AP
Detroit -- Several candidates running -- or considering a run for -- state office met Friday in a forum designed to introduce them to educators.
Sponsored by the Michigan Education Association, more than 250 people gathered at the Detroit Marriott Hotel to listen to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra [pictured: right] and state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith answer a brief question-and-answer session. Topics ranged from Gov. Jennifer Granholm's recent comments that she'd like to encourage 39,000 teachers to retire to whether Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb should have financial and academic control of Detroit Public Schools.
All three politicians said experience is one of their main qualifications for the governor's seat.
Bernero, a former state lawmaker expected to officially announce his candidacy for governor Monday, said bipartisan efforts will be needed to improve the state's economic situation.
"I believe in attacking the problem, not attacking each other," he said.
Hoekstra, R-Holland, also spoke of politicians working together to enact change.
"If we're going to bring solutions to Michigan we're going to have to bring together Republicans, Democrats and independents to get things done," he said.
Smith, D-Salem Township, said that persistence and a sense of humor are also important.
"God knows you need it as a Michigan legislator," Smith said, regarding persistence. "I think it's important for politicians not to take themselves too seriously."
All three politicians said experience is one of their main qualifications for the governor's seat.
Bernero, a former state lawmaker expected to officially announce his candidacy for governor Monday, said bipartisan efforts will be needed to improve the state's economic situation.
"I believe in attacking the problem, not attacking each other," he said.
Hoekstra, R-Holland, also spoke of politicians working together to enact change.
"If we're going to bring solutions to Michigan we're going to have to bring together Republicans, Democrats and independents to get things done," he said.
Smith, D-Salem Township, said that persistence and a sense of humor are also important.
"God knows you need it as a Michigan legislator," Smith said, regarding persistence. "I think it's important for politicians not to take themselves too seriously."
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