Economic growth is a priority for most candidates, whether they’re running for local, state, or national office. As a regional economic catalyst, Southwest Michigan First reached out to the 2024 candidates to hear their strategies for driving economic development. We’re sharing the answers of those who responded to our questionnaire, organized alphabetically by last name, regardless of the office they’re seeking.

This week, we’ll share the responses from the first six candidates running for state office:

• Joey Andrews | Candidate for State Representative, 38th District
• Steve Frisbie | Candidate for State Representative, 44th District
• Jim Haadsma | Candidate for State Representative, 44th District
• Terry Haines | Candidate for State Representative, 41st District
• Angela Jones | Candidate for State Representative, 37th District
• Sarah Lightner | Candidate for State Representative, 45th District

 

 

Joey Andrews | Candidate for State Representative, 38th District

Email | Website

 

What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I am an attorney, former small business owner, labor policy analyst and organizer previous to joining the legislature. These perspectives have given me a diverse set of experiences to approach issues and consider what is good for workers and for business as we approach current challenges.

 

What is your motivation for running for office?

Our communities in Southwest Michigan are often neglected and ignored by Lansing in favor of other regions of the state. I believe that our community needs a strong advocate to bring attention and investment to our communities. I have worked to be that advocate in my first term.

 

Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

Going forward I hope to tackle emerging issues and opportunities around Artificial Intelligence, continue to work to address the housing attainability crisis in our state, and to address the child care and family leave necessities facing our state.

 

How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

As with every issue I work on, I plan to engage stakeholders knowledgeable in the policy areas I engage in, work with community leaders on local concerns around those issues, and craft policy that will continue to push Michigan and SWMI in particular as a leader.

 

At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

I believe that we should lean into the knowledge economy and look toward future facing industries. This is why I have been passionate about bringing Enterprise Data Centers to Michigan, supporting Nuclear Energy, and want to work on policy surrounding the development of AI. Southwest Michigan is well positioned with our natural resources and our existing assets to lead in these fast impending industries.

 

What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?

In my part of Southwest Michigan I believe the combination of energy resources (Cook, Palisades, Covert Generating etc), access to deep water ports to Lake Michigan, and our proximity to major metro areas we are well positioned to attract industries both on the manufacturing side and in the knowledge and tech spaces.

 

What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?

Housing. While we are rich in other assets, our lack of attainable housing and high prices is a massive prohibition to attracting new business and industry. We must address prohibitive zoning laws and work towards attracting as much development as possible on the housing front in order to continue being competitive.

 

How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

I am a strong advocate for workers rights and believe that family sustaining jobs with good benefits are the core quality for supporting and building strong communities. I also believe that we need employers to prosper in order to provide those jobs and opportunities to workers. I will continue to
work to strike that balance of fighting for workers while also creating a climate friendly to business and development in our state.

 

How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?

Open lines of communication are key. I actively attend meetings on economic development, housing projects, and any local concerts with the goal of being an advocate for solutions and investment to address those needs. I believe in creating spaces for conversation about difficult topics and finding solutions that will work for our region, I never turn down a meeting request with our local leaders and community members.

 

What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Addressing inequalities in education and economic opportunity to me is the key area of focus. We have to look at addressing the underlying inequalities that start some communities at a disadvantage from birth so that we don’t have to spend their whole lives trying to catch up to those born without
those disadvantages. An equitable society is one that creates equal opportunities for everyone and a strong safety net so those who stumble can be picked back again.

 

In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I hold regular coffee hours, attend municipal meetings, and participate in other community events. My goal is to be as present as possible in the district.

 

What are your long-term political/career goals?

Our communities in the 38th district have untapped potential that I would like to be a part of bringing to fruition, we have population decline to reverse and endless opportunity to capitalize on. I plan to dedicate my tenure to those endeavors.

 

Campaign Song

Overcompensate- Twenty One Pilots

 

Favorite Movie

True Romance.

 

Favorite Book

Slaughter House 5 – Kurt Vonnegut

 

Favorite Food

My grandmothers German spaghetti recipe.

