Dear friends,

While I was not successful in yesterday’s election, I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for their support, encouragement and assistance throughout the campaign.

It was an honor to travel this constituency.

I congratulate the winner and trust this scrimmage will have served him well in his quest to serve the people of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

Michigan is at a crossroads.

We, the people, must step up, get involved and come together to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.

Come November, we have a tremendous opportunity.

Not only must we elect the right candidates to fix Lansing and get Michigan working again, but we must take back our government and reinvent it for the twenty-first century by supporting Proposal 1, which would convene a state constitutional convention.

This is the single most important public policy question facing our state in a half-century.

It is our one chance to enact the radical reform -- the real change – we so desperately need in Lansing.
Again, thank you to everyone for their support.

Most respectfully yours,

Dennis Lennox

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. – Two national leaders are campaigning for Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox in the final hours of the race for State House in the 105th District.

Former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, co-chair of the Republican Leadership Council, called voters saying: “I’ve endorsed Dennis Lennox for state representative. Dennis Lennox is committed to addressing Michigan’s profound challenges with innovative, outside the box solutions. He’s a sensible voice committed to ensuring a brighter future for Michigan’s next generation. On Tuesday, please vote Dennis Lennox for state representative.”

Whitman was joined by Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law & Justice, who is widely known for his work with Pat Robertson on the Christian Broadcasting Network. In 2008, Sekulow was chairman of the Romney for President National Faith and Values Steering Committee.

“I’m calling to defend my friend Dennis Lennox, who I’m endorsing for state representative,” said Sekulow. “While his opponents use dirty tricks and malicious phone calls, Dennis Lennox is focused on making Michigan the most pro-family state in the country. Dennis Lennox’s record of supporting traditional values is beyond question. He understands that strong families are vital to Michigan’s future.”

Lennox, R-Topinabee, is seeking the seat of term-limited Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, the House minority leader. The constituency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. -- Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox has received the National Rifle Association’s highest rating in the final days of his campaign for State House.

Lennox, a Republican from Topinabee, received the AQ rating from the NRA because he is a "solid pro-gun/pro-hunting candidate who is an advocate for the right to keep and bear arms."

"I am committed to ensuring that our rights enshrined in article one, section six of the Michigan Constitution and the Second Amendment of the federal Constitution are preserved, defended and advocated," said Lennox. "These rights have guaranteed the citizenry their freedoms and liberties since the founding of our state and republic."

The AQ rating is the highest a non-incumbent candidate can receive in a campaign.  The NRA bases its rating on a candidate's questionnaire responses.

Lennox is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Kewadin), the House minority leader. The constituency spans Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

In case you missed this:

VANDERBILT, Mich. — Republican candidate for State House Dennis Lennox, the drain commissioner of Cheboygan County, received an endorsement from Our Home Town News, the weekly newspaper covering Vanderbilt and surrounding areas.

The endorsement of Lennox, who is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire), was published in the July 28 edition. It reads:

On Tuesday, voters in Vanderbilt will head to the polls to cast votes in the Democratic and Republican primaries.

One of those choices is the Republican primary for the Michigan House of Representatives seat.

In this race, I endorse Dennis Lennox. Over the past several months I have met and observed Dennis’ actions, and have come to know him and how he thinks, more than any other candidate.

This election is about change. There is no candidate representing change moreso than Lennox.

At 26, he’s made the decision to stay in Northern Michigan while so many of his generation have left in droves. While he currently serves as the elected drain commissioner up the road in Cheboygan County, he is running for state representative because he believes it’s time for "a new generation of leaders and not the same old politicians with the same tired old ideas." I couldn’t agree more.

I know some are leaning towards Ken Glasser of Gaylord, but I don’t believe this to be a sound choice.

Glasser’s only real achievement as county commissioner has been raising taxes by over $5 million a year. In his years on the board, he’s never voted against approving a tax increase. This has given Otsego County the unfortunate distinction of having the highest tax burden of the four surrounding counties.

