Fielder announces candidacy for 106th House District
Marie Fielder of Alpena, a former educator, has announced her candidacy for the Michigan State House of Representatives 106th District, running as a Democrat against two Republicans in the upcoming election.
Fielder will be competing against Cameron Cavitt of Cheboygan County and Geyer Balog of Montmorency County for the seat currently filled by Michigan State Representative Sue Allor. Allor is term limited and unable to seek reelection.
More: Cavitt announces candidacy for 106th State House district
More: Balog running for state representative of 106th district
"I believe I can be a stronger, more informed voice and representative to the people than what we have currently. Why? Because I am not a game player, nor do I play partisan games," said Fielder. "I show up, and I get the work done that needs to be done."
The Michigan House of Representative's 106th District encompasses Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties, and a portion of Oscoda County. It also covers almost all of Cheboygan County, except for the area covered by the Mackinaw City Public Schools district, which is in the 107th district.
Fielder said she wanted to run for state representative because she feels like government leaders should be problem solvers, not the cause of government gridlock. She also believes many of the current leaders are not speaking and acting with transparency and honesty, which is what all constituents deserve.
"I am a lifelong advocate. I am still passionate about giving back to the families in northeast Michigan and to my state," she said. "I was approached by political leaders in our state and asked to consider running for state representative."
Although she has never had a career in public office, her career was in public service, which is why she feels she is best suited for public service as state representative.
She currently lives in Alpena with her husband, David, and they have five children together. She was born and raised in St. Ignace, and is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She has lived in Northern Michigan her whole life.
Fielder attended Northern Michigan University, where she earned a dual degree in cognitive impairment and education for grades kindergarten through eighth. She also earned her graduate degree in early education and early childhood from Central Michigan University and received a certificate of infant mental health from the University of Michigan.
After graduating from college, she moved to Gaylord, where she taught the severely mentally impaired, then moved to Alpena where she was a preschool teacher at the Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District for around 11 years. She then took another job through the ESD where she traveled around the area to work with special needs infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents.
"It is not necessarily an elected official who is the best choice for higher governmental leadership. Rather, it is the person who has worked in the trenches with everyday, down to earth people, and it is the advocate who has witnessed firsthand what it is that our people need and worry about from day to day who makes the best leader for our communities," said Fielder.
Fielder said for around 30 years she worked with families across the state. She has seen everyday issues that confront people and cause troubles. She has worked with children suffering from cancer, those born with birth defects, educationally challenged parents, abused children and economically disadvantaged people. She has also worked with courts, law enforcement, health care professionals, social service agencies and educational systems to try to make things better for children and their families.
"I'm ready to work for all families and all facets of government, no matter the circumstances," said Fielder.
Fielder feels the issues in the state surrounding the labor shortage, confronting the needs and stresses on the education and health care systems, the high rate of inflation and putting an end to the pandemic are some of the top issues needing to be addressed.
If she is elected to the state representative position, Fielder said she plans to bring attention to the critical needs of northeast Michigan. She said she will fight for monetary and legislative services to help the area thrive, as well as work with state government to bolster industry, small businesses, access to quality health care and support child care agencies.
Fielder also wants to build coalitions across the region to better serve the trades, education, health care, farming and veterans services in the area, as well as working with partnerships between schools and industry to provide workforce training. Promoting the region as a business friendly area will also be a part of her strategy to get funding for roads, broadband internet, housing and other needs to the area, to increase the appeal of potential businesses coming to the area.
"I am the best candidate, because I’m not a politician nor am I a game player. I believe in being forthright, direct and honest with our citizens. I don’t engage in political rhetoric, and when someone says 'no,' I seek other options and ideas," said Fielder. " I don’t give up easily, I can find answers and common ground, especially when it comes to improving even one life in this district."
Fielder enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and most any kind of exercising or outdoor recreation. She was also elected chair of the Alpena County Democratic Party in 2020, a position she still currently holds, and is a member of the Northeast Michigan League of Women Voters.
For more information on Fielder and her platform issues and statements, visit her campaign website, www.MarieFielder.com.
Contact Features Writer Kortny Hahn at khahn1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @khahnCDT.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Fielder announces candidacy for 106th House District