 

 

 

Steve Frisbie | Candidate for State Representative, 44th District

Email | Website

 

What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

Paramedic and now Vice President at LifeCare Ambulance Service, 1984 to present Calhoun County Commissioner, 4th District, 2010 to present, including five terms in leadership:

• Kellogg Community College, Adjunct Instructor, 1989 to 2012
• Volunteer firefighter, Colon & Pennfield, 1981 to 1999
• Youth Coach for football, baseball, and basketball for several years
• Miles for Memories (dementia focus) leadership, current
• Calhoun County Red, White, Blue Foundation (Veteran focus), current
• Pennfield Schools Educational Foundation, former
• Pennfield Exchange Club, former

 

What is your motivation for running for office?

I hope to utilize my 40+ years of paramedic, management/administrative experience, along with the 14 years of County Commissioner experience, to go to Lansing to represent our citizens instead of special interests.

Serving my community is part of my fabric and want to continue those efforts in Lansing. The past 20 months of what has happened in the Legislature, watching a decade of progress evaporate quickly, spurred me into considering this run.

Michigan is the place we want our children and grandchildren (none for us yet) to thrive and live a safe, happy and successful life.

 

Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

Prioritize spending (reduced) after the Legislature raised the State Budget 46% in the past two years we are on an unsustainable path. Read more about the Michigan House Republicans plans to restore prosperity all at: www.missionformichigan.com There are ten points with policy initiatives listed that help solve the issues for citizens.

Repeal the recent Democrat tax increase which hits Michigan citizens at a time when their wallets are under siege due to record inflation. Fill the Treasury through prosperity, not the pain of increased taxes.

Safe and effective schools. Create pathways beyond college prep (skilled trades, healthcare, career prep) for all students and their parents to have a chance at success after graduation. Replace the 92% of the funding eliminated by the current Legislature ($6 million in Calhoun County alone) that funds mental health resources and school resource officers (police) within the schools. The repeal of the 3rd Grade reading requirement at a time when reading proficiency has slipped to an all-time low is inexcusable. Reading comprehension is a basis for learning.

 

How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

First have a plan. The plan is established as listed above in Mission for Michigan.

Next work across the isle to find common ground where the initiatives can be agreed upon and passed for the Senate and Governor to consider. In a best case scenario, a bipartisan agreement would be reached and lead to the Governor signing the initiatives into law.

 

At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

We align perfectly with those thoughts! Creating a landscape of economic gardening which rewards existing businesses by creating an environment of lower taxes, decreased government rules/regulations that are stymying growth and drowning employers in red tape and associated administrative time as well as keeping potential new employers from entering Michigan. Economic development should also continue as a focus but not with huge payments to a few employers but with government efforts focused on providing essentials needed for a business to consider beginning or expanding in Michigan.

We know potential employers look at local schools, healthcare, housing availability, and infrastructure (among the leading issues) available to support their employees and operations before making a decision about what location to expand or venture into as a new area.

 

What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?

A plan that addresses long-term sustainability for any existing or new business opportunity would be a great first step.

Creating a business environment that is rewarded for their achievements. Creating tax credit incentives for businesses to lead the nation in developing new technology and process is certainly an area this region’s manufacturing sector would be supportive of developing. Michigan has long been a leader in manufacturing, let’s grow that further!

We also need to utilize the Going Pro concepts brought forth by the Michigan Chamber to bring high school graduates into the workforce with many skills already obtained.

 

What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?

Government legacy costs are one of the looming economic challenges. We must pay down that debt or face decisions about how and what can be provided by the government moving forward. A recent decision by the current Democrat led Legislature will skip the upcoming payment for the Teacher Pension plan. That’s dangerous and is bad business.

Affordability for residents and businesses needs to be addressed. Lowering taxes leads to more dollars in the pockets of residents. I support citizens keeping their own money to make a decision on how to save or spend their own money. We also need to unleash all forms of energy to bring down those costs. Energy costs have soared. All forms of energy are needed to meet our growing demands. Attempting to create a policy that relies on wind and solar is not an achievable plan now or in the near future.

We also need to stop government policies that work against the market and drive costs up. The high cost of energy has led to increased cost of many everyday issues such as food and clothing families need. The high inflation has also reduced the ability of first time and other new home buyers from being able to afford those purchases due to higher interest rates.

 

How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

The role of a Legislator is to listen and learn. Learning about all the issues and avoiding unintended consequences is something I will strive to achieve. I will utilize all input to form a position. Groups who represent business have issues to solve and a large contingent of those members have agreed upon an approach that works for their business sector.

