MARCH 2004

ONE-on-ONE
Shulman Supports The Community
In Every issue, the Chaldean News will talk to
an elected official. This month we sat down
with State Representative Marc Shulman from
the 38th District. Rep. Shulman was first elected
to serve the 39th District in the Michigan House
of Representatives in 1998. Rep. Shulman was
appointed Chairman of the influential House
Appropriations Committee for the 91st
Legislature and is currently serving a second
term as Chairman. He is also Chairman of the
sub-committee on Economic Development
Council/Michigan Strategic Fund.
CHALDEAN NEWS: You are an elected official
covering a district where a large Chaldean population
resides, what have your learned from this
community?
SHULMAN: The people are hardworking individuals
committed to their families and wanting to
insure that their children get a good education.
They have a sense of community and patriotism
toward this country.
CN: This is a difficult budget crisis — how could the
Chaldean Community be directly affected by this?
SHULMAN: Many items funded by the state
were eliminated by the millions as a result of the
lack of money. The fact that the community was
able to get some funding to start with to me is a
sign of respect and importance that the state has
shown to the culture ands the Chaldean people.
In the future, I am pleased to continue to look for
funding sources for programs, education, and
other needs. I am very proud to have stood up
with your leadership on this issue and will always
be there for you in the future.
CN: In the past, the Chaldean community has
felt shorted by the state, in terms of getting funding
for the community center - do you see this
changing? Do you see us getting any funding for
the Community Center in the 2004 ?
SHULMAN: Many of the Governor’s
tax increases are directed to small
businesses. A proposed 75 cents
increase in the cigarette tax and an
increase in the tax on alcohol will
hurt many small businesses. We
cannot continue to place the money
shortfall on the backs of hard working
people who have taken risks and
used their sweat to make a living for
their family.
CN: How do you think members of
the Chaldean Community could get
involved in Economic Development
in the State?
SHULMAN: Some members
already have and as Chairman not
only of the entire Appropriations
Shulman
committee but also the subcommittee on economic
development, I will immediately work with
your community to set up a meeting with the new
director and board members to discuss what
opportunities there are which are many.
CN: Often, people think by donating to campaigns
they have done their part in the political
process. What advice do you have for the community
to get more involved in politics?
SHULMAN: Begin at the grass roots level, to get
involved with candidates who understand your
positions on issues. Also get involved at the local
level on Boards of Zoning, appeal boards of education,
anywhere you can make a difference. Your
investment in time will result in changes you want.
CN: Keeping abreast of the issues is not
always easy, what suggestions do you have for
people before they cast their vote, so they know
exactly who and what they are voting for?
SHULMAN: Read the papers
including your own community
paper. Also, don’t be afraid to
bring candidates in to talk and
ask them hard questions.
Your community has been
doing an excellent job in
informing the community.
CN: Your district covers West
Bloomfield and Commerce, and
in the past residents have complained
about not having
enough after school programming,
are there efforts in the
state to offer more programs for
students?
SHULMAN:
The Governor
has cut funding directly targeted
to the “wealthier districts.”
West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and
Walled Lake will suffer because of these cuts.
Thus, the community must work hard to find
other sources because after school programs are
going to be affected.
CN: As chair of the house appropriations committee,
what does that mean for your constituents?
SHULMAN: Increased opportunities to secure
funding for needed services that might not be
available otherwise.
CN: What are your predictions for the
Presidential race? Will this be a close race?
SHULMAN: Presidential races are always close
and this one is no different. The key issues are
jobs and national security.
CN: Rumors are afloat, since you are term limited,
that your wife might run for you seat?
SHULMAN: My wife Lois would be a very effective
legislator and is giving it serious consideration.
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Direct: 248-827-6698
Fax: 248-353-5768
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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 15