Media
LaGrand Calls on Hildenbrand to Ax the ‘Unfair Tax’
Posted on October 22, 2010
GRAND RAPIDS – State Senate candidate David LaGrand today challenged his opponent David Hildenbrand to reject the so-called “Fair Tax,” a plan that would give millionaires and corporate CEOs even more money while squeezing West Michigan’s working families and seniors. LaGrand is running for state Senate in the 29th District, which includes parts of Kent County.
“West Michigan’s working families deserve relief, not a 10-percent tax increase that will help the rich get richer while punishing small business owners, seniors and families,” LaGrand said. “We need to eliminate taxes – such as the Michigan Business Tax – to give small businesses a chance to succeed and create jobs. I call on my opponent to join me in rejecting this so-called bogus ‘Fair Tax,’ which is nothing more than another freebie for wealthy CEOs at the expense of hardworking West Michigan families.”
The “Fair Tax” plan would create a new 10 percent sales tax on almost everything Michigan residents buy, including groceries and prescriptions, while cutting taxes for millionaires, big corporations and CEOs. David LaGrand opposes this measure, while Dave Hildenbrand supports it.
“David LaGrand is one of the biggest proponents against unfair taxation, which is why – even as a fiscal conservative – I’m backing him all the way. He knows the key to rebuilding Michigan is eliminating taxes instead of increasing them,” said Clarence Hogeterp, owner of Redux Books. “He also co-owns a small business so I know he’ll take common sense and business savvy all the way to Lansing for some long overdue reforms.”
“David LaGrand is on the side of West Michigan’s seniors like me who have been working to stretch our budgets as far as possible,” said Irene Wiersma. “I’m trying to get the most out of every dollar, and I can’t imagine having to pay a 10 percent tax on everything I buy, even items as simple and essential as toothpaste, groceries or prescriptions. David LaGrand is fighting to make a difference and thinking about everyday people, not catering to corporate millionaires and protecting their profits.”
LaGrand, his wife and four children live in Grand Rapids. As a young entrepreneur, LaGrand went to Calvin College in 1984, paying his way through school by starting his first business, a construction firm. LaGrand comes from a family of small business owners. He is dedicated to investing in his community to rejuvenate our neighborhoods and create local jobs. LaGrand now owns a private law firm and started local businesses that helped revitalize local Grand Rapids neighborhoods: Four Friends Coffeehouse in downtown Grand Rapids and the Wealthy Street Bakery in the Heritage Hills neighborhood.
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David LaGrand Calls for Government Reform Plan of Accountability, Cuts and Transparency
Posted on October 14, 2010
GRAND RAPIDS – State Senate candidate David LaGrand today introduced the A.C.T. Plan to reform state government with a formula of Accountability, Cuts and Transparency to change the way government is run and restore responsibility in Lansing. LaGrand is running for state Senate District 29, which includes parts of Grand Rapids and Kentwood.
“I’m calling for reforms that are long overdue in Lansing to shake up the way Michigan politicians operate, starting with salary cuts and more transparency and accountability with how taxpayer dollars are being spent,” said David LaGrand. “I have to make tough decisions every day as a business owner, and have already embraced some of these reforms as a candidate. I believe politicians should share in the sacrifices and have to answer to Michigan businesses and families.”
The A.C.T. Plan would:
- Cut legislators’ pay by 10 percent and slash their lavish perks and benefits, including eliminating taxpayer-funded lifetime health care for legislators and undocumented expense accounts.
- Audit all state contracts top to bottom to eliminate wasteful spending. Post all state government spending and budgets online.
- Close the revolving door of legislators becoming lobbyists by instituting a four-year ban on former lawmakers being employed as lobbyists. Require all candidates for state office to disclose their income and assets.
- Mandate that government staff not also be employed in the for-profit sector, where they can profit from their political influence.
- Dock legislators’ pay for unexcused absences and for not balancing the budget on time.
“As a business owner in Michigan, times have been tough, and I don’t think Lansing politicians should be immune to tightening their belts,” said Dick Ortega, owner of Alternative Mechanical. “David LaGrand isn’t just talking the talk. As a small business owner, David knows what businesses are going through, and is leading by example to take reform to the state Senate.”
David LaGrand is the only candidate in the 29th District Senate race to promise to never become a lobbyist. He has also disclosed his personal finances. LaGrand has also had his campaign staff sign a pledge that they will not be employed in the for-profit sector to avoid any conflicts of interest or abuse of political power.
