In my many visits with you on your doorsteps over the years, I have been gratified by how many people take a genuine interest in the issues and challenges facing Michigan. In an effort to answer some of the questions I have encountered most, here are my views on some of the most important issues facing our state. Feel free to contact us through e-mail or to call my home at (810) 695-5893 if you have any additional questions.
Property Tax Reduction/Proposal A: I am a staunch supporter of Proposal A. I supported its passage as a state representative, and will continue to defend it from legislative games and political "tweaking." Proposal A has been enormously successful, providing schools with record funding levels while greatly reducing the property tax burden for Michigan's homeowners. I pledge to continue to defend Proposal A and its promise to voters as your representative.
I will encourage the continued reduction and eventual elimination of the Single Business Tax, and encourage additional reductions in state regulations and taxes. Small businesses are an essential part of the economy, providing the majority of new jobs in Michigan. They will continue to receive my full support as state representative. I have recently voted to eliminate the SBT. Sadly, Governor Granholm saw fit to continue this job-killing tax, vetoing the measure.
As for taxes in general, I firmly support tax cuts. I feel that taxpayers should be able to keep more of their money, and will support any new tax cuts as state representative. This also means I will never support a bill for a tax increase on my constituents. I have also taken the Taxpayer Protection Pledge supported by Americans for Tax Reform. As state representative I have been proud to work for continued tax relief.
Roads: I am committed to fixing our roads. As county commissioner, I have fought hard to ensure Genesee County receives its fair share of road repairs and revenues. I have supported over $1.2 million dollars in General Fund revenue to local roads from the County General Fund budget in the past two years. I will support recent attempts by GOP leaders to change the way roads are funded to make sure you get the most for your money. As state representative, I will continue to see to it that roads are improved. I have introduced a bi-partisan measure that will allow a county board of commissioners to eliminate their country road commission. This will bring much-needed accountability to the system and cut costs in counties that have ineffective and bureaucratic road commissions.
Pro-life: I am 100% pro-life. I am proud to have the continued support of Michigan Right to Life as well as local organizations, and I will do all I can as your state representative to make sure none of your money goes to fund abortions. I was the proud sponsor of the Live Birth Definition Act, which bans partial birth abortion. This bipartisan legislation received a record number of co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, and throught a subsequent voter initiative, we were able to override the Governor's veto and protect our most vulnerable citizens - the unborn. One of my proudest moments has been the passage of my bill which allows a mother to see the ultrasound image of her unborn child before an abortion.
2nd Amendment Rights: I will defend the 2nd Amendment. I am a firm supporter of the 2nd Amendment and an individual's right to gun ownership. I am a member of, and have been endorsed by, both the NRA and the MCRGO, and will make the preservation of your gun rights a top priority as your state representative. I have recently voted for a bill that allows a person to stand their ground when in their home and use lethal force when necessary. Everyone should be able to defend themselves and their families when accosted.
Welfare Reform: I believe in welfare reform. As a state representative I supported the elimination of general assistance for single, able-bodied adults in 1991. This reform has been tremendously successful. Today, more people than ever are experiencing the fulfillment and pride of gainful employment. I will support any welfare reform measure encouraging strong, traditional families. I also support drug testing of welfare recipients to ensure that none of your money funds drug addiction and abuse.
Education Funding/Reform: I will fight for better schools. The K-12 Budget is now and always will be the legislature's top budget priority, because it is every Michigan parents top priority. I am committed to supporting our schools to the fullest extent. This includes full program funding for all of our public schools and continued support of the Merit Scholarship Program. I also support full funding for special education. This involves additional revenue from the Federal Government and a full commitment from the State Government.
My views on education can be summed up with two questions: Who's child is it and who's money is it? The answer to both questions is the taxpaying parent. We need to empower parents with the ability to choose both where their child attends school and how their money is spent. I will demand school districts focus upon the basics such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. I will also see to it that the new revenues created by Proposal A are not wasted.
Crime: I will fight crime. I will oppose any ballot proposal that releases drug dealers early to prey upon our children. I support hard time for white-collar crime. I believe criminals belong in jail, no matter what kind of crime they commit. We must guarantee stiff penalties on Enron-style fraud, and false accounting practices to protect our investments and pensions. One of my bills that is now law protects our seniors from being victimized by placing hard penalties on Drug Dilution.
Environmental issues: I will protect the environment. I love Michigan. As a lifelong resident I have grown up appreciating the scenic beauty Michigan possesses. I am committed to cleaning up and protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams. I will promote clean air and water while protecting riparian rights. As county commissioner I have been proud to support the Sheriffs Marine Patrol on all Genesee County Lakes. As your state representative, I have and will work to ensure future generations enjoy the Michigan outdoors. I have recently voted on a bill which bans all Canadian trash, pending federal action.
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