What I Stand For

We supposedly live in the richest country in history, yet we should evaluate how wealthy we are by those who struggle the most. The sick, disabled, or those in medical debt are some of the most vulnerable in our population, and should have access to quality healthcare. Every child, parent, senior, and person should have access to quality health care.

Our own family rates for the cheapest ACA healthcare jumped from $700 per month last year, to over $1200 per month in January. This has put a strain on our budget, while not providing any better care.

Supporting HB4407, or the MI Care Act, would create a single payer system in Michigan and benefit all of its residents.

More farm bankruptcies, higher input costs, labor availability, shaky international markets, and the aging farmer all create a ripe situation for outside influence to buy or lease land for other development projects.

Housing, labor, environment, and economic factors are all effects in the community when a tract of land is developed.  Irresponsible outside development by non-community members tend to minimize the concerns of locals, and can easily sway a few power brokers to think in short term payoffs rather than long term community concerns.

Repeal tax breaks for data centers and construct a better state-wide regulated path for responsible development with the voices of the community respected. If townships have stricter guidelines for development, use these to strengthen all communities in Michigan.

Guidelines for development should be conservation minded, transparent, community developed, and adhere to state and national standards.

The state of campaign finance and lobbying money destroys our government, across the state and country.  We start by putting restrictions on donations, lobbying, and gifts for all levels of government to promote candidates who are not bought.

There are a number of petitions for voter backed amendments for campaign finance reform. HB 5197 and HB 5281 may help close loopholes for foreign funding and “shadowcash.” I’ll support any policy that promotes more transparency and honesty in politics.

The “pay to play” politics must stop distorting the will of the people. Politicians should not get rich because their office!

As a former teacher and as a parent, I think strong communities are built by kids having access to quality public education programs from preschool to the time they enter the workforce. There are many paths to becoming a happy and productive member of society, but education and training are the foundations for all of these paths.

Our boys were able to use the “Schools of Choice” program when we first moved here, to find the right fit our kids public education. Beckett had access in high school to a rigorous curriculum program to help prepare him for college, which he now attends as a freshman at Kalamazoo college. Russell has had access to a strong band program at his high school and an “Early Middle College” program which partners with a local community college to provide free college classes.

As a farm employer, I see the need for more young apprentices and contractor programs that help train workers for the jobs needed in all of our communities.

I would support any programs that help push students to find their place in our workforce.