STATE HOUSE / 6TH DISTRICT / DEMOCRAT

CHARLIE GANDY-THOMPSON

Charlie Gandy-Thompson of Royal Oak has a BS in computer engineering and a master in engineering management. She is self-employed as a consultant. And has not held an elected office.

Government transparency

Michigan is one of only two states where the state legislature and administration are not subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. Although Governor Whitmer has promised in 2018 to extend the FOIA to cover her office and the legislature and the senate passed legislation in 2025, the House has still left these bills in the House Government Operations Committee with no movement. Do you support extending the Freedom of Information Act to cover the legislative and administrative branches of state government?

No, I do not support a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to expanding the Freedom of Information Act without first understanding the reasons behind the current exemptions. I do support transparency and accountability in Michigan government. However, any changes should be carefully considered to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information, security concerns, and individual privacy. A balanced approach is needed — one that increases transparency while maintaining necessary protections.

Data Center Farms

Large scale data centers have become an important issue in Michigan. Should the state be providing incentives to attractive large scale data centers? What regulations should be enacted to protect residents from possible increased electric rates and impact on water sources in the state? Lastly, there have been concerns that the state could intervene in the local approval process along the lines of what has been done on alternative energy projects in the state. Would you support the state taking more control of the local approval process?

The goal should always be to protect Michigan residents and the state’s natural resources. Decisions regarding major developments that significantly impact communities should be made through collaboration between state and local governments. A shared decision-making approach helps ensure that projects are carefully evaluated for their environmental, health, and community impacts, while also considering broader state priorities. This balance is important to prevent harmful or poorly planned infrastructure and to ensure that developments provide real, measurable benefits to Michigan residents and do not negatively impact land, water, or quality of life.

Economic incentive policy

There has been ongoing debate in both parties in Lansing about past and current administrations’ economic development policies for attracting new business to the state. What is you position on the current economic development efforts?

My goal is to support long-term investment in Michigan that attracts businesses, retains talent, and strengthens our economy for future generations. Michigan’s future economy must continue to lead in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

New taxes to offset Medicaid cuts

Michigan is facing major cuts to federal funds for Medicaid, thanks to the 2025 adoption of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. To counteract these cuts, Governor Whitmer had proposed increased taxes on tobacco and vape products and new taxes on digital advertising, which were ignored by legislators in recent budget sessions. Would you support similar tax proposals in the future? Why or why not?

Medicaid is a critical resource for many Michigan families, seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities who rely on access to healthcare. Cuts to Medicaid funding could have a detrimental impact on families and communities across our state. At the same time, Michigan must remain fiscally responsible. Reducing Medicaid funding often means the state must either increase taxes, reduce funding for other essential services, or shift costs onto hospitals, providers, and working families.

Financial disclosure

Voters approved financial disclosure for all state office holders and candidates. Are you satisfied with the regulations developed by lawmakers or are there changes you think need to be made? Explain.

Yes, I support increased financial transparency and accountability in government. I also support more detailed reporting of gifts and other benefits to ensure that elected officials are acting in the best interests of Michigan residents. Strengthening disclosure requirements helps build public trust and ensures greater visibility into how decisions are made and influenced.

Validity of voting returns

Did you accept the returns of the presidential election in 2020?

Yes.

Top three-five issues

What are the top three-five issues you want to address if you are ultimately elected?

Economy, education and healthcare.

Why vote for you

Why should a primary voter select you over another candidate?

I bring over 27 years of leadership experience solving problems, building organizations, and bringing people together to achieve results. Michigan is at a critical point where we need leaders who are willing to ask the right questions, review existing systems, and develop solutions that work for residents across our state. Throughout my career, I have led organizational development and mergers — some of the most difficult challenges any leader can face. I successfully created processes, procedures, and budgets that earned support because I believe effective leadership comes from listening, building consensus, and focusing on results I have worked with everyone from CEOs to Kids, and I believe that when the goal is the same, you can work with anyone. I am running for office to represent Michigan residents and help create efficient, responsible, and forward-thinking plans for our economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. My focus is on delivering real solutions, building long-term opportunities, and ensuring Michigan remains a strong place to live, work, and raise a family.

DAVID LAUER

David Lauer of Beverly Hills has a BA in integrative studies at Oakland University and program studies in political science and philosophy at U of M. He is on the board of the Michigan Jewish Caucus and the national cabinet of the JFNA, and is a full-time candidate active in a number of party organizations.

Government transparency

We must hold our government officials to heightened levels of transparency, in terms of finances and communications. At a time when it is critical to restore good faith and strengthen our democratic party implementing The FOIA is a necessary step forward. For too long Michigan has fallen further behind in terms of Government integrity. I support SB 1-2 introduced by Senators Moss and Chang in a bipartisan effort highlighting the need for a FOIA Coordinator at the county, House and Senate levels and governor’s office. Michigan has failed in 10 of 13 categories, including public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative accountability. Our public deserves to hold our electeds accountable and to know what decisions are being made on their behalf.

