LANSING, Mich. — On Sunday January 13, Rep. Elissa Slotkin welcomed residents from across the 8th Congressional district for a ceremonial swearing-in event at the Lansing Center. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, the former U.S. Representative for the 8th district in Congress delivered remarks and performed the swearing-in.
With district-based and constituent services staff on-hand to answer questions and receive cases, a bipartisan speaking program featuring residents from each of the district’s three counties, the event demonstrated Rep. Slotkin’s commitment to serving each and every resident across the community, and building an available and responsive constituent services operation within the district.
Pastor Lila Martin of Trinity AME Church delivered the opening prayer, Lansing City Councilman Peter Spadafore delivered remarks underscoring Rep. Slotkin’s pledge to show up for the Lansing community; Matt and Amy McKenna, an Army veteran couple from Brighton spoke to Rep. Slotkin’s commitment to servicing veterans’ and military families’ needs; and Nancy Strole, a former Republican elected official from North Oakland County discussed resources for senior citizens within the district office. The J.W. Sexton High School choir performed a suite of music for the audience.
Slotkin called for a return to decency and integrity in politics, espousing a message of unity in remarking upon the common ground that exists across a district diverse in geography, background, life experience, and political affiliations –– and demanded that Washington take a page from Michiganders’ resolve to get things done by working together across differences.
“I urge everyone here to look for those areas of common ground. I refuse to teach our children that we as Americans are irreparably divided. And if Washington cannot lead by example, the people of Michigan are happy to show Washington how to do that,” said Slotkin.
“I pledge to always listen, even if we don’t always agree. I pledge to stand up for American values and the spirit of what makes us an amazing country, and to fight to bring back a sense of integrity to our democratic system. I pledge to make sure that every working family gets a fair shake -- no more, but no less. And I pledge to work my tail off to protect and defend the health of our families, our environment, and our way of life here in Michigan. I pledge these things in front of you, my community, and I know –– and I expect –– you all to hold me to it.”
Rep. Slotkin reiterated her pledge to hold a town hall once every three months, as well as release her weekly public schedule. She also discussed plans to, in addition to the flagship office on West Saginaw in Lansing, open a satellite office in Rochester and maintain a representative in Livingston County.
