Two Alpena men vie for 106th District post
Two candidates who claim Alpena as their hometown, are running for state representative in the 106th District, which includes Presque Isle County. Democrat Matt Gillard, who is completing his first term in Lansing, is seeking re-election on November 2, and is opposed by Republican Rich Fortier. Gillard is an attorney who worked for an Alpena law firm before his election in 2002. Fortier has operated Fortier Electric for the last 30 years.
While the candidates have their political differences, the two men share the same beliefs about job creation in the region.
“Northern Michigan is really hurting for jobs right now,” Fortier said. “I believe my experience as a small business owner will allow me to improve northern Michigan’s employment climate.” Gillard said, “My priorities are to keep working to protect and create good-paying jobs in Northern Michigan.” Gillard said he would fight outsourcing and continue to seek lower prescription drug and health care costs.
“DURING MY first term, I obtained more than $6 million in state grants for projects to create jobs and improve local economies,” said Gillard. “I also spearheaded the fight to lower health care and prescription drug costs.”
Fortier looks forward to contributing Northeast Michigan’s values on other important issues in the state. “I want to protect our Second Amendment rights, the rights of the unborn and make sure marriage consists of one man and one woman,” said Fortier. “Once elected, with the grace of God, we can work to pass on to our children and grandchildren the same safe, friendly, prosperous and pristine northern Michigan that our parents passed on to us.”
Gillard said he is committed to providing every child in Michigan a quality education that prepares them for the 21st Century marketplace. He also wants “to preserve and protect our state’s most precious natural assets by opposing companies who want to sell Great Lakes water for a profit or send Great Lakes waters to other states.”
GILLARD IS SERVING on the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Committee as minority vice chair. He also is a member of the Health Policy Committee and Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Fortier is active in the Alpena area where he currently serves as president of the Alpena County Optimist Club. He also is a member of the Hubbard Lake Lions, Knights of Columbus, National Rifle As
AN AVID HUNTER and fisherman, Gillard and his wife Jessica have a six-month old daughter, Gracie.
Fortier, a Navy veteran, has been married for 37 years and has two grown daughters. The youngest of the two, Lindsey, served as a specialist in the Army and saw action in Baghdad. Fortier is also the grandfather of three.
The candidate who gets the nod November 2 will serve a two year term. The 106th District consists of Alpena, Montmorency, Crawford, Oscoda, and Alcona counties, as well as Presque Isle County.