By KATIE JOHNSON
Niles Daily Star

BUCHANAN – Cindy Ellis believes she can work to end partisanship at the state capitol.

The Sawyer Democrat, who is campaigning in this year’s election against Rep. Sharon Tyler, R-Niles, for the 78th District seat, believes the current leadership is “polarizing.”
“I’ve been very concerned about what’s happening with our government at the state and federal level,” she said. “We’re in a world of hurt. To achieve a goal, we have to work with a lot of people with different agendas. Sometimes we have to lock the doors and say, ‘we aren’t coming out until we have a solution.'”

Ellis spoke to the South County Democratic Club at the Buchanan Moose Lodge Monday night.

A native of Illinois, Ellis owned a health and disability management company for 25 years, and claims she put 10,000 back to work over that time. She then began work in a grassroots environmental organization promoting sustainable land use.

Ellis pointed out that times are tough in Michigan and people need jobs.

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember a time when things have been so hard,” she said. “Our kids are graduating college, from high school, and have no jobs to go to.”

Ellis believes her experience with government regulation and as a business owner make her a qualified candidate. This is her first campaign for a political office.

Tyler, an economic developer, is serving her first term.