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Chaz Fowler
Chaz Fowler (Republican Party) ran for election to the Michigan House of Representatives to represent District 96. He lost in the Republican primary on August 6, 2024.
Fowler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Chaz Fowler was born in Bay City, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2011 to 2015. He earned an associate degree from Delta College in 2018 and a bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 2020. His career experience includes working in the military.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 96
Incumbent Timothy Beson defeated Rudy Howard in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 96 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Timothy Beson (R) | 60.3 | 31,135 |
 | Rudy Howard (D)  | 39.7 | 20,474 | |
| Total votes: 51,609 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 96
Rudy Howard advanced from the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 96 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rudy Howard | 100.0 | 8,704 |
| Total votes: 8,704 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 96
Incumbent Timothy Beson defeated Chaz Fowler in the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 96 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Timothy Beson | 84.4 | 7,263 |
 | Chaz Fowler | 15.6 | 1,346 | |
| Total votes: 8,609 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Fowler in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Chaz Fowler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fowler's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Following my military service, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Saginaw Valley State University ('20). Currently, I attend for a Master's in Public Administration ('25). Throughout my time at SVSU I balanced academics with leadership roles, including serving as the president of the Student Veterans of America chapter while assisting fellow students in the Military Student Affairs Office on campus.
My professional career includes serving as the Chief Operations Officer in a company where I oversaw various roles, enhancing my skills in management and strategic planning. I also have extensive experience working with veterans, currently working within the Bay County Department of Veteran Affairs- where I continue to advocate for veterans' rights and support.
Now, as a candidate for the 96th District, I aim to bring my leadership skills, dedication to service, and a strong commitment to the- Veteran Advocacy and Support: As a Marine Corps veteran, I intimately understand the challenges faced by other veterans. My campaign is dedicated to improving veterans' services, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve, and creating pathways for their successful reintegration into civilian life. I will work tirelessly to enhance veterans' healthcare, provide job training programs, and support educational opportunities for those who have served our country. I will stand against any reduction of the support our veterans receive.
- Economic Development and Job Creation: I want my community to be known as a regional economic leader. Bay County needs a robust economy that offers ample job opportunities for its residents. Manufacturing and agricultural sectors must be protected; while small businesses are promoted to expand options for residents. My experience as a Chief Operations Officer has equipped me with the skills to develop strategic plans for economic growth. I am committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting local businesses, and attracting new industries to our region. By investing in infrastructure, promoting innovation, and enhancing workforce development, we can create a thriving economy that benefits all.
- Community Engagement and Accountability: I believe in transparent and accountable governance that truly represents the people. My campaign prioritizes community engagement, ensuring that every voice in Bay County is heard. I will remain accessible, create open lines of communication with constituents, and advocate for policies that reflect the needs and desires of our community. My goal is to restore trust in our government by being a representative who listens, acts, and delivers results for the people of the 96th District.
I am committed to creating a thriving economy in Bay County by supporting local businesses, promoting job creation, and investing in infrastructure. My focus is on fostering a business-friendly environment with low taxes and minimal regulatory burdens to enhance economic growth and opportunities for all residents.
Education Reform:
This film is a favorite of mine because it encapsulates the role of an individual leader within a system that has been longstanding. The main character advocates for those around him, protects the interests of his countrymen absent his own self-interest, and never departs from his principles of integrity, honor, and humility. It depicts an individual that will not compromise his values for the appeasement of partisan affiliation. If you have not seen the movie- I highly recommend it.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for your actions and decisions is crucial. Officials must be answerable to the public and willing to admit and correct mistakes. The most underrated and underappreciated characteristic of a leader is their willingness to simply state "I do not know at this moment".
Discipline: Consistent focus and commitment to public service, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to duties. Obligations are ever present and voluminous at this level. The ability to prioritize your role as an official becomes paramount.
Professionalism and Decorum: Maintaining a respectful and constructive demeanor, fostering a positive and collaborative environment in governance. Set a standard that you expect in reciprocation.
Non-partisanship: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of constituents over political affiliations, avoiding political posturing for self-benefit. You were elected to represent your community- act accordingly.
Legislation: Creating, debating, and voting on laws that impact the state and its residents. This involves working with other legislators to create effective and beneficial policies.
Constituent Services: Addressing the concerns and needs of constituents by providing assistance with government services, resolving issues, and ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process. Being a guide through a cumbersome system to save constituent's time.
Budget Oversight: Reviewing and approving the state budget, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are allocated efficiently and responsibly to meet the needs of the community. Making sure constituents understand where their money is going- and your role in that decision process.
Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the community through town halls, meetings, and other events to gather input and maintain a strong connection with constituents. Not simply being present- but active in the community to promote accessibility and foster positive relationships.
I appreciated the "story within the story".
Collaboration and Communication: It is essential for the governor and the legislature to maintain open and regular lines of communication. This includes frequent meetings and consultations to align on key issues and legislative priorities. Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a collaborative environment where both branches work together towards common goals.
Checks and Balances: While collaboration is crucial, it is equally important to uphold the system of checks and balances. The governor and the legislature should respect each other’s roles and powers as defined by the state constitution. This balance ensures that no single branch dominates the policy-making process, preserving the integrity of our democratic system.
Mutual Respect: The governor and the legislature must respect each other’s constitutional roles and responsibilities. The governor should honor the legislature’s authority to pass laws and allocate budgets, while the legislature should respect the governor’s role in executing and enforcing those laws. This mutual respect is fundamental to a functional and effective government.
Bipartisanship: In a diverse political landscape, fostering bipartisanship is vital. Both the governor and the legislature should strive to work together across party lines to pass legislation that benefits all citizens. By prioritizing common ground over partisan differences, we can achieve more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our state.
Building strong relationships with fellow legislators facilitates collaboration and consensus-building, which are essential for passing effective legislation. When legislators from different backgrounds and parties work together, they can create more comprehensive and balanced laws that address the needs of a broader constituency. According to the Congressional Management Foundation, effective collaboration among legislators often leads to more innovative and well-rounded policy solutions. Strong relationships across party lines help foster a spirit of bipartisanship. This is particularly important in a diverse political landscape where cooperation between parties is necessary to overcome gridlock and enact meaningful reforms. A study by the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights that bipartisan relationships are crucial for achieving legislative success and maintaining a functional government. Legislators often have access to different resources, expertise, and information. By building relationships with colleagues, legislators can share these resources and insights, leading to more informed decision-making and better policy outcomes. Collaboration allows legislators to leverage each other’s strengths and knowledge, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the legislative process. When legislators work well together, they can more effectively advocate for their constituents’ needs. Strong inter-legislator relationships enable the pooling of efforts and resources to address local issues, secure funding for projects, and provide comprehensive support to communities. This collaborative approach ensures that constituents receive the best possible representation and service.
Trey was always succinct in his delivery of points, pragmatic in his deliberation, and respectful of his peers. A true example of leadership.
The principle of checks and balances is fundamental to our democratic system. Granting the legislature oversight ensures that no single branch of government has unchecked authority, which helps prevent abuse of power. Legislative oversight provides a mechanism for holding the executive branch accountable during emergencies. This ensures that emergency powers are used appropriately and that actions taken are in the best interest of the public. When the legislature has a role in overseeing emergency powers, it helps build public trust. Citizens are more likely to have confidence in the government’s actions if they know that multiple branches are involved in decision-making. Transparency and oversight foster a sense of security and trust among the public. Oversight by the legislature can enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of emergency measures. When emergency actions are reviewed and approved by elected representatives, it lends greater legitimacy to those actions. Legislative oversight allows for a more adaptable and responsive approach to emergencies. The legislature can provide feedback, suggest modifications, and ensure that emergency measures are tailored to the evolving needs of the situation. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective and nuanced responses.
Economic Development and Small Business
Education
This involves:
Open Access to Information: Public records and financial statements should be easily accessible to all citizens.
Regular Audits: Independent audits of government finances to ensure proper use of taxpayer money.
Clear Reporting: Providing detailed and understandable reports on government activities and expenditures.
Responsiveness: Addressing public inquiries and concerns promptly and transparently.
Increased Transparency: Ensuring that the funding sources for ballot initiatives are transparent is crucial. This includes requiring detailed disclosures of all financial contributions and expenditures related to ballot initiatives. Transparency helps voters make informed decisions and understand who is backing and opposing initiatives.
Signature Verification: Enhancing the verification process for signatures collected to qualify initiatives for the ballot can help prevent fraud and ensure that only legitimate initiatives move forward. This might include random audits and stricter verification protocols to confirm the authenticity of signatures.
Educational Resources for Voters: Providing voters with clear, unbiased, and comprehensive information about ballot initiatives is essential. This includes offering detailed summaries, pro and con arguments, and potential impacts of the initiatives. Educational resources help voters make well-informed choices.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Michigan House of Representatives District 96 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 9, 2024
