Up North Progressive

Two candidates will run in the August 2, 2016 Democratic primary election for State House District 97: Robert Townsend of Clare, and Robert Corbett of Gladwin. The Counties making up the 97th district include Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, and the eastern townships of Osceola County.

Robert Townsend, or Dr. Bob, graduated from Gobles High School and attended Michigan State University. He interned in South Carolina and Alaska before returning to Michigan. In 2010 he opened his own medical practice, Denali Healthcare, and expanded to ten clinics in Northern Michigan. He is married with six children.

Townsend’s medical practice focuses on pain management and addiction. His primary campaign issue is taking medical care out of the hands of politicians and lobbyists and putting it back into the hands of doctors and patients. Townsend supports alternative medical treatment. He was active with the effort to adopt the Medical Marijuana Law.

I am passionate for my causes. I’ve been very involved in the new Medical Marijuana Law, helping to forge the Bonafide Dr/Pt Relationship bill that defined the standard of care.

Robert Townsend is endorsed by former mayor of Cadillac William Barnett. He received a B- score with the National Rifle Association. Robert Townsend has a campaign website and Facebook page for more information.

Robert Corbett is the other Democratic candidate running for the 97th State House District on August 2nd. Corbett lives in Gladwin with his wife and two daughters. He graduated from the University of Michigan College of Engineering and attended Indiana University School of Law, where he earned his law degree. He has worked as a patent and trademark attorney, and he and his wife, Rebecca Corbett, practice law together in Gladwin.

The issues Corbett feels strongest about are education, jobs, and personal freedoms. Corbett believes better funding for our schools will improve them. He also wants to fight for jobs that pay a living wage. Minimum wage increases don’t help people get out of poverty. Finally, Corbett believes Lansing needs a legislature that responds to the people, so they can better hold it accountable. For more information, you can visit Robert Corbett’s website and Facebook page.

Make sure to get out and vote on August 2nd. Support our Democratic Party candidates.