We need to build the workforce of today and tomorrow as technology and processes evolve. Michigan’s workforce is among the most resilient and resourceful in the nation. We need to support their ability to get ahead and that helps companies continue to move forward in providing services and products ahead of others in the market.

Creating skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing career pathways in high school will help fill the growing needs of companies now and into the future!

 

How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?

I have outlined that above. Create the opportunity by simply sharing a vision with Legislators across the aisle. Often, we find that the goal is or nearly the same. The pathway taken to arrive at the goal is often the issue. Give and take without giving up principles seems to be a lost art. Having been a County Commissioner for seven terms helps build that skill. Completing the Michigan Political Leadership Program offered by Michigan State University in 2016 helped develop that skill even further.

 

What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Build a system that everyone begins at the same place/time and finishes in at the same place and time. When obstacles such as social/economic disparities exist, work to build a bridge to help those challenges to be eliminated. We can begin that effort in public schools and overcome the challenges of 3rd grade reading proficiency and then create pathways that match a student’s desire and abilities to be successful in life after high school.

 

In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

Local town hall gatherings to seek input on what is on their minds. Work with associations and other stakeholders to learn about their challenges and potential solutions they believe will help address their issues. Community leaders and other elected officials are another source of information and offer solutions that can help any Legislator solve problems.

One of largest roles of a Legislator is to field concerns from their constituents. Often, the Legislator is not the one who can directly solve the problem the constituent faces. However, helping the constituent navigate the behemoth of State agencies is a valuable tool. I plan to build an office that focuses on constituent services. I have always tried to do that for my constituents of the 4th District County Commission and will continue that in Lansing.

 

What are your long-term political/career goals?

Winning this seat is my focus for now. Any future opportunities will depend on many factors such as my wife/family’s support, timing, winnable seat, financial support, and support of the constituency.

 

Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.

Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan & Calhoun County Farm Bureau, ABC Contractors, State Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Friends of the Chamber, Freedom Fund, Americans for Prosperity, Friend of Retail, RTL, Great Lakes Education Project, and others.

 

Campaign Song

Don’t Look Back – Boston

 

Favorite Movie

Top Gun, Top Gun Maverick, The Hunt for Red October

 

Favorite Book

The Umpire Strikes Back by Ron Luciano

 

Favorite Food

My homemade lasagna, steak, seafood. I will try anything once!

 

 

 

Jim Haadsma | Candidate for State Representative, 44th District

Email | Website

 

What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I am an attorney who practices workers’ compensation and disability law. I’ve spent my professional career helping others through some of the most devastating circumstances and getting them back on a path to live full lives. Prior to being first elected to the state House in 2018, I served four terms on the Calhoun County Commission. I’m active in several community organizations that serve Battle Creek and the surrounding communities including: The Haven of Rest, the NAACP’s of Albion and Battle Creek, the Southwest Michigan Urban League, the Salvation Army and in the the past have served as a board member of the Art Center of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Pride and The Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek.

 

What is your motivation for running for office?

Each day, I approach public service with the goal of making sure the Michigan that I was lucky enough to have grown up in is there for my children and grandchild. Our state has a rich history and I feel a strong sense of duty to make sure we continue to be leaders in public education, innovative manufacturing and protecting our natural resources for future generations.

 

Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

Good roads and good schools. I will continue to push for more state investment in infrastructure and education.

 

How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

Calhoun County, at the intersection of I-94 and I-69, is an important hub in the economy of mid-Michigan. I will continue to work with anyone and everyone who shares our collective goal of making the region an attractive place to live and raise a family.

 

At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

A well-paying job, with an employer who values workers, is a recipe for success. I will continue to advocate for increased investment in education and targeted economic development.

 

What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?

Our region of Michigan is an affordable area located between Detroit and Chicago. We’ve got a great public university, several excellent small colleges and community colleges and wonderful recreational opportunities that are attractive to job providers. The region has also received major upgrades to transportation infrastructure and is well poised for investment.

 

What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?

Michigan needs a road funding solution that brings in enough revenue to maintain our local streets. We need to prioritize housing and childcare so that employers are confident we can support a growing workforce. And we also need to make sure our post-high school educational offerings are flexible and meet the needs of workers and employers.

