MICHIGAN HOUSE 54TH DISTRICT

Two-year term

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township

DEMOCRAT

SHADIA MARTINI

Shadia Martini is a self-employed real estate broker/owner. She has a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from University of Aleppo and an MBA from University of Michigan. She is involved with the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Economic incentive policy

As a small business owner with a background in business administration, I believe incentive programs can be a productive means to grow Michigan’s economy by supporting existing businesses and attracting new businesses to the state. This assures that Michiganders will have good-paying jobs and thriving communities. However, recognizing valid critiques of SOAR from both sides of the aisle, I support ongoing efforts to overhaul SOAR and improve its effectiveness.

New education initiatives

Studies have shown that free preschool for children has a positive overall effect on children’s literacy and mathematical skills, making them more prepared for K-12 education. As students graduate from high school, we need to make sure that they have opportunities to attend community college without taking on significant debt. Our state economy depends on having a well-trained workforce to address the challenges of the 21st century; our youth need these skills to obtain well-paying jobs. When we invest in our children, we are investing in our future. I would support both of these initiatives.

Financial disclosure

I support and am satisfied with the financial disclosure expansions that Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved in 2022.

Citizens right of redress

The legislature should not intentionally prevent Michiganders from challenging enacted legislation. Attaching extraneous expenditure provisions with clear intent to block the public from challenging legislation should be disallowed.

Public museums tax

I support this proposal and would support an expanded proposal that includes the Holocaust Center, the Cranbrook Art Museum, and the Cranbrook Institute of Science. All of these institutions are important contributions to our state’s education system, tourism, and culture.

Validity of voting returns

I accept the results of the 2020 election in Michigan and I will accept the results of the 2024 general election, regardless of outcome. I grew up in Syria, a country where only one candidate was allowed on the ballot for president. I know what fraudulent elections look like: no such thing occurred in Michigan.

Top three-five issues

My top issues are economic growth, reproductive rights, gun safety, clean water infrastructure, and housing.

REPUBLICAN

DONNI STEELE

Donni Steele is the incumbent state Representative for the 54th District. Prior to becoming a Michigan legislator in 2022, she was Orion Township Treasurer from 2016-2022, and was an Orion Township Trustee from 2012-2016. She is past chairperson and secretary of Orion Township Parks and Path Committee, past treasurer of Polly Ann Trail Council, and past chairperson of Paint Creek Trail Committee. Steele has a degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.

Economic incentive policy

MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) and subsequently SOAR was designed to attract economic development and businesses to Michigan. However, the recent corporate handouts approved by the majority Democrats have missed the mark of their original intent. One of the companies that received billions of Michigan SOAR tax dollars was named the worst economic development Deal of 2023 by the CEA (Center for Economic Accountability). It was quote to be “a dishonor awarded to the most egregious misuse of taxpayer funds which was intended to spur economic growth.” We should foster growth by fairly investing in Michigan’s infrastructure, our schools, and lowering the cost of living by reducing taxes and energy costs. Doing so will retain and attract businesses and residents to Michigan. So allowing SOAR to continue with passing out tax dollars to select few, is unfair to the rest of Michigan residents & businesses.

New education initiatives

Michigan was on track to pay the unfunded liability of $30 billion dollars of our teacher’s pension fund. The state already invests millions of dollars annually in community colleges, which are already subsidized by local property tax millages. There are a multitude of ways for those wishing to go to college to apply for grants, scholarships and loans through the ‘free application for federal student aid’ (FAFSA). Free preschool is currently available for those who need free preschool. Why would we raid the teachers pension funding to enlarge already existing, unsustainable programs instead of fairly reducing the cost of living for everyone in Michigan? Not every person is college bound and we need workers at every level for every industry in Michigan. Not every family has pre-K kids and now the government will be competing with small businesses who provided preschool and daycare. I believe basic economics will prevail, and this program will ultimately reduce preschool choices for an already limited and very expensive endeavor. Again, we should lower the cost of living for everyone in Michigan, not a select few.

Financial disclosure

Although the intent was commendable, the process created was dismally bureaucratic, cumbersome and little information shared to the public. The ballot proposal passed by the people in the last election cycle was designed to distinguish whether there is a conflict of interest for elected officials in passing specific legislation, and if elected officials were to obtain gain from these practices. It was necessary for us to increase disclosure laws, however ,there is still no accountability for those who utilize the system for personal gain. Ultimately and unfortunately, there will always be those who will find loopholes to personally gain from the system. It’s important for the voters to pick officials who are intent on public service, not personal gain.

Citizens right of redress

The Michigan constitutional requirement of a balanced budget is healthy for a fiscally responsible government. Further budgeting guidelines such as population and inflation adjustments are directly linked to our budgeting process. It would be beneficial for more rules regarding how long the budget has to be available to legislators before going up for a vote. Having citizens referendum rights would be chaotic. Voting and exercising your right to vote should insure the government is attentive to the will of the people, which is part of the reason our State has term limits. In addition, we have elections every two years for us in the House of Representatives and the Senate/ Executive branch every four years. In my office as district 54 state representative, we have an open dialogue with residents to redress their grievances to me directly.

Public museums tax

Although I believe having art and culture opportunities available to our residents is important, raising property taxes to fund these projects is not ideal. As I have discussions in my district, residents are concerned of the ever increasing property taxes. This reinforces what I have said many times – Michiganders are being taxed out of their homes. The countywide property tax millage to pay for museums in other counties is not fair for residents and communities that won’t use these facilities because are too far away or they don’t have any attending interest. If residents or communities had an option to opt out of the tax, that would be more fair. Oakland County is big, people in Rose, Addison, Brandon, Springfield, Holly and Oxford Townships who live on the northern border of the county are still confronted with dirt roads, lack of internet and bare minimal services. These residents would prefer their tax dollars to be in their pocket or spent on issues they face daily other than museums in Detroit. User based fees, consolidation, outreach, fundraising and less administration are other ways to fund these museums.

Validity of voting returns

Yes and yes. In addition having more scrutiny and efficiency on the Qualified Voter File (QVF), it is paramount and should be a priority for the Secretary of State to ensure its absolute exemplariness for the integrity our statewide elections.

Top three-five issues

1. As a current elected official, addressing the transparency and accountability of our budgeting process is paramount. In addition the accountability of our budgeting expenditures through programs throughout our budget needs to be addressed. Our current budget of $82 billion dollars has almost doubled from the previous administration, however our population has remained stagnet. 2. The posterity of Michigan’s infrastructure needs to be addressed and funded properly. This includes but not limited to roads, bridges, stormwater, sewage and water treatment. As current minority appropriations Vice Chair of Transportation, reports indicate we are underfunding our roadway system by $3-4 billion annually. 3. Making Michigan a great place to live, work and play by making it fair and affordable. Stop picking winners and losers through corporate welfare, tax credits. Make if affordable by lowering taxes through less government spending. 4. Education, freedom and accountability. 5. Safety in our schools and our communities.