Editor’s Note: There are two Democratic candidates running in the Aug. 7 primary election for the 46th District seat in the Michigan State House of Representatives. Answers to the profile questions were limited to 25 words each.

Daniel W. Sargent
Age: 60
Municipality of residence and number of years lived there: Oxford for last 13 years and 17 years in Lake Orion immediately prior to that
Family: Widowed, daughter, 2 grandchildren
Occupation: High school teacher of Economics and Sociology
Educational Background: BBA (Business), UofM-Flint Teaching Certificate, UofM-Flint, 1990 M.Ed. (Curriculum & Instructional Leadership, Oakland University, 1998 M.Ed. (Quality Schools), Graceland University, 2008
Previous Governmental Experience: School Board Trustee, Lake Orion, 1990-1994
Community Involvement (i.e. charities, service clubs, etc.): Extra-Curricular activities at Oxford High School and a member of Oxford Schools Strategic Planning Committee.
1) Why are you running for office? I want to help guide government to create more opportunities for Michigan citizens by protecting the rights of all citizens and limiting the power of government.
2) If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? I will work to restore the integrity of funding for local governments so schools, townships, and villages can better meet our needs.
3) How do you plan to bring your goals to fruition? I will work to create compromise between elected officials of all parties so we can find middle ground to benefit citizens while protecting their rights.
4) What do you view as the most important responsibility of an elected official and why? Elected officials need to be role models and obey the laws, unlike the current legislature that routinely violates our state constitution when enacting laws.
5) In a nutshell, why should people vote for you? I respect the rights of all Michigan citizens and will work to protect those rights, while restoring rights taken away over the last two years.

David Jay Lillis
Age: 55
Municipality of residence and number of years lived there: Lake Orion, 16 years
Family: Wife, 4 children
Occupation: Executive Sous Chef
Educational Background: High School Diploma, 3-year Culinary Arts Diploma
Previous Governmental Experience: None
Community Involvement (i.e. charities, service clubs, etc.): None
1) Why are you running for office? To represent the district with full commitment and work ethic serving our people. Our vote will be cast for the benefit of our needs.
2) If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? My representation will be equal to all, issues discussed and problems solved. Highly accessible service oriented. I answer to the people of district forty-six.
3) How do you plan to bring your goals to fruition? (When) not in Lansing I’ll be doing research and networking throughout the district. The casting of our vote will come from consensus, cooperation, and compromise.
4) What do you view as the most important responsibility of an elected official and why? By taking no monetary or PAC commitments, I am beholden only to the people. I will be open-minded knowing the difference between right and wrong.
5) In a nutshell, why should people vote for you? I’m guaranteeing to be a full time representative. I’ll listen, research, and inform the people. Casting the vote on their behalf for their benefit.