A fundraiser event was held for current Lansing mayor and Michigan Democratic candidate for governor Virg Bernero at the Canton home of local prominent lawyer and Arab American Political Action Committee vice president Nabih Ayad on Monday, July 12.

Bernero will compete with Michigan Speaker of the House Andy Dillon for the party’s nomination in the upcoming August 3 primary vote.

He talked about his plans for creating jobs in the state, his accomplishments as Lansing mayor, as well as his viewpoints regarding diversity and the immigration/profiling controversy in Arizona.

A fundraising event for Michigan gubernatorial candidate and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (right) was held at the Canton home of lawyer and Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) VP Nabih Ayad (left) on Monday, July 12, 2010.

“My dad came here as an immigrant from Italy and we haven’t faced near the discrimination that Muslims have faced in this country but I’m definitely for equality and diversity, we’re better off if I’m surrounded by advisors who are of the people,” he said while adding that his staffs have reflected the diversity of the places he’s worked in.

“We won’t allow scapegoating in any way, shape, or form, we’re Americans and we should stand up so no community is singled out.”

Bernero also said that he was against Arizona’s controversial new immigration law which is scheduled to take effect later this month, although there is a pending federal lawsuit from the Department of Justice seeking to overturn it.

He also spoke about his plan to create jobs and help small businesses in the state while highlighting his city’s AA+ credit rating.

“My plan revolves around green jobs including diverse manufacturing jobs as well as a future state bank (similar to the one used by North Dakota) to free up access to capital which is what we need to grow small businesses and create jobs,” he said.

Bernero said the state has about $1 billion invested in the national JPMorgan Chase bank, which he wants to demand back to give to Michigan credit unions and banks.

“Why are we investing in Wall Street when they don’t invest in us?” he asked.

 Bernero has been endorsed by organizations across the state including Michigan NOW, the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the American Federation of Teachers Michigan (AFT Michigan), the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) and the Michigan AFL-CIO, which represents 59 unions.

     He also was endorsed this past week by 35 municipal leaders including 20 mayors, among them Abdul Haidous of Wayne, John Hieftje of Ann Arbor, and Jim Ellison of Royal Oak.

Ayad introduced Bernero on the evening.

“When I heard him speak he struck a chord and that doesn’t happen very often,” he said about the first time he heard Bernero.

“It’s not secret that the Democrats have an uphill battle in this election but what you need is a populist who can strike at the core of the general population and I think Virg really has that.”