LaGrand, his wife and four children live in Grand Rapids. As a young entrepreneur, LaGrand went to Calvin College in 1984, paying his way through school by starting his first business, Steps to Last construction company. He now owns a private law firm and started local businesses that helped revitalize local Grand Rapids neighborhoods: Four Friends Coffeeshop in downtown Grand Rapids and the Wealthy Street Bakery in the Heritage Hills neighborhood.
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LaGrand insists that another disaster be prevented following Thursday’s Illinois oil spill
Posted on September 12, 2010
GRAND RAPIDS – State Senate candidate David LaGrand wants to crack down on corporate polluters like Enbridge from recklessly ruining Michigan waters by holding the parties responsible accountable for cleanup costs and eliminating drilling in the Great Lakes. On the heels of yet another Enbridge Oil spill in Illinois Thursday – after the one in Marshall, Michigan in July- LaGrand believes now is the time to act.
“We have already seen firsthand the dangers an oil spill poses to Michigan waters with the Enbridge spill near the Kalamazoo River that threatened to reach Lake Michigan, and Thursday’s spill was only 30 miles from Chicago’s shore,” LaGrand said. “Countless West Michigan livelihoods hinge on our waters. It’s time for the politicians in Lansing to stand up to special interests and take every action possible to protect our waters and prevent another oil disaster from ever happening in Michigan again.”
Enbridge pipelines sprung at least a dozen leaks since 2003, threatening Michigan waters. In 2010, there were 329 defects detected along the same pipeline that gushed an estimated 1 million gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River in July. Enbridge has been given repeated warnings from the federal government about the quality of its pipelines, and has previously been cited for other safety and environmental violations in Michigan. However Enbridge is taking two-and-a-half years to “consider” making necessary repairs or replacing the pipe.
Enbridge has had a number of spills across the country as well. Earlier this year, a spill in North Dakota spewed 126,000 gallons of oil. There were two major spills in Wisconsin in 2007, and Enbridge was recently fined $2.4 million in relation to a pipeline explosion and fire that killed two workers in Minnesota in 2007. Enbridge has taken little corrective action since this slew of spills across the country. Companies like this must be held accountable for their polluting mistakes, and must be required to cover all costs associated with oil spills and other workplace accidents that could have been prevented.
LaGrand supports a plan to permanently ban drilling in the Great Lakes and hold corporate polluters—and not Michigan taxpayers—accountable for all cleanup costs and damages. He continues to support renewable energy in Michigan to create jobs and decrease dependence on fossil fuels to protect our land, air and water.
For more information on David LaGrand, visit www.DavidLaGrand.com/.
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Michigan League of Conservation Voters endorses David LaGrand
Posted on September 12, 2010
Submitted by Michigan LCV on Thu, 09/02/2010 – 18:15
The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today endorsed David LaGrand for State Senator in the 29th District. LaGrand’s commitment to creating thousands of new clean energy jobs in West Michigan and protecting our Great Lakes makes him the best choice for Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities.
“The Michigan League of Conservation Voters is proud to support David LaGrand in his campaign to represent metro Grand Rapids in the State Senate,” said Michigan League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Lisa Wozniak. “David understands that creating a sustainable economy in Michigan also means creating thousands of jobs for Kent County. More than ever, we need a small business owner like David who will push open the doors in Lansing so these clean energy jobs are able come into our state, as well as the many business opportunities that support them.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters,” said LaGrand. “I share their goals of promoting green jobs as well as the protection of our Great Lakes and valuable natural resources. This endorsement by a prominent non-partisan group like Michigan LCV speaks to my willingness to ignore the partisan bickering that has crippled our Senate for too long.”
Today LaGrand also expressed his disappointment that the State Senate recessed without taking action to put a Constitutional amendment banning Great Lakes oil drilling on the November ballot.
“On a day that yet another oil rig exploded in the Gulf, Michigan Senators are still on vacation without having ever given voters the right to safeguard our lakes. We need new leadership that will work day in and day out to protect our water and lift the cap on damages so that polluters are forced to pay for every penny of clean up efforts when the actions of irresponsible corporations harm our natural resources. This vital amendment to The Constitution would ensure that the Great Lakes never become the scene of the next big oil spill disaster.”
On the same day that another oil rig exploded in the Gulf our legislators our nowhere to be found.
LaGrand believes the ban on Great Lakes drilling has far-reaching economic implications and protects Michigan jobs. “We cannot let Lansing politicians risk devastating our fishing, boating and tourism industries, and the jobs tied to them, by not protecting our Great Lakes. Our more than 3,000 miles of shoreline defines us.”