With respect to the other candidates, there isn’t a single one with the experience, qualifications and ability to get to work for us.

Of all the candidates, he is also the only one who has made a concerted effort to meet and listen to the people of Vanderbilt. Lennox has been to the school board meeting, spoke at the township and village meetings, knocked on doors and held a Pizza and Politics at the local Elkhorn Grill in a meet-the-candidate event.

It’s been a long time since Vanderbilt experienced that kind of attention from those running for office, especially when the candidate lives in the neighboring county.

I will be voting for Dennis Lennox and I encourage you to do so as well.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox, Republican candidate for State House, released the first television advertisement in the 105th District race ahead of the election on Aug. 3.

A transcript of the advertisement, which begins today, follows:

“My name is Dennis Lennox and I authorized this message.

“I’m running for state representative because I’ve waved goodbye to my generation.

“We’ve lost one family every 12 minutes. 25,000 K-12 students left Michigan this school year alone. That’s unacceptable.

“I believe Michigan needs a new generation of leaders. Not the same old politicians.

“I’m your endorsed pro-life Republican candidate for state representative.

“And I need your vote on August 3.

“Find out more at FixingLansing.com.”

The advertisement can be watched at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TJJoPFB6J0.

Additionally, the Gongwer News Service ran the following blurb in its Monday report:

Republican candidate Dennis Lennox has a television ad in his bid for the 105th House District.

"I'm running for state representative because I've waved goodbye to my generation," he says. "I believe Michigan needs a new generation of leaders. Not the same old politicians."

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. – Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox’s campaign for State House in the 105th District has been endorsed by the Great Lakes Education Project.

Lennox, who is seeking the seat of term-limited House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Kewadin), received the organization’s endorsement because of his "strong stance in favor of parental choice and other meaningful education reforms."

"We need to get education back to its mission of educating the next generation," said Lennox (R-Topinabee). "Education is best when the local community – parents, teachers, principals – control the schools instead of state and federal bureaucrats."

Lennox, who attended public, private, charter and home schools, is committed to re-focusing Lansing’s priorities to the three core functions of state government: education, public safety and infrastructure.

Others endorsing Lennox include the Republican Leadership Council, Pro-Life Federation of Michigan and Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association.

The 105th District covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

I recently completed a questionnaire by Joan Fabiano, a leader in the statewide tea party movement. Her Grassroots in Michigan organization is collecting the questionnaires and scoring candidates. Since she doesn't publish a candidate's answers in full, I am publishing my questionnaire answers:

1. What are your reasons for running for office?

I am running for State House because I am sick and tired of waving goodbye to my generation -- your children and grandchildren. We have lost one family every 12 minutes. That’s unacceptable. We need a new generation of leaders in Lansing. Leaders who will address Michigan’s twenty-first century challenges with twenty-first century solutions.

2. Are you pro-life? If so what is your definition of pro-life?

I am 100-percent pro-life. I am proud to have the exclusive Pro-Life Federation of Michigan endorsement in the Republican Party primary in the 105th District. I believe that life begins at conceptions.

3. What is your belief on absentee voting for any reason and same day registration and voting?

I am opposed to no-reason absentee voting and same-day registration. I believe this will result in increased election fraud and irregularities.

4. What is your stance on the REAL ID, enhanced drivers license in Michigan and National ID?

I am opposed to this as well as any other initiative by the federal government to require identity cards.

5. What is your standpoint on a Michigan Constitution Convention that will be on the ballot in November?

I will vote yes on Proposal 1, the single most important public policy question facing Michigan in a half-century, because I believe that Lansing is broken and government, at all levels, must be reformed and restructured to reflect the realities of 2010.

6. What is your opinion of “revenue neutral” type- plan being proposed by Business Leaders for Michigan? http://www.businessleadersformichigan.com/ In a nutshell, what aspects of the plan are you for or against?

