food for people who really need it.” Read more…
Red Cross at the Chelsea Fire Department – May 28, 1010
written by: Marian Pascu| American Red Cross Public Affairs Intern
Spring for W4 Country’s Breakfast with Bubba Show means parties every Friday at a different firehouse in their listening area. The parties bring attention to the many firefighters that risk their lives on a day to day basis to keep us safe. This year Breakfast with Bubba started their journey in Saline on Friday March, 19th and ended at the Chelsea Fire Department last Friday May, 21st.
The American Red Cross supported this event by bringing the Emergency Rescue Vehicle out to the firehouse. Michelle Roderick, Jim Reisinger, and Mark Ouimet were out representing the American Red Cross Washtenaw County Chapter, teaching people about fire safety and informing them how the Red Cross can help incase of a local disaster.
With the help of Key Bank, Suburban Chevrolet/Cadillac, and Servpro every spring Bubba and the crew set out to different firehouses around the Washtenaw County area. It was amazing to see all the people that came out to support the Chelsea Fire Department. Although it was a rainy day everybody still had fun meeting their local heroes and chatting on the radio with Bubba. Ironically as soon as the Breakfast with Bubba Show concluded the sirens in the station went off and everybody had the opportunity to see these firefighters in action. It was truly and memorable experience.
SO WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY THAT CAME OUT TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS THIS YEAR AND A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS OUT THERE KEEPING US SAFE!
Heritage Papers – May 21, 2010 – “Service groups collaborate with Washtenaw United Way to identify needs”
By Daniel Lai, Heritage Newspapers
In a fact finding mission May 20, representatives from area service groups participated in a problem solving workshop hosted by the Washtenaw United Way and County Commissioner Mark Ouimet to determine how the county can best aid residential services in the western and southern parts of the county in the upcoming fiscal year.
“I was extremely pleased with how many people turned out. We had representatives from Whitmore Lake, Saline, Milan, Manchester, Chelsea and Dexter,” Ouimet said. “There was valuable information exchanged specifically on issues that challenge each of these communities.” Read more…
For Immediate Release – Tuesday June 8, 2010
By: Kim Hoppe, President of Republican Women’s Club of Washtenaw County
Republican Women’s Club of Washtenaw County Thanks Residents for a Successful Candidate Forum
Ann Arbor, MI – The Republican Women’s Club of Washtenaw County hosted an engaging forum yesterday evening at the Fix Michigan Center. State House candidates were invited to take questions from the audience and participate in a moderated discussion. Topics ranged from abortion, immigration and how to improve the economy.
With a strong pool of candidates to choose from, Washtenaw residents filled the room to hear what each candidate had to say in order to gage who best would represent them.
“Washtenaw County an integral component in reviving Michigan and electing responsible leadership is the first step in getting Michigan headed in the right direction,” said club president Kim Hoppe. “We are proud to help facilitate the opportunity for residents and candidates to engage in constructive dialogue.”
The Republican Women’s Club of Washtenaw County will continue hosting candidate forums and other events in the near future. For further information on these events and membership, please contact the club’s president, Kim Hoppe.
A special thanks to the following candidates:
52nd State House District
Mark Ouimet
54th State House District
Rodney Nanney
Richard Deitering
53rd State House District
Chase Ingersoll
55th State House District
Frank Chrzanowski
Rick Olson
Andrew Sosnoski
Mary Kay Thayer
Heritage Papers – May 9, 2010 – “Why not vacation in Michigan?”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
When it comes to planning a vacation, I’m nearsighted.
Why leave one of the most beautiful states in the country when nearly anything you could want is here? Not only does a Michigan-based vacation keep our dollars in our home state, but my wife and I agree there’s no place we would rather spend our free time. Read more.
www.annarbor.com - April 30, 2010 – “Mark Ouimet promises to work across party lines if elected to 52nd District state House seat” By Ryan J. Stanton
Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet today announced his candidacy for state representative in the 52nd District, vowing to work across party lines to help Michigan reclaim its position as a powerhouse.
“As a fifth-generation Washtenaw County resident, I feel a strong pull to public service,” the Scio Township resident said in a written statement.
Heritage Papers – April 30, 2010 – “Ouimet announces candidacy for Michigan House’s 52nd District”
By John McNamara
Vowing to work across party lines to help Michigan reclaim its position as a powerhouse, Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet has announced his candidacy for the Michigan House of Representatives’ 52nd District. Read more.
Bringing its message of hope to residents of Washtenaw County, the local chapter of the Red Cross held its annual “We’ll Be There” fundraising breakfast at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Ann Arbor on March 25.
The annual event is one of the non-profit’s largest fundraisers.
“It’s where we raise the most money and touch the most people,” WCRC Advisory Council chairman Mark Ouimet said.
Telling their stories of personal tragedies to a packed house, local residents painted a picture of compassion with the Red Cross at the forefront.