David LaGrand worked as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, formed several private law practices, created two successful small businesses, including the Wealthy Street Bakery, and was elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2007. David is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and lives with his wife Melissa and their four children.
Michigan LCV is a non-partisan, non-profit organization which seeks to turn environmental goals into legislative and community priorities by electing, educating, and holding officials accountable for their votes and actions.
To view additional endorsements and information on Michigan LCV’s activities in other races throughout the state, please visit our endorsements page
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David LaGrand Wins Democratic Primary and Looks Toward the General Election
Posted on August 04, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Maria Filice
Tel. 616. 454. 9790 or
517. 303. 1507
Email: mfilice@davidlagrand.com
David LaGrand Wins Democratic Primary and Looks Toward the General Election
Candidate for State Senate encouraged by win
Grand Rapids, Mich. August 4, 2010- Yesterday, David LaGrand won the democratic primary in the 29th District State Senate race defeating State Representative Robert Dean. LaGrand, a local small business owner, former City Commissioner and former Assistant Kent County Prosecutor faces off with State Rep. Dave Hildenbrand in the general election.
LaGrand is energized by the results. He said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to the people of the 29th District for supporting my candidacy for state senate. I look forward to talking with voters throughout the district over the next 3 months. This election has solidified my belief that the residents of the 29th District want leaders with real job creation experience. The work is just beginning, and I am eager to spread my message of fixing the mess in Lansing, attracting good paying jobs to the area and protecting our schools and cities.”
LaGrand also said that this victory would not have been possible without the support of his community. “I am incredibly honored by the amazing support and encouragement I have received. This victory was made possible by the wonderful volunteers that believed in my message and gave of their time. To my family and friends, this victory is yours and together we can build a Michigan that works for us all.”
David LaGrand worked as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, formed several private law practices, created two successful small businesses, including the Wealthy Street Bakery, and was elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2007. David is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and lives with his wife Melissa and their four children.
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David LaGrand Files Campaign Finance Report
Posted on July 27, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Maria Filice
Tel. 616. 454. 9790 or
517. 303. 1507
Email: mfilice@davidlagrand.com
David LaGrand Files Campaign Finance Report with Over 360 Individual Contributors
Majority of Donors from West Michigan
Grand Rapids, Mich. July 23, 2010- Today, David LaGrand, former Grand Rapids City Commissioner and small business owner, turned in his Campaign Finance Report for the 29th State Senate Seat. LaGrand raised $122,301.17 in donations and in-kind contributions.
360 individual donors have contributed to the campaign, with the majority of contributors from Kent County. LaGrand, energized by the recent fundraising numbers and looking towards the August 3rd primary said, “The overwhelming number of supporters from the community proves my deep roots and commitment to our region. I am proud to say that the vast majority of our donors are from Kent County and I hope to be a strong voice for our region as its next State Senator.”
David LaGrand is a native of Grand Rapids and a graduate of Calvin College and the University of Chicago Law School. LaGrand worked as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, formed several private law practices, and created two successful small businesses before being elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2007. David is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and lives with his wife Melissa and their four children.
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David LaGrand Discloses Finances and Pledges to Never Become a Lobbyist
Posted on June 01, 2010
News Release
Contact: Maria Filice
Tel. 616. 454. 9790 or
517. 303. 1507
Email: mfilice@davidlagrand.com
Grand Rapids, Mich. June 1, 2010- Today, David LaGrand voluntarily disclosed his personal finances. LaGrand, a firm supporter of government transparency, called his fellow candidates and elected officials to do the same.
Currently, Michigan does not require elected officials to disclose their finances. LaGrand disclosed all automobiles, stocks, mutual funds, accounts, retirement funds, business interests and real estate owned solely or jointly with his spouse. LaGrand believes full financial transparency is essential. “The citizens of Michigan have an absolute right to know if their elected officials have any conflicts of interest,” LaGrand said, “by voluntarily disclosing my finances I hope to encourage all candidates and elected officials to do the same in order to provide the people of Michigan with trusted and open leadership.”
LaGrand did more than just disclose his personal finances. He pledged, when elected he will require his political staff to disclose their finances and sign an agreement restricting and disclosing any outside employment.
In a bold move, LaGrand pledged to never serve as a lobbyist following any term in state office. He said, “Lansing is run by special interests. I pledge to never accept a job as a lobbyist to demonstrate to the people of this District that I answer to no one but them.”