I am the only candidate in the 105th District that has signed Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform pledge. I will not increase taxes on working families and businesses. With that said, I believe it is crucial to have tax reform in Michigan. We need a simple, flat, fair tax that welcomes innovation and job creation and provides fair, equitable relief for both working families and businesses.

7. Would you support sovereignty legislation such as HJR YY?
Yes.

8. Would you consider the idea of a part-time Legislature in Michigan?

I do not believe that amending the Constitution of Michigan to limit the number of days the Legislature may convene will do anything to address Michigan’s challenges -- it won’t create a single job or keep a single business in the state. The Legislature should vote to adjourn themselves after the budget is passed. I have proposed limiting the Legislature from taking up any other business -- except for emergencies -- until a budget is passed and signed by the governor. Limiting the people’s voice to an arbitrary number of session days will greatly increase the power of lobbyists, unelected bureaucrats and the governor.

9. What is your interpretation of the rights afforded in the 2nd Amendment in the Bill of Rights?

I believe it is the constitutional right of Michiganders, under the federal and state constitutions, to own and possess a firearm.

10. What is your definition of limited government?

The term limited government in my opinion is more applicable at the federal level at least in a classical political science context.
The federal government’s authority and jurisdiction is limited to the powers enumerated to it in the federal Constitution whereas state government is not limited and may do anything unless prohibited by either the federal or state constitutions. In other words, the Congress is a limited-purpose legislative body while the Legislature is a general-purpose legislative body.

More broadly, it is the notion that government’s role in the liberties or her citizens and the economy as a whole should be limited to the absolute minimum.

11. What are your top three priorities to restore and increase free market opportunities in Michigan?

I believe we must cut taxes, reform government at all levels and re-focus Lansing to ensure that government is serving the people and not the other way around.

12.  “What should be the appropriate response(s) of a Michigan elected official to any unconstitutional proposed legislation (state or federal) which will impact Michigan citizens?”

As a county-wide elected official, I took an oath of office to preserve and defend the state and federal constitutions. I would be violating my oath -- and the office entrusted to me by the people -- to act in a way that was unconstitutional or illegal under statute.  

Here are my answers to a Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce candidate questionnaire:

1. Do you favor the use of economic development funds, grants, bonds and other incentives for growing or expanding opportunities in the region?   If Yes, What types of projects should be funded through these incentives?  If No, Why not?

I do not believe it is the role of government to pick economic winners and losers. Michigan must be open for business to all innovators and job creators.

2. What are your top three priorities as a legislature should you be elected?

I believe Lansing must be re-focused to the three core functions of government: public safety, education and infrastructure. Those are the three things government must do; everything else is a luxury. Beyond that, we must reform government at all levels to reflect the realities of the twenty-first century.

3. What specifically is Michigan missing in regards to creating an environment for small businesses to flourish?

I have signed a pledge to never increase taxes on working families and business. I do not believe raising taxes is ever the solution to economic and budgetary challenges. I am committed to repealing the job-killing Michigan Business Tax and implementing right-to-work legislation on day one, which would make Michigan competitive with over 22 other states. My plan also provides a tax credit to main street for hiring recent college and vocational school graduates. I have received the Small Business Association of Michigan ‘stamp of approval’ for my pro-main street policies.

4. Businesses traditionally want low taxes along with a stable state government that can pay its bills.  Do you support restructuring the tax system in Michigan?  Including a tax on services?   How would you describe the importance of this right now?

I have signed a pledge to never increase taxes on working families and business. I do not believe raising taxes is ever the solution to economic and budgetary challenges. But cutting taxes isn't enough. State government spending must also be reduced, which is why Iwill cut spending from $4,800 per person, per year to $3,500 per person, per year. This will reduce spending by $13 billion per year.

5. School funding and the costs of benefits and pensions have been discussed at length statewide.  What do you feel needs to be done to help schools with these costs to give our local districts the ability to spend funds in the classroom?

