Jobs
Over the last several years prior to the national economic collapse, Michigan has been in a single-state recession. We have had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Many politicians talk about creating jobs, but a job given by the government can just as easily be taken away. Michigan was ranked 49th on the “Best and Worst States to Do Business In” list in 2008. When I go to Lansing, I will work to create a business-friendly environment that welcomes all job-creators without picking winners and losers.
An important part of economic development is streamlining processes to assist small businesses. My father is the owner of a small business downstate and every time the government makes a move, he either loses people or doesn’t hire people who he intended too. He has even considered moving his business to Ohio because their processes are much more efficient. We are not competing with other countries; we are competing with other states. We need to reinvent Michigan, and I will spend my time and energy with our local businesses to assist them in any way possible.
Taxes
I want to reform the tax system to make us more competitive with other states. I have pledged during my time in the State House to vote no on all bills that are not revenue neutral. I will not, under any circumstance, vote to increase taxes.
Veterans
There is a major shortage in representation for veterans in the State House. There are currently only eight members who have served, and several on them are leaving office. As a reservist, I am aware of the great sacrifices of veterans.
Education
As a father, I am concerned with what I see going on in our educational system. Many of our teachers, administrators, and school board members are working as hard as they can, but are coming up short due to hurdles created in Lansing.
Only 60 cents of every dollar spent on education actually makes it into the classroom. There are many problems that need to be fixed, far too many to be listed. Some things that need to be done include:
Even Out Funding: Proposal A was supposed to equalize funding, yet still today we find the schools downstate receive higher funding over the ones located here in Northern Michigan.
School Board Budgeting: Imagine creating your home budget without knowing your income. This is what our school boards are going through every year. I would sponsor and support a bill to require the Legislature to get that aspect of the budget done early to give the school boards the information to properly operate their districts.
Testing: I don’t believe in teaching to the test, but due to federal regulation right now it is required to determine funding. Here in Michigan, there is little consistency in the tests, the content and time of the test is changed every few years based on who is in control at the time. This inconsistency hurts our children and takes away from their future.
Bureaucracy and Big Government
I am very small-government minded. As the 2008 Republican Party candidate, I fought for smaller government.
I will not tolerate the runaway bureaucracy which is happening every day in Lansing. They are more concerned will their own power than with helping people throughout the state. I will be a voice and make these bureaucrats accountable for their actions.
Unfunded Mandates
Unfunded mandates are a strain on the system. This strain affects our schools, local governments and several other local entities. I pledge to vote no on any unnecessary unfunded mandates.
Transparency
I support an open and visual government. I will support placing the state budget online for all to see. Many argue that there is a cost to initiate this. I agree there is, but in a matter of two or three years, you will have saved more than the initial cost by combining services with the watchdogs keeping an eye on politicians and bureaucrats.
Corrections
Corrections officers are an important part of Michigan’s future; they are the ones that keep the dangerous people off the streets. Over the last few years our corrections officers have taken it on the chin, and now many of our prisons are over-stuffed and are worked by skeleton crew. I will do everything in my power to defend these public servants and to defend their jobs in our community.
Hunting
I am a member of both Ducks Unlimited and the NRA. I will be a strong voice and friend for hunters.
Pro-Life
I have been a member of Right to Life for many years. I am 100-percent pro-life.
Second Amendment
Gun control does nothing other than taking guns away from law-abiding citizens. Most people who would commit a crime will not think twice to acquire a gun illegally. I am 100-percent pro-Second Amendment.