David LaGrand worked as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, formed several private law practices, created two successful small businesses, including the Wealthy Street Bakery, and was elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2007. David is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and lives with his wife Melissa and their four children.
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David LaGrand Approved to Install Solar Panels
Posted on May 20, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Maria Filice
Tel. 616. 454. 9790 or
517. 303. 1507
Email: mfilice@davidlagrand.com
Grand Rapids, Mich. May 20, 2010- Yesterday, David LaGrand was approved to install ten solar panels on his home in Grand Rapids’ historic Heritage Hill District. LaGrand, who is running for the 29th State Senate, is a strong advocate for alternative energy usage and energy independence.
LaGrand researched not only the environmental outcomes of solar energy, but also the cost saving potential. LaGrand explained, “I’m a strong believer city living is good for the environment. This project puts those beliefs into practice in a new way. I got interested in solar technology because of the environmental, health and national security benefits, but when I crunched the numbers I realized this is simply a sound investment. In the 1970s everyone realized that insulation was a sound investment, in the same way solar energy is now saving consumers money.”
The ten solar panels will be installed on the south facing roof, not visible by the street, in order to preserve the historic façade of the home. LaGrand went before the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Committee yesterday. The committee voted unanimously, 7-0, in favor of LaGrand’s request.
David LaGrand worked as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, formed several private law practices, and created two successful small businesses including the Wealthy Street Bakery and was elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2007. David is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and lives with his wife Melissa and their four children.
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David LaGrand Files Paperwork for State Senate with $100,000 Raised
Posted on April 27, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Maria Filice
Tel. 616. 454. 9790 or
517. 303. 1507
Email: mfilice@davidlagrand.com
Grand Rapids, Mich. April 27, 2010- Today, David LaGrand, former Grand Rapids City Commissioner and small business owner, officially filed for the 29th State Senate Seat. LaGrand filed the same day his campaign broke the $100,000 donation mark.
235 individual donors have contributed to the campaign, further cementing the broad based support of the campaign. LaGrand, energized by the recent fundraising numbers said, “I am truly humbled by the support I have received thus far. The generosity of the 235 donors enables me to spread my message of reform, job creation and protecting families throughout the 29th District.”
David LaGrand is a native of Grand Rapids and a graduate of Calvin College and the University of Chicago Law School. LaGrand worked as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, formed several private law practices, and created two successful small businesses before being elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2007. David is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and lives with his wife Melissa and their four children.
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Polls Show LaGrand Winning Primary and General Elections
Posted on January 28, 2010
Grand Rapids, Mich. January 28, 2010 – Just three weeks after announcing his candidacy for State Senate, two polls released today show former City Commissioner David LaGrand winning a potential August primary and defeating both likely Republican candidates in November. The primary poll sampled 845 likely Democratic voters and places LaGrand 24 points ahead of his potential opponent. The general election poll sampled 1,325 likely voters and shows LaGrand defeating Dave Hildenbrand and Lori Wiersma by an average of 6 points.
Both polls were commissioned by the LaGrand campaign and were conducted by Main Street Strategies, a respected polling and consultant group. The primary poll was conducted on January 20 and the general election poll on January 26.
In the primary poll, of the 845 asked, 37% would vote for LaGrand, 13% would vote for potential opponent State Representative Robert Dean, and 51% were undecided. If the number of undecided voters breaks at a similar ratio, LaGrand would be up 74% to 26% against Dean. The poll has a 4% margin of error.
In the general election poll, LaGrand defeats both Dave Hildenbrand and Lori Wiersma by an average of 45% for LaGrand and 39% for the possible Republican candidates with 16% undecided. Dean, however, loses to both Republican candidates by an average of 38% for Dean and 46% for the Republican candidates, with 16% undecided. The poll has a 3.5% margin of error.
Joe DiSano of Main Street Strategies commented on the polls, “Dean’s chances of winning a Senate primary are a very long shot at best. If the Democrats want to win the 29th Senate seat, then the primary voters polled are correct and David LaGrand is the best candidate.”
LaGrand, a former City Commissioner, small business owner and father of four is enthusiastic about the results and looks forward to the campaign. LaGrand said, “The polls demonstrate people are responding positively to my message of using West Michigan values, common sense and a strong business background to reform Lansing and create jobs. The campaign is just beginning and there is a lot of work to be done in the future, but I am humbled that so many people in my community trust me to represent them. I will work hard and listen to citizens every day to continue earning the trust and support of the people of the 29th District.”
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