K-16 schools and colleges should receive equitable, per student funding instead of the current unfair funding formulas that punish families for living in Northern Michigan or attending colleges without the political clout of the biggest institutions. School bureaucracy must be done away with so education focuses on each student's real needs. I will ensure education is re-focused to teaching the next generation and not complying with unfunded mandates and the mandatory 200 reports that K-12 districts must submit each year to bureaucrats. Money spent on education should get to the classroom.

6. It has been mentioned several times during this election process that Michigan businesses are among the most regulated in the country.  In what regard do you believe this to be true, and what changes would you support, if any?

Michigan's system of government with its archaic and often overlapping structure must be reformed, consolidated and streamlined. In Cheboygan County alone, there is one politician for every 166 people. In all, Michigan elects more politicians than almost any other state in the union. At the local level, it's time to reorganize Michigan's 83 counties for the first time since 1891. Whether it's consolidation or ensuring the system and structure are flexible to accommodate local communities, real reform must occur to bring government into the twenty-first century.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox has received the endorsement of the Republican Leadership Council in his campaign for State House.

“Dennis Lennox is committed to addressing Michigan’s profound challenges with innovative, outside the box solutions that focus on fixing Lansing and getting Michigan working again,” said Republican Leadership Council co-chair Christine Todd Whitman, the former governor of New Jersey. “He is a sensible voice committed to ensuring a brighter future for Michigan’s next generation.”

The Republican Leadership Council, co-chaired by Whitman and former U.S. Senator John Danforth of Missouri, advocates the traditional GOP principles of liberty, individual responsibility and personal freedom.

Lennox is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, the House minority leader. The consistency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

In case you missed it, MIRS, a news service covering government and politics in Michigan, ran this story in Wednesday's edition:

Lennox proposes two-year, rolling budget

Republican 105th District House candidate Dennis LENNOX today announced he is pushing for state government to move to a two-year, rolling budget with quarterly adjustments determined by a budget task force.

The plan also requires all legislation to include fiscal notes that specify the cost of the legislation and funding mechanism. It would also require each house of the Legislature to pass a balanced budget, unlike the current requirement that only the enacted version of the budget be balanced.

"Dennis Lennox is proving that outside the box thinking is possible in today's political climate," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks PATTERSON, in endorsing the plan. "He is proposing bold, innovative solutions that will help turnaround Michigan for the 21st century. I look forward to working with him to pass this much-needed reform."

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox, Republican candidate for State House, is the only 105th District candidate supporting the elimination of the taxpayer-funded “Pure Michigan” advertising campaign.

“We must re-focus state government’s priorities to the core functions of government: public safety, education and infrastructure,” said Lennox. “Advertising on TV won’t keep the streets safe from thugs, educate our next generation or build and maintain roads and bridges.”

At the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce forum on Tuesday in Gaylord, he committed to cutting the campaign, which features voiceovers by actor and Michigan native Tim Allen. In years past, it has cost the taxpayers some $30 million to run the advertisements on TV stations across the state and country.

“Not only is TV advertising not a proper function of government, it’s patently unfair for Lansing to promote certain sectors of the economy over others,” said Lennox. “Picking winners and losers won’t turnaround Michigan.”

Lennox is seeking the seat of term-limited House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. The constituency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox, Republican candidate for State House, announced the latest component of his plan to reform state government.

Under Lennox’s plan, the Legislature would move to a two-year, rolling budget with quarterly adjustments determined by a budget task force. The plan also requires all legislation to include fiscal notes that specify the cost of the legislation and funding mechanism. It would also require each house of the Legislature to pass a balanced budget, unlike the current requirement that only the enacted version of the budget be balanced.

“My plan reforms Lansing by instituting sound budgetary policy to avoid the never-ending deficits and shutdowns that have plagued state government in recent years,” said Lennox. “Better management of the people’s money will result in a stable and cost-efficient state government and as a result increased job creation and economic growth on main streets across Michigan.”

