Time to unite

Dear Editor,
The contest between Elissa Slotkin and incumbent Mike Bishop for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District seat produced results that were the opposite of what was forecast when the campaign began.
A well-known political name in a district considered very safe was challenged by a self-proclaimed non-politician with a non-conventional campaign built on grassroots support and a mission of inclusiveness and teamwork.
Many factors contribute to an election’s result. But the main reason for the victory by political upstart Slotkin was that her integrity, civility and hard work brought out the very best in a growing legion of supporters from across the political and demographic spectrums.
Her impressive record of public service in Republican and Democratic administrations and her emphasis on the urgency that people work on together on the nation’s challenges attracted widely diverse supporters. They united to overcome the advantage of incumbency, gerrymandering, and a no-holds-barred opposing campaign.
Seniors for Slotkin, a group of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats I was honored to co-chair with Nancy Strole, were honored to be a part of this historic effort.
Bill Haney
Brandon Township

Focus on Alzheimer’s

Dear Editor,
Congratulations Representative Elect Elissa Slotkin!
We warmly welcome your leadership to U.S. District 8. I hope that you will make the crisis of Alzheimer’s disease a priority in the next Congress.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 180,000 Michiganders over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s, and 514,000 more providing them with unpaid care. And, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan will spend $1.368 billion in Medicaid payments caring for people living with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.
It is the sixth leading cause of deather in the United States. Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 89 percent since 2000.
My dad lost his 10-year battle at the age of 74 just three years ago. I want to thank you personally for the support you’ve shown on your campaign trail. Let’s #endalz together!
Melissa Vecchi, Alzheimer’s Association volunteer ambassador