Name: Gary Peters (D)
Age: 43
Hometown: Bloomfield Township
Occupations: Financial adviser and lawyer; chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, serving on several committees
Education: Wayne State University Law School, law degree; University of Detroit-Mercy, master’s degree of business administration in finance; Alma College, bachelor’s degree in political science
Family: Married to Colleen Ochoa, three children
Web site: www.peters2002.com
Stance on the issues:
Environmental protection: Will work to make sure polluters, not taxpayers, pay for pollution. He says he will work against people who try to make Michigan a dumping ground.
Corporate accountability: In September, Peters introduced the The Michigan Corporate Accountability Act that would hold CEOs accountable for “cooking the books.” Peters said the plan was designed to protect consumers, investors and the economy.
Child support collection: Says the Engler/Posthumus administration has dropped the ball on child support enforcement. He said he will work cooperatively with the Michigan Family Independence Agency, Friend of the Court, and local prosecutors to go after deadbeat dads.
Protecting pensions: Says we need to protect the pensions and 401(k)s of working families. Plans to go after corporations and CEOs who use business practices that jeopardize pensions.
Internet fraud/child protection: Promises to track down child abusers.
Identity theft: Says we need tougher penalties for identity theft and will actively go after and prosecute those who commit this crime.
Scam artists: Cracking down on scam artists will be a top priority and will investigate and prosecute those who attempt to profit from nursing home fraud, telemarketing scams, scanner law violations and other scams.