Lennox’s plan also received the endorsement of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who has long pushed for budgetary reforms in state government.

“Dennis Lennox is proving that outside the box thinking is possible in today’s political climate,” said Patterson. “He is proposing bold, innovative solutions that will help turnaround Michigan for the 21st century. I look forward to working with him to pass this much-needed reform.”

Other aspects of the plan include:

— Requiring all levels of government to post budgets and chequebook registers on the internet for taxpayer scrutiny and review.
— An independent audit of state government’s finances.
— Changing the commencement of the fiscal year from October 1 to July 1.

— Prohibiting the Legislature from taking up any other legislation until a budget is passed.

Lennox is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. The constituency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

Hundreds of student groups on public university campuses across Michigan will be expelled, overrun by opponents or forced to operate off-campus under a federal Supreme Court ruling handed down this week.

In Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, the court wrongly ruled that a Jewish group can no longer deny membership to Nazi or Islamofascist students. Under the new ruling, belief-based membership requirements are illegal.

This is absurd. And I know first hand.

When I was a student at Central Michigan University, my conservative group was nearly expelled by administrators after leftist activists attempted to join with the sole purpose of disrupting meetings and eventually voting themselves into leadership positions and then dissolving the group. (My incident was detailed in filings with the Supreme Court; it was even cited in the court’s majority and dissenting opinions.)

Under the threat of litigation, CMU withdrew its anti-discrimination policy and recognized the fundamental right of students to freely associate with other students.

Immediate action is needed to ensure the state and federal constitutional rights of students, while ensuring that campus communities remain a marketplace of ideas.

Upon taking my seat in the State House, I will introduce a state constitutional amendment to guarantee the rights of students at Michigan schools to freely associate with those of similar beliefs.

This ruling will have a chilling impact on the rights of all citizens should it remain the law of the land.

Earlier today, I sat down for an interview with MiVote.org, a joint project between Detroit Public Television and the Center for Michigan.

This is a great project, as it provides voters with critical information on their candidates.

You can watch the video of my answers.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — The Small Business Association of Michigan has given its “stamp of approval” to Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox’s campaign for State House.

“I am running to ensure a brighter future for the next generation,” said Lennox. “The Small Business Association of Michigan’s support reinforces my commitment to keeping our best and brightest here in Michigan and unleashing innovation and job creation on main street.”

In giving its stamp of approval to Lennox, SBAM said he “would support small business when it matters, and consequently, help Michigan to create the jobs it so desperately needs.”

Lennox is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. The constituency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox has received the endorsement of local Republican Party leader Scott Ingersoll in his campaign for State House in the 105th District.

“Dennis Lennox may be the youngest of the challengers for this position, but he is neither a lightweight nor unseasoned in terms of qualifications for the office,” said Ingersoll. “I have heard him speak and have been quite impressed with his natural abilities to convey his fiscal and social conservative position. I also know that he is unrivaled among the other hopefuls for state representative in his knowledge of how the legislative system in Michigan works.”

Ingersoll was the 2008 GOP nominee for prosecuting attorney of Cheboygan County. He is a former secretary of the Cheboygan County Republican Party and has served on the organization’s executive committee for almost a decade. Ingersoll currently practices law in both Michigan and North Carolina.

Other Republican leaders endorsing Lennox include former House Speaker Craig DeRoche, House Republican Whip Kevin Green, Representative Rick Jones, former Representative Fulton Sheen of the Michigan Fair Tax campaign, Republican National Committee member and former Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis, Michigan Republican Party secretary Hank Fuhs and Republicans for Environmental Protection president Rob Sisson.

Lennox is seeking term-limited House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer’s constituency, which covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

When you run for public office, you receive a lot of questionnaires from lobbyists, news media and other organizations.

Among them is the League of Women Voters. While the League of Women Voters does expressly advocate some politically liberal positions, I commend the members and chapters for the work they perform in educating voters on all facets of public policy and the candidates asking for their votes.

