Joan Gebhardt

Livonia City Hall

 Joan Gebhardt

For Immediate Release

October 22, 2004

Contact:  Karen Zyczynski, Campaign Manager 248-349-6342

(cell) 734-718-3341

Joan Gebhardt (cell) 734-306-3998

LIVONIA – The MIRS Capitol Capsule of Thursday, October 21, 2004 listed the Livonia House District 19 in the “Top 10 Incumbent Races to Watch.”  It states, “This race has no business being close and it’s hard to believe that is will be, but it’s hard to ignore this week’s campaign finance reports.”  Candidate Joan Gebhardt submitted a 46-page report with around 100 individual contributors, including many Livonia residents, while John Pastor only listed 12 checks from non-PAC contributors.  Both candidates have raised approximately the same amount of money.  The difference is from where the contributions came. 

“I have some real grass-roots support from the average family in Livonia.  These are hard working people who want a change.  Many of them have never contributed to a political campaign before, but this race is crucial to the city of Livonia and our state,” stated Gebhardt.

The MIRS report indicated that “yes, this is a 58 percent Republican district, but Gebhardt is putting forward more effort than many challengers in more playable “swing districts.”

With only ten days left until election day, State Representative Candidate Joan Gebhardt is on the move walking neighborhoods, talking with voters on the phone, and attending a variety of community events so that voters have the opportunity to get to know her and where she stands on issues important to them. 

“Voters need to meet their elected officials face to face.  That voter contact is very important.  People want their questions answered, and walking door-to-door and calling them on the phone is the best way to accomplish this,” said Gebhardt.

She was meeting and greeting people at an event at Burton Manor Wednesday evening and attended a forum in Dearborn on Thursday.  Last week Joan met with a Boy Scout group at Botsford Elementary in Clarenceville and discussed the election process, the importance of voting, and even held a mock election.

“I am adamant that a public servant should have continual contact with his/her constituents, both by written communication and talking with their representative directly,” said Gebhardt.

“I am also very proud that the Livonia Fire Fighters have voted to endorse and support me,” she continued, “The Fire Fighters said that they wanted a new voice in the 19th District to represent all of the people.”

For Immediate Release

September 30, 2004

Contact:  Karen Zyczynski, Campaign Manager  248-349-6342

(cell) 734-718-3341

Joan Gebhardt (cell) 734-306-3998

GEBHARDT AND LIVONIANS DENIED OPPORTUNITY -

FORUM CANCELLED

LIVONIA-The League of Women Voters is hosting a debate this evening at the Livonia City Hall with the noticeable elimination of the first segment dedicated to the State Representative race. League Chairperson Paula Bowman told candidate Joan Gebhardt that Representative John Pastor would not be available to attend.  She also said that there would not be an “empty chair” forum due to National League rules. 

Joan Gebhardt said, “Regrettably Representative Pastor could not find an hour in his schedule to speak with the community he serves about the issues that concern them.”  Gebhardt continued, “Voters need to make an informed decision on Election Day.  For this reason it is important for every candidate to create opportunities for voters to see the candidates and hear where they stand on issues which are important to the voters.

The editorial staff of the Livonia Observer made that same point in a recent (September 9) editorial when they said, “We expect serious candidates to attend – and be well prepared for – candidate forums and coffee klatches sponsored by local chambers of commerce, PTAs and PTOs, homeowners groups and the League of Women Voters.”

I want to thank the League if Women Voters for the opportunity to appear at their annual forum,” Gebhardt said, “I, along with many Livonia voters, am terribly disappointed that my opponent has chosen not to attend, thus denying the voters the vital information they need to make an informed decision in the State Representative race.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2004

CONTACT:  Karen B. Zyczynski, Campaign Manager 248-349-6342

Wanda Smith, 7-D Political Action Chair 734-432-0700, home 734-427-9274

Gebhardt Receives Back to School Boost from Education Employees

LIVONIA ---The 1,650 public school employees affiliated with the Livonia Education Association (LEA), the Livonia Paraprofessional Association (LPA), the Livonia Secretarial Association (LSA), and the Supervisory Employees Association of Livonia Public Schools (SEALS) are recommending Joan Gebhardt as their candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 19th District.

“Our 7-D Political Action Committee was very impressed with Joan’s knowledge about state government and her extensive educational leadership and background,” said Wanda Smith, committee chairperson.  “Her public education involvement assures us that Joan will be an effective advocate for the students and employees of the 19th House district and the people of the State of Michigan.” added Smith.

Gebhardt, a retired public education teacher and principal in Taylor and Armada is running in the November 2, 2004 election for the State Representative seat.  Joan Gebhardt is also an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Madonna University.

 “Strengthening education will be at the top of my agenda in the Michigan Legislature,” stated Gebhardt.  “For our economy to grow, every worker and student in this state must have 21st century skills.  I will fight to create opportunities by improving the quality of schools and giving our children the tools they need to compete for the paying jobs of the future.”

Gebhardt added, “ That means investing in our public schools, lowering class size, and increasing and expanding early childhood education programs. We must providing safe and caring learning environments with highly qualified staff to help achieve maximum learning for all children.”

Gebhardt said she was honored to accept the support of the 7-D Council and vowed to the educational community to bolster Michigan’s learning environment.  “Livonia believes that families are still first in our community,” she continued, “Our children are the future of our country and they deserve the best!”

Why Not Protect Our Water?

The following appeared in the Opinion section of the August 19, 2004 Livonia Observer

I was pleased to see Phil Powers' opinion-editorial article "We need a plan to protect our water from diversion" regarding the threat to our Great Lakes in the Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004 edition of the Livonia Observer. It is time our legislators take action to protect diversion of water from these freshwater "jewels" that define our state.

Last month, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters asked legislators to sign a pledge to protect the Great Lakes by regulating large water withdrawals and to support hearings and legislative action to govern major withdrawals of water from Michigan. Unfortunately, our Representative John Pastor refused to commit his support for protecting the Great Lakes from diversion or export.

Certainly he was not acting in the best interest of Livonia and the state. We must trust John Pastor and our other elected officials to protect the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the community where we live and raise our children. John Pastor does neither.

As Governor Granholm has stated, "...the Great Lakes define our state." I believe we need to take action to protect our unique Michigan environment and to put a priority on securing our number one natural resource, our Great Lakes.

Joan Gebhardt

Response to Detroit News Candidate Questionnaire July 13, 2004:

• What’s wrong with Michigan’s economy and how would you fix it?

• What’s wrong with education funding in Michigan and how would you fix it?

• Michigan has the third worst roads in the country.  Why is that and what can the state do to fix them?

• There’s growing talk in Lansing about placing a sales tax on services that are now exempt.  Would you support that approach?