“This is our chance to show people what the Red Cross does locally,” Ouimet said. “People have been very generous with their donations to Haiti and Chili, but it does take away from the local effort. We want to make sure people are aware that we need help right here in Washtenaw County every day.”
News Release - March 16, 2010 – “Mark Ouimet to serve as waiter at annual Meals on Wheels celebrity dinner”
The Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Annual Celebrity Dinner will be from 5 to 9 p.m. March 18 at Bentley’s at the Ann Arbor Marriott at Ypsilanti. Local “celebrities” serve as the wait staff and compete for tips. All tips collected go directly to support the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels to help deliver meals to local homebound individuals in Ypsilanti and the surrounding townships.
Celebrity wait staff will include: Mark Ouimet, Washtenaw County Commissioner; Pamela Byrnes, Michigan House of Representatives; Linn Cleary, Superintendent, Lincoln Public Schools; Erik Copeland, Chief, Ypsilanti Township Fire Department; Charles Ramsey, Head Coach, EMU Men’s Basketball; Karen Lovejoy Roe, Clerk, Charter Township of Ypsilanti; Paul Schreiber, Mayor, City of Ypsilanti; Rev. Keith Geiselman Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti; James Hawkins, Former Superintendent, Retired, Ypsilanti Public Schools; Shamar Herron, Manager, SPARK East; Diane Keller, President, Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce; Ed Koryzno, City Manager, Ypsilanti; Paul Kuwik, Emeritus Professor, EMU, YMOW Board of Directors; Derrick McGill, Administrator, Gilbert Residence; Brenda McKinney, Treasurer, Superior Township; Dedrick Martin, Superintendent, Ypsilanti Public Schools; and Michael Martin, Teamsters.
Cost for dinner is $19.95 per person and $8.95 for children. Seating is first come first serve, no reservations or pre-registration needed. Corporate tables for 8 are available for $500. Entertainment will be provided by John E. Lawrence.
To purchase a table or for more information call the YMOW office at 487-9669.
Heritage Newspapers – March 6, 2010 - “Let’s give children an early boost”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
One of my greatest joys is spending time with my 4-year-old old grandson, Trey. Like every grandparent, I want him to be happy, healthy and secure. I want him to go to bed at night free of worries, and wake up in the morning ready to play and learn.
That’s what I want for every child.
And that’s why I’m happy to serve as co-chairman of Washtenaw Success by 6, a collaborative program that ensures each of the county’s youngest residents and their families — regardless of income — have access to services and support so that every child starts school ready to succeed. Read more…
Heritage Newspapers – February 19, 2010 - “County board doesn’t let politics get in the way of business”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
If you listen carefully as this election year heats up, you’ll notice that every politician loves to say these five words: “I work across the aisle.”
It sounds good, doesn’t it? It sounds like everybody wants to join hands and do what’s best for constituents.
The thing is, anyone can say anything they want. That’s easy.
But I actually have worked across the aisle. And I know firsthand how difficult it is.
A bi-partisan effort requires putting aside the ego and party politics. It requires staying focused on the issues, and remembering that resolving issues isn’t for the benefit of one side or the other. It’s for the benefit of all Michigan residents. Read more…
News Release - February 14, 2010 - The Manchester Ladies Varsity Basketball Team battles breast cancer on and off the court.
On February 11, the Flying Dutch hosted the Vandercook Lake Jayhawks for their second Pink Zone game to raise money for the Kay Yow Breast Cancer Fund. Both teams wore pink uniforms and a pink basketball was used to play the game. Mark Ouimet, Washtenaw County Commissioner and candidate for Michigan House of Representatives, 52nd District, announced the starting line-ups of the teams and spoke about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Ouimet underscored the importance of early detection and screening. Prior to the game, Ouimet helped serve spaghetti at a dinner to raise money for the Manchester After-Prom Committee.
The Pink Zone initiative is a national effort to raise awareness for breast cancer. The effort, started by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association in 2007 strives to bring awareness of the disease to schools across the country. Over 1,000 high school and college teams participate in the program.
The team engaged in a number of fundraising activities, holding a silent auction the day of the game which featured team posters, items donated by local businesses and more. For more details of the fundraising activities of the team check out this article in The Manchester Enterprise.
Chelsea Standard – February 10, 2010 – “Crowds turnout for winter carnival”
Local residents, fishermen and chili chefs flocked to Chelsea over the weekend to compete in several tournaments for the American Legion’s annual winter carnival.
Though area youth braved the 24-degree weather to participate in the ice-fishing challenge, the adults were heating things up inside the legion hall Saturday in a winner-take-all chili cook-off….
Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet attended the cook-off as one of the judges.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s an relatively inexpensive family activity,” he said. “I’ve been coming here for the past four years and the crowds seem to get better every year.” Read more…
News Release - On Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Whitmore Lakes Publics Schools held a forum entitled “Community Conversation.” The approximately 80 parents, students, teachers and other community members in attendance were asked a series of questions regarding proposed budget reductions for the 2010-2011 school year, and responded anonymously using a software program. The district’s administration provided the audience with information regarding sources of funding, limitations in the use of funding depending on the source, reductions in funding, and the budget challenges faced by the district and the state. Ouimet commended the audience for attending stating that this forum was a “high-quality first step” in identifying solutions to the budget issues faced by the district. ”All of the programs are good,” said Ouimet, noting that addressing potential program cuts is not an easy process. For more information regarding the forum and the information presented, contact the Office of the Superintendent of Whitmore Lake Public Schools at (734) 449-4464 or www.wlps.net.