This is a critical election year, and the people of Michigan deserve an open and honest conversation with the men and women running for office.

In the spirit of transparency, I’m releasing my answers to the League of Women Voters questionnaire that was sent to all candidates for both houses of the Legislature:

Question 1:  Please provide biographical information including your qualifications for the office you are seeking and the reasons you are running.   (100-word limit)
I'm running because I have waved goodbye to my generation. Michigan has lost one family every 12 minutes; all of my friends have left our great state. Michigan needs a new generation of leaders; not the same old politicians with the same tired ideas. I'm the elected drain commissioner of Cheboygan County and the endorsed pro-life candidate. With experience working for the Republican caucus in the State Senate, I'm the only candidate with legislative experience. I also worked for President George W. Bush and U.S. Representative David Camp. I attended CMU; studying political science and journalism.

Question 2:  What are your state budget spending priorities and how would you adjust revenue and expenses to support those priorities?   (100-word limit)
Lansing is broken. It's time to elect leaders who will address Michigan's 21st century challenges with 21st century solutions. I’m committed to reducing spending from $4,800 per person, per year to the Texas level of $3,500 per person, per year; saving $13 billion per year. This will allow us to address our structural deficits while saving money for a rainy day. It is also time to reform our system of government at all levels to reflect the realities of 2010. We must re-focus Lansing's priorities to the core functions of government: public safety and law enforcement, education and infrastructure.

Question 3:  What are your top two other priorities, why did you select them, and what actions would you take regarding them?   (100-word limit)
This election is about ensuring a brighter future for the next generation. We must work together, as Michiganders did in the days of Governors Romney and Milliken. Waving goodbye to your children and grandchildren or losing your job isn't a Republican or Democrat challenge, it's a Michigan challenge. It's time to make Michigan open for business by welcoming all innovators and job creators without picking winners and losers. And we must reduce the burden of government by reforming, consolidating and streamlining government at all levels. It's time to reinvent government for the 21st century.

In case you missed this news report:

GAYLORD, Mich — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox separated himself from his opponents and won tonight’s debate amongst Republican candidates for State House by emphasizing the need for a new generation of leaders in Lansing.

“I have waved goodbye to my generation; your children and grandchildren,” Lennox told the audience at the Gaylord High School Auditorium. “With one family leaving Michigan every 12 minutes, it’s clear the status-quo from the same old politicians with the same tired old ideas isn’t working.”

The debate, sponsored by the Otsego County Republican Party, featured the Republican candidates for the 105th District seat of term-limited Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer. The constituency spans Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

“Our great state’s challenges may be unprecedented, but they aren’t insurmountable,” said Lennox. “We must elect a new generation of leaders who will unleash the Michigan ingenuity, Michigan entrepreneurship and Michigan innovation that built our country.”

During the debate, Lennox highlighted his plan on FixingLansing.com that includes:

• Repeal of the Michigan Business Tax.
• Implementation of right-to-work legislation.
• Elimination of unfunded mandates on school districts and the 200.
• A property owner’s bill of rights.
• Reduction in state spending from $4,800 per person, per year to $3,500 per person, per year; resulting in a savings of $13 billion.
• Cutting the number of politicians and reorganizing the number of counties for the first time since 1891.
• Allowing cities to become independent of counties; reducing the tax burden of working families and businesses within cities by 15 to 20 percent.
• A commitment to the core functions of government: public safety, infrastructure and education.
• Full transparency at all levels of government with every budget and every chequebook register published on the internet for taxpayer scrutiny and review.
• Placement of open for business signs at state border crossings.
• Ending the translation of government documents into more than 21 languages by making English the official language.

In case you missed this news report:

GAYLORD, Mich. — Speaking at the Otsego County Board of Road Commissioners session on Monday afternoon, Republican candidate for State House Dennis Lennox emphasized his commitment to sound infrastructure.