 

How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

Southwest Michigan is a great place to live and raise a family. I’m optimistic, if given another term in the legislature, that we can continue down the path of fixing our roads and bridges and increase state funding for our public schools. A sustained focus on those quality of life issues will attract a talented workforce to ensure our success.

 

How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?

As an elected official, I strive to be accessible and transparent. I put in the work to understand important issues and build relationships with sometimes unlikely potential allies.

 

What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

DEI initiatives are being embraced by Fortune 500 companies across the globe. I wholeheartedly support businesses in their endeavor to find the best talent available. It doesn’t surprise me that employers who embrace and encourage these initiatives also rank as the most successful companies in our region. The biggest obstacle is public perception that diversity is a sacrifice.

 

In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I hold office hours on the first Saturday of every month in Battle Creek and Albion where anyone can meet with me directly. I regularly meet constituents and share my personal contact information and encourage anyone to contact my legislative office if there is any chance I or my staff can help.

 

What are your long-term political/career goals?

As someone who has been elected to a rapid succession of two-year terms, I’ve yet to find time to catch my breath, but at some point I’d like to retire and spoil my granddaughters.

 

Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.

Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, SEIU, LCV, Planned Parenthood, AFSCME, Michigan Nurses Association, MEA, UAW, IBEW, MAJ, USW, UFCW

 

Campaign Song

Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

 

Favorite Movie

On the Waterfront

 

Favorite Book

Rabbit, Run by John Updike

 

Favorite Food

Volcano Pizza on W Columbia in Battle Creek

 

 

 

Terry Haines | Candidate for State Representative, 41st District

Email | Website

 

What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

• I have 35 years political experience, mostly in Oakland County. I have lived in Kalamazoo since early 2021 and am involved locally.
• I made several businesses successful. Details in website.

What is your motivation for running for office?

I believe that I can serve Michigan and exceed your expectations on what a state politician normally does.

 

Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

• I want to end the ability of the federal government to easily borrow in our name.
• We can PERMANENTLY lower the cost of gasoline by following a plan produced by rocket scientist Robert Zubrin in his book Energy Victory.
• Parental rights in schools.
• Crime off the streets.

How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office of states

• Promote conventionofstates.com
• Legislatively promote Energy Victory.
• Encourage prosecution of crimes.
• Guaranteed prosecution of all arrested during riots if curfew is violated.
• Produce laws giving parents more rights in public schools.
• Protect home schoolers.

 

At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

• Minimize bureaucracies for businesses.
• Only safety issues in businesses, such as safety during working and control of pollution.
• I believe in Adam Smith’s concept of the “invisible hand” of free enterprise.
• Protection from corporate capitalism or monopolies.

 

What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?

• The state government should not choose economic winners and losers.
• Lower taxes.

 

What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?

• Easy process for beginning a business.
• No money for illegal aliens.
• Diminish policies that do not accomplish anything but buying votes.

 

How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

• My election will be good news for law abiding businesses and citizens.
• I believe in equality of access to opportunity, not equity of results.
• “A rising tide lifts all ships.”

 

How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?

America, and Michigan, really can be a merit-ocracy if we choose to make it so.

 

What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

• Critical Race Theory is racism against white people. You do not solve racism by more racism.  I propose Project 1776 to replace Project 1619. It is more historically accurate.
• There is only one race, the human race. Other races are really other cultures. We should, line upon line and precept upon precept, examine what is the best of ALL cultures and try to emulate the best of all cultures.

 

In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

• Good contact systems with me and my office.
• Weekly in-person contact with local individuals and groups.

 

What are your long-term political/career goals?

• No long range personal plans, except to advance Michigan.
• I will daily do my best and hope me and my alliances have a cascading positive effect on Michigan.

 

Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.

See my website cteterryhaines.com > References

 

Favorite Movie

The Princess Bride

 

Favorite Book

The Bible

 

Favorite Food

Pizza with no pepperoni or a nutrient rich shake

 

 

 

Angela Jones | Candidate for State Representative, 37th District

Email | Website

 

What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I have been a small business owner since 2009, and have served on the board of a non-profit for two years in the past (2007-2008, 2008-2009 for the MOMS Club St Joseph-S/Stevensville Chapter)

 

What is your motivation for running for office?

