Democrat VanRaaphorst Says She’ll Make Another Run for House District 45 Seat

Democrat Joanna VanRaaphorst, who garnered 44 percent of the vote in 2012 when she challenged Michigan state Rep. Tom McMillin, has announced that she will try again For the District 45 seat.

House District 45 includes the cities of Rochester, Rochester HIlls and parts of Oakland Township.

Michael Webber, who has served as Vice President of the Rochester Hills City Council for the past two years and has sat on the council for six years, has announced that he will seek the seat currently held by McMillin in the 2014 election.

McMillin, a Republican, was re-elected to a third term in the 2012 election. He plans to run for the state Senate.

In a news release, VanRaaphorst said she was encouraged by the level of support she received from Democrats, independents and Republican voters, who she said were encouraged to her campaign because of her “pragmatic, businesslike approach to governing.”

“I think that people are tired of politics as usual,” she said. “Our community is looking for a courageous, tenacious, and tireless person who does not give up when the going gets tough. Many who serve in office forget that the government is in the customer service business, not ‘protect my party at any cost’ business.”

VanRaaphorst, who with her husband owns and operates a local periodontal practice that employs 19 full- and part-time employees, said business issue are a passion.

She describes herself as a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a full range of experience, including stints in corporate sales for two international hotel chains. She also provided marketing services for two Michigan-based nonprofits.

“Most career paths don’t allow you this wide range of business experience,” VanRaaphorst said. “That is a real plus to bring to Lansing.”

The candidate also said her lack of political experience is a plus, and says it’s time for District 45 voters to send a woman to the statehouse, where women make up a small minority of legislators.

“I have in my career utilized a strong work ethic coupled with an ability to listen and achieve great results by understanding issues and seek cohesive approaches to get solid results,” VanRaaphorst said. “I utilize these personal attributes to my advantage asking the hard questions to change current programs and implement sound results.  

“I don’t accept the notion of ‘that is the way we’ve always done it.’ Frankly, I am fed up with the same tired, partisan politics and the lack of female representation in Lansing.

Currently, only 18 percent of legislators in Lansing are women. “Women must be in key leadership positions to make critical decisions pertaining to women’s health, protection and welfare”, VanRaaphorst said.  “I’ve personally volunteered at a women’s domestic violence shelter, and there are many voiceless women who need to be heard.

“As a wife and mother, I know what it is like to do it all, juggling career, children and owning a business,” she said. “I understand today’s issues for working families. I have a practical and common sense approach that will work to catalyze both sides of the aisle to come up with cohesive solutions that help advance our community and the state of Michigan.”

VanRaaphorst said that during the 2012 campaign, she and grassroots volunteers canvassed more than 10,500 doors throughout the district. Volunteers came from all walks of life, she said, ranging from business leaders, retired school teachers, automotive engineers, and staunch Republicans, Democrats and independent voters who comprise the diverse population of District 45.

If elected, she said she will work to represent all citizens of the district.

“In my work and volunteer life, my premise has always been about helping advance all members of our community and my campaign will be the same,” she said. “ I look forward to accomplishing a great deal for District 45.”

VanRaaphorst said that when the 2012 campaign ended, she donated unused campaign contributions to two local charities.