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Garcia pushes military potential for businesses
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Friday, May 16, 2008 10:33 PM EDT
CALEDONIA TWP. - State Sen. Valde Garcia urged area companies to go after Department of Defense contracts as a way to add jobs in Shiawassee County.
“It's low-hanging fruit and nobody is going after it,” Garcia, R-Howell, said. “Putting people back to work is going to turn this state around - nothing Lansing does (will).”
Garcia was at Big Boy Friday as part of twice-monthly trips he makes throughout the 22nd District.
Four people showed up to speak with Garcia during the hour he was there. Judy Kruger, Garcia's spokewoman, also visited Nick's restaurant in Durand.
Garcia said the Michigan Economic Development Corporation wants businesses within the state to tap into the $400 billion the federal government spends on goods and services.
The Defense Contract Coordination Center or DC3 aims to help both the military and civilian sectors connect with capable Michigan companies.
Garcia said there are hundreds of contracts out there that companies don't even realize exist. The DC3 initiative aims to provide that knowledge.
“I think it's easy. Somebody's just got to know about it,” he said. “Unless people look they won't know that there's all kind of jobs available with the Defense Department.”
Owosso resident Chris Seymour was among those who brought an issue to Garcia's attention Friday.
When Seymour had an issue with his taxes a few years ago he tried to get help from other lawmakers in the area. But the Owosso resident said he couldn't get any help.
Until he contacted Garcia's office.
“The state of Michigan said I owed money I didn't owe,” Seymour said. “I called Senator Garcia's office and the problem was solved in a week.”
Seymour also said his wife Darlene - who was with him to talk to Garcia Friday - gets a quick response from Garcia or one of his aides.
“It's better to be able to talk with your government face to face,” Chris Seymour said. “I think Senator Garcia is one of the few senators in this state that actually earns his pay.”
- Dominic Adams may be reached at 725-5136 extension 239 or by e-mail at dadamsarguspress@gmail.com.