Chelsea Standard – January 23, 2010 – “Other Voices: Michigan’s educational funding crisis”
By Mark Ouimet, Guest Writer
Projections recently released by the Senate Fiscal Agency in Lansing point to a budget deficit of $1.8billion for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. Under those projections, the School Aid Fund, which was sparred during the current fiscal year by one-time federal stimulus dollars, is anticipated to take a hit of $315 million.
Not twenty-four hours after the announcement of those startling figures, the Kids Count in Michigan Data Book was released. The annual report ranks Michigan counties based on a variety of quality-of-life issues that face our children, not the least of which is the quality of education opportunities. Read more…
Chelsea Standard – January 20, 2010 – “Residents honor King’s memory”
Members of the Chelsea community paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in grand fashion Monday evening at the One World One Family community celebration… Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet acknowledged the importance of the national holiday.
“It’s an important day for all of us to reflect on how we treat each other,” he said.
Ouimet, who spent the day helping coordinate Red Cross relief efforts for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, said often he thinks about how King handled certain situations during his public life. Read more…
The Saline Reporter – January 12, 2010 – “County Board of Commissioners takes steps to reduce expense account spending”
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has put into effect an expense account reduction that will see the fund nearly halved.
The measure is intended to send a message during a time when employees are forgoing raises and union negotiators have been asked to accept cuts to their member benefits. Read more…
The Ypsilanti Courier – January 14, 2010 – “Newly formed Chamber ready to get started”
County Commissioner and new board member to the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mark Ouimet, speaks before the group’s first Tuesday breakfast held this week.
“Today is as fine of an example as any that the invisible wall at US-23 is coming down.”
Those were the words of Diane Keller, president of the newly formed Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 12, at the first Tuesday morning breakfast of the merged organization. More than 400 people attended the first meeting group. Read more…
www.annarbor.com – January 15, 2010 – “2010 Chelsea Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Washington Street Education Center (WSEC) hosted by One World One Family Task Force”
When: January 18, 2010 at 7 p.m.
Where: 500 Washington St., Chelsea, MI
Admission: Attendees are also encouraged to bring canned goods or personal care items to be donated to Faith-in-Action. Collection boxes will be available at the door.
The keynote speaker is Frances Kai-Hwa Wang. Ms. Wang writes the Multicultural Living column for AnnArbor.com. She will address this year’s theme for MLKJr. Day: Living in Harmony. Her column speaks to living with diversity and how to handle the everyday issues – good, bad and funny – that come with multicultural living.
Our State Representative Pam Byrnes and our County Commissioner Mark Ouimet will be sharing a few thoughts. Both have long been supportive of Chelsea’s efforts to celebrate Dr. King.
The winner of the 8th annual Carrying the Dream Award will be announced and Chelsea’s own Michigan Pops Choir will perform several songs to close the program.
Community groups are encouraged to come as a group and sit together. OWOF will be recognizing all groups in attendance
Heritage Newspapers – January 9, 2010 – “County Board of Commissioners takes steps to reduce expense account spending”
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has put into effect an expense account reduction that will see the fund nearly halved. Read more…
Heritage Newspapers – January 9, 2010 – “Ouimet plans to seek 52nd District House seat, continue life of public service”
As one of the most recognizable figures in Washtenaw County, Mark Ouimet leads an active life of public service.
Elected as county commissioner for District 1 in 2005, Ouimet is in his third term and plans to seek election for the Michigan House of Representatives 52nd District in November. Read more…
Whitmore Lake Current - December 2009 - Letter to the Editor, Page 6
Manchester Enterprise – December 2, 2009 – “Support Grows for Ouimet Candidacy”
Though he hasn’t officially announced his candidacy to represent Michigan’s 52nd District in Lansing, Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet was the guest of honor at a fundraiser at the Black Sheep Tavern in Manchester Monday.
Recently, the Manchester Enterprise sat down with Ouimet to ask him about issues facing the residents of the 52nd District…read more
Whitmore Lake Courant – November 2009 – Guest Column, Page 6
reportingmichigan.com – Email to the Editor: November 12, 2009 – “Female entrepreneurs will lead the new economy”
Heritage Newspapers – Other Views: December 13, 2009 – “Female entrepreneurs will lead the new economy“
Ann Arbor.com – October 2009 – “People & Achievements in the greater Ann Arbor area including Mark Ouimet”
Heritage Newspapers - Editorial September 16, 2009 – “Take time to thank public safety workers”
Whitmore Lake Courant – September 2009 – Guest Column, Page 6
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