Data Center Farms

Hold DC’s accountable: Must be in areas where the infrastructure can support them, avoiding sprawl in addition to strain on our environment. Never exploit tax loops that help Data Centers shift accountability to the public or onto other communities. Commits to prevailing wage standards, local hiring and safe workplace conditions. Pays all grid costs, upgrades and additional burdens so tax/ratepayers do not end up with rate hikes/fronting the bill. Limit water discharge and use. Where water is dumped, screen for potential contaminants and temperature. Must use existing municipal infrastructure for water delivery and must contribute to the water table. 100 percent renewable energy. Battery storage, clean energy utilization. No diesel or gas generators.

Economic incentive policy

Under Governor Whitmer, innovative and promising economic plans have started and show great results. I will continue to build on their success while remembering: Michigan has many resources to build on such as excellent universities, a history and base of technological expertise and hard-working Michiganders. The Make in Michigan MIIMCF should be used to attract manufacturing investments in EV production, semiconductor production, defense and aerospace industries. I will employ targeted tax relief for seniors and working families. This could take the form of rolling back the retirement tax and expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. All programs must be ruthlessly examined and re-examined for effectiveness and financial stewardship. I will drive down costs and champion the Rx Kids Program, Tri-share Childcare.

New taxes to offset Medicaid cuts

Medicaid is essential for the health of lower-income and working-class families and must be restored as much as possible. I support Governor Whitmer’s proposed new taxes. Studies show that steeper taxes on nicotine products lower rates of use and reduce cancer rates. Right now, vaping and nicotine pouch use among young people is skyrocketing. A digital tax on advertising would mainly affect tech monopolies such as Meta and Google who should be fairly taxed as opposed to traditional services and goods. The state attorney Ggeneral should advise on potential federal litigation problems under The Internet Tax Freedom Act. Other states are in federal court currently over digital taxes and what happens there might make this Michigan question moot.

Financial disclosure

I agree with the regulations set out in the Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act 281 of 2023 and subsequent amendments through PA14 of 2026.  This Act clearly and strongly defines the expectations, requirements, exemptions, waiver options, and the reporting format. Reporting forms, deadlines, and the manner of submission are easily accessible. Public trust in decision making needs to be restored. Also, there must be the intent to prevent undue monetary influence, favors and future profit. I commend the work done to establish these clear expectations. However, recognition, clarification and action is needed to ban political contributions from regulated monopoly utilities and corporations seeking to influence the granting of government contracts. I am proud to have endorsed Michigan Money out of Politics.

Validity of voting returns

Yes, Absolutely I accept the results of the 2020 election because election officials at that time, Republicans and Democrats, testified that voting was secure, legal and could be trusted. Over 60 court cases have found the vote secure. Not one court has found otherwise. The following federal investigative organizations found no significant fraud election – the FBI, Dept of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Dept of Justice, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Attorney General Bill Barr. Red state and local investigations hoping to find fraud quietly faded away.

Top three-five issues

Equitable Healthcare We Can afford: Implementing a state heath exchange to create competition in the market. Capping Prescription costs and creating a statewide regulatory body to drive down prescription costs. Fortifying our Public Education System:. Teacher turnover and Brain drain to other states or districts impacts every classroom. Implementing 60k starting salary for teachers. Creating a statewide education cabinet to set clear and measurable goals and facilitate communication from the bottom up. Economic Development: A strong Michigan economy raises all boats. Most Michigan families are feeling stretched and even broken by high inflation, low wages and lack of opportunities. We can both rebuild Michigan and create economic prosperity by prioritizing future forward industries coupled with sustainable practices, transitioning old work forces to new high/green tech sectors.

Why vote for you

As tenured Democrats are passing the torch, I’m stepping up as the next generation of legislators desperately needed in Lansing. I bring fresh ideas, new energy and I’m not as connected to traditional political cliques. This position is not a steppingstone, it’s a 12-year track with potential for a leadership position. I’m a full-time candidate and will bring that same commitment to the House. I’ll be a champion for Michiganders who are feeling alienated and marginalized. I have strong interpersonal skills, can work with diverse groups of people while retaining my core values. I spent over a decade building campaigns, advocating on capitol hill, organizing communities and political action. I bring a background of civilian run disaster relief services and high-level finance.

MELANIE MACEY

Melanie Macey of Royal Oak has a BS in political science, an MS in computer science and a law degree. She has served on the Royal Oak City Commission, the Royal Oak Library Board and the Royal Oak School District Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion council.

