I am writing to support Dean Hill for State Representative in the 78th district. Dean taught for more than 44 years in public schools and has a deep understanding of schools, and more importantly the kids and their families. I had the privilege of teaching with Dean for 20 years and I think anyone who taught with him, or had him as a teacher, would attest to his honesty, integrity and dedication to public education and students.

It is time for a change in the 78th. Over the last decade we have seen our schools defunded, teachers leaving the profession, roads crumbling, cities losing revenue sharing from the State.

These cuts are the result of Michigan eliminating the single business tax and slashing personal property tax for business. Now the Republican majority are trying to make up the lost revenue by increasing our gas tax and vehicle registration fees. Combine this shift in tax burden with Michigan’s highest car insurance rates in the nation for the fifth straight year and the average Michigander is paying more and receiving less while business profits.

Dean Hill can work to put this back in balance while his opponent would be more of the same. Join me in voting for a change next Tuesday.

Dan Vandenheede

Niles