“Government is suppose to do roads and bridges,” said Lennox, the drain commissioner of Cheboygan County. “We must re-focus Lansing’s priorities to government’s three core functions: public safety, infrastructure and education.”

Commissioners also asked Lennox to update them on the legislation he authored — House Bill 5216 and Senate Bill 758 — to allow counties to abolish the office of drain commissioner.

While Otsego County devolved the drain duties several decades ago to the Board of Road Commissioners, some are concerned the county may have to reconstitute the office as the statutory provision exempting counties from having a drain commissioner only applies to counties with a population of 12,000 or less.

“Our structure of government must be reformed to accommodate the needs of local government,” said Lennox. “The smallest counties should not be required to provide the same services and have the same rigid structure of government as the largest counties.”

Lennox is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer. The constituency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

Since beginning his campaign, Lennox has attended and spoke at meetings of 58 county, township, city, village and school boards, councils and commissions.

I applaud the decision of the Carp Lake Township Board of Trustees to create a lake improvement board to address the environmental challenges facing Paradise Lake.

It is now up to the Board of Trustees in Cheboygan County's Hebron Township to follow the lead of their colleagues across the county line.

A lake improvement board is necessary to stop growing presence of milfoil, which has infested over 25 percent of the lake.

Paradise Lake is a critical component of the northwestern Michigan economy and our community cannot afford to sit back and do nothing, which would result in even more job losses, business closings and vacant homes.

I look forward to serving as a member of the lake improvement board and working together with my colleagues in Emmet County to solve Paradise Lake's environmental challenges in a sensible and effective manner to ensure the lake continues to be a vibrant part of our community.

Here are some photographs from recent stops on the campaign trail:

In case you missed it, Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox's campaign for the State House was covered recently by a couple of news outlets.

On Thursday, the Lansing-based MIRS news service published the following story in its June 17 edition:

Lennox wants bounty on wasteful spending

Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner and 105th House district candidate Dennis LENNOX announced that, if elected, he will introduce legislation to award money to citizens that discover wasteful government spending.

The auditor general would review the discoveries and the Department of Treasury would pay 5 percent of the savings (up to $10,000) in the first year to that person who discovered the wasteful spending.

"It's critical to think outside the box and implement real reform to address Michigan's profound challenges. My plan awards a discovery commission to those who identify measurable savings in government expenditures," Lennox said.

Another story appeared in the June 17 edition of the Petoskey News-Review on the recent 105th District candidate debate:

GOP candidates say State Police road patrols a duplication

BOYNE FALLS — Few differences separated the six Republicans on stage at Boyne Falls High School on Wednesday to battle for the 105th House District seat, held by term-limited state Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin.

All the classic Republican enemies were present: Michigan Fair Tax, hate for the Michigan Business Tax and a general disapproval for the size of government in Michigan.

Likely the most interesting responses during the debate, came during a discussion about the regional consolidation of the Michigan State Police Department at the end of the debate.

. . .

Dennis Lennox, R-Topinabee, said Michigan shouldn’t be sending its "best trained" police officers to sit on the interstate.

The state police is just one area in a larger consolidation discussion that needs to happen, Lennox added.

In case you missed this news report:

BOYNE FALLS, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox won this afternoon’s debate amongst Republican candidates for State House in the 105th District by being the only candidate with a specific plan to rebuild Michigan’s economy and reinvent government for the twenty-first century.

During the debate, held at the Boyne Falls Public School and moderated by WMKT AM-1270 talk-show host Greg Marshall, Lennox reiterated that “Michigan must be open for business.”

“We must reduce the burden of government on working families and businesses,” said Lennox, who is the only candidate to sign Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes. “I will make Michigan economically competitive overnight by repealing the Michigan Business Tax, implementing right-to-work legislation and reforming our structure and system of government to reflect the realities of the second decade of the twenty-first century.”

Lennox is the only candidate with a specific plan aimed at fixing Lansing. His plan is detailed at www.FixingLansing.com.