Government transparency

Yes. I see no reason why I was subject to FOIA as a City Commissioner but would not be as a State Representative, where the decisions I make may affect millions of Michiganders.  Michigan is one of the worst states in terms of government transparency, and exempting the legislature and governor from FOIA is one of the primary reasons for our low ranking. Voters deserve to know how decisions are made and who is influencing those decisions. I will proudly support efforts to extend FOIA to both the legislative and executive branches and strengthen transparency throughout state government.

Data Center Farms

The widespread pushback against large-scale data centers from across the political spectrum demonstrates that Michiganders believe we have gone too far in chasing data center approval without considering the costs to local communities. We cannot participate in a race to the bottom only to find out that all the benefits are going to large corporations at the cost of Michiganders’ health and quality of life. In truth, we need to be addressing the overall impact of AI, as the insatiable demand for AI in all aspects of our lives is negatively affecting our world in far more profound ways than we are taking into account in the data center conversation. Leaving the development and regulation of AI in the hands of corporations that value making money above all other considerations is a dark prospect for our future. But, here we are. To answer the question about regulations, we need to consider how we can ensure data centers are not causing harm to our homes, families, and communities. It must be non-negotiable that the data centers bear the cost of all electricity and water needs, that they reuse water and minimize usage, that they use renewable energy,  and that the centers are built with union labor. There need to be agreements in place for ongoing regulation, including energy audits, water usage audits, environmental impact studies, and utility-rate monitoring, with the ability to shut it down if non-compliant. I do not support the state overriding local control in the approval process for data centers. If the project is truly beneficial, then I am confident local communities can support them through open, transparent public approval processes. If they are not beneficial for local communities, I see no reason for the state to force them on a community.

Economic incentive policy

Michigan’s recent approach to economic development incentives has produced mixed results at best.  We are not going to grow the Michigan economy by giving tax breaks and incentives to a small number of highly-profitable companies to open a few facilities in the hopes that the promised jobs materialize. The future of Michigan has to be a full reinvestment in people. A skilled workforce will attract business. Keeping our talented students in Michigan to develop their business ideas here will grow business. Rather than focusing on one-off incentive packages, we should invest in the fundamentals that benefit all Michiganders: education, infrastructure, housing, workforce development, and quality of life. Those investments will produce durable economic growth and make Michigan a place where both businesses and families want to stay.

New taxes to offset Medicaid cuts

The Trump cuts to Medicaid threaten healthcare access for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders and place additional strain on hospitals and healthcare providers. We must increase spending on Medicaid and health care generally in light of the federal cuts. The duration of the cuts remains an open question that makes it challenging to address, but preserving healthcare coverage must be a priority. If more state revenue is necessary, I would prefer approaches that ask the most profitable corporations to contribute more rather than relying primarily on taxes that disproportionately affect working families. That said, I would support reasonable revenue measures, including those previously proposed by Governor Whitmer, if the alternative is reducing healthcare access, cutting services, or forcing vulnerable residents to lose coverage.

Financial disclosure

The financial disclosure laws implementing the measure approved by voters were an important step forward, but there is room for improvement. I appreciated efforts by AG Nessel to close remaining loopholes, but some remain. In particular, I believe we should address the asset carousel problem by requiring spousal financial disclosure and should increase penalties for knowingly filing inaccurate or misleading reports. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust.

Validity of voting returns

Yes. Michigan’s 2020 election was secure, accurate, and thoroughly reviewed.

Top three-five issues

Strengthening Public Education – Fully funding public schools, expanding student support services, investing in career and technical education, and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. Making Michigan More Affordable – Lowering the costs of housing, healthcare, childcare, and utilities while supporting fair wages and strong worker protections. Building Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities – Investing in roads, water systems, clean energy, public transit, and infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and climate resilience. Growing Economy Through Workforce Development – Investing in workforce training, higher education, apprenticeships, and economic policies that help businesses succeed by investing in people rather than corporate giveaways. Protecting Democracy and Fundamental Rights – Defending voting rights, increasing government transparency, protecting reproductive freedom, and ensuring every Michigander’s voice is heard.

Why vote for you

I bring a combination of experience, effectiveness, and commitment to public service that will allow me to make an impact from day one. For eight years, I served on the Royal Oak City Commission, where I worked through difficult issues, balanced competing interests, and delivered results for residents. As Policy and Government Affairs Director for Promote the Vote, I helped lead statewide efforts to protect voting rights, draft legislation, build coalitions, and advocate successfully for policies that expanded access to the ballot. I understand how government works at both the local and state levels, and I know how to bring people together to turn ideas into policy. Just as importantly, I am deeply committed to the values that brought me into public service in the first place: protecting democracy, defending fundamental rights, strengthening public education, safeguarding our environment, and creating economic opportunity for everyone. This is a critical moment for Michigan and for our country, where democracy itself seems to be at risk. I am ready to bring both the experience and the energy necessary to meet that moment and fight for the people I represent.