“Michigan needs a new generation of leaders,” said Lennox. “She cannot afford the same old politicians with the same tired old ideas.”

The 105th District seat is currently held by term-limited House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. The constituency covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — As part of his plan to overhaul government, Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox, Republican candidate for State House, will introduce legislation upon taking office that awards a monetary prize to those who discover waste in government spending.

Under Lennox’s plan, the auditor general would be charged with processing and reviewing cost-cutting recommendations. If measurable savings are confirmed, the Department of Treasury would then pay 5 percent (up to a maximum of $10,000) of the identified first-year savings to the scrutineer.

“It’s critical to think outside the box and implement real reform to address Michigan’s profound challenges,” said Lennox, who is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. “My plan awards a discovery commission to those who identity measurable savings in government expenditures.”

Lennox’s proposal would also require all governmental entities to post checkbook expenditures on the internet for easy scrutiny and review.

The 105th District spans Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

Lennox has the exclusive endorsement and support of former House Speaker Craig DeRoche, House Republican Whip Kevin Green, Representative Rick Jones, former Representative Fulton Sheen of the Michigan Fair Tax campaign, Republican National Committee member and former Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis, Michigan Republican Party secretary Hank Fuhs, Republicans for Environmental Protection president Rob Sisson, Americans for Prosperity state chairman Jerry Zandstra, Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice, Minuteman PAC chairman Chris Simcox, the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Pro-Life Federation of Michigan, Dads of Michigan PAC, Citizens Against New Taxes, Conservative Leadership for Cheboygan County PAC and One Nation PAC.

In case you missed this news report:

TOPINABEE, Mich. — Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox, the pro-life endorsed Republican candidate for State House, announced a bold and innovative 10-point contract with the electorate ahead of the election on Aug.  3.

“This contract is the result of discussing our state’s challenges with over 15,000 Michiganders since I announced my candidacy,” said Lennox, who is seeking the 105th District seat of term-limited House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. “The people of my constituency have spoken loud and clear: They want a strong economy with job opportunities for their children and grandchildren, lower taxes, smaller and more efficient government and transparency to ensure their hard-earned money is being spent prudently.” 

In his “My Contract with You” mailing to residents in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties, he pledged to:

• Repeal the Michigan Business Tax.
• As the only candidate to sign Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform pledge, he will not support a tax increase.
• Make Michigan economically competitive overnight with over 22 other states by introducing right-to-work legislation.
• Crackdown on illegal immigration, which costs Michigan taxpayers over $500 million a year, by eliminating state funding to any local government that operates as a so-called sanctuary municipality.
• Provide businesses with a tax incentive if they create jobs for recent college graduates. The next generation of doctors, scientists, businessmen, engineers and innovators must have real opportunities to stay on the main streets of local communities.
• Bring government into the twenty-first century by implementing real reform to consolidate and streamline government at all levels.
• Cut the number of politicians and downsize the number of counties from 83 to 73; saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
• Ensure government is re-focused to serve the people.
• Hold government responsible by publishing the budget on the internet for taxpayer scrutiny and review. He will also require the government to publish each cheque they write.
• Limit the pay of government employees and all politicians to no more than the governor's salary.

“This contract sets out my side of the bargain,” said Lennox. “I understand violating the terms of this contract will result in the electorate removing me from office at the next election.”

Lennox has the exclusive endorsement and support of former House Speaker Craig DeRoche, House Republican Whip Kevin Green, Representative Rick Jones, former Representative Fulton Sheen of the Michigan Fair Tax campaign, Republican National Committee member and former Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis, Michigan Republican Party secretary Hank Fuhs, Republicans for Environmental Protection president Rob Sisson, Americans for Prosperity state chairman Jerry Zandstra, Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice, Minuteman PAC chairman Chris Simcox, the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Pro-Life Federation of Michigan, Dads of Michigan PAC, Citizens Against New Taxes, Conservative Leadership for Cheboygan County PAC and One Nation PAC.