I am tired of political candidates that are more interested in pointing fingers and pushing partisan culture wars rather than working together to fix important issues that are affecting area residents and small businesses

 

Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

My top priorities include protecting our labor forces and creating a more equitable playing field for our small businesses to compete with larger businesses; supporting public education and post-education training initiatives; improving economic equity in our education and healthcare; and working with our farming community for positive ag legislation.

 

How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I am willing to cross party lines and work on bipartisan efforts to support our communities.

 

At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

My vision for economic development in our region includes supporting policies that improve innovation and technology, promoting sustainable practices, improving infrastructure, enhancing workforce development, leveraging tourism, engaging the community, and creating a diverse economy for resilience and growth.

What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?

I think our area is blessed to have two community colleges and satellite campuses for larger colleges within our area. I have two community colleges in my district. We also have a large support network for workforce development that I’d like to see promoted more for graduating students that may not wish to attend college after high school.

 

What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?

I’d say the top 3 are in jobs, housing, and workforce development (which I mentioned in the previous question). I propose incentives to local small businesses to stimulate the economy and provide jobs that balance with our area big businesses. I propose looking at short term rentals and considering how they are zoned compared to hotels in our more populated areas struggling with existing housing availability, and making it easier for homes to be built by removing some of the expensive barriers to developers and home builders.

 

How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

I hope to bring more incentives and support to my region’s labor workforce and small businesses to stimulate the economy and create a more qualified and equitable workforce.

 

How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?

By focusing less on culture wars and partisan politics, and more on working together for positive change and meaningful progress. Put our people and businesses first.

 

What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Our greatest more recent win was in the expansion of civil rights coverages to include trans individuals, but it is at risk of being repealed by some Republicans who use fear tactics to inflame the community against one of our most marginalized groups.

 

In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

In addition to town hall meetings with local residents, I intend to implement a program that will allow residents to log in and read what is going on in the legislative floor and how it could impact their community, and vote whether they agree or disagree with the policy/changes; and give them an opportunity to voice their concerns or opinions. I feel this is the best way to keep a real-time tally of where my district leans in terms of policies that affect them.

 

What are your long-term political/career goals?

After serving 2-3 terms in the house where I can get hands-on experience, I intend to run for a higher position either in the state senate or federal level representative.

 

Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.

AFL-CIOmi, UAW, USW, and Council 25 AFSCME; Center for Freethought Equality PAC, Michigan Association for Justice, We The People Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Advocates for Michigan, Berrien County Democratic Party, Cass County Democratic Party

 

Campaign Song

I get a song? I had no idea! I don’t even know, that’s a hard one.

 

Favorite Movie

I’m torn between The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Age of Adeline

 

Favorite Book

She Who Remembers

 

Favorite Food

Anything Mexican. I could eat it every day!

 

 

 

Sarah Lightner | Candidate for State Representative, 45th District

Email | Website

 

What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I have been a county commissioner and state representative. Having that local elected experience helped me with state office. Also, being a small business owner has helped with the financial part of my job, appropriations.

 

What is your motivation for running for office?

I am one that if rules and regulations are going to be imposed on me, I want to have a say in the process. I am not one to shy away from challenges and representing my communities is humbling and rewarding.

 

Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

We need to make sure we prioritize safe communities, better schools to prepare our children for a brighter future and make life more affordable for working families.

 

How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I plan to continue on appropriations and not balance the budget on the backs of hard working families. I will continue to fight for what is right, so that people can prosper, live, work and raise families. We are trying to grow Michigan and we can’t do that by having high taxes and out of control government spending.

 

At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. What is your vision for economic development in our region?

I believe that some business is worth investing in to better our state. We need to eliminate red tape for business, and let them compete with other businesses. We have MEDC that should have more guardrails on making the determination before picking winners and losers in regions. I would like to see more investment in more small and medium business and not to foreign entities. I also think we should prioritize Michigan companies with incentives to stay and employ our residents.

 

What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?

Again, we should incentivize our existing companies and put a check on the burdensome regulations in running their businesses. We have the 94 corridor, which makes it easy to navigate between bigger cities and gives people options to live.

 

What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?

Inflation seems to be a major issue in this region and the rest of the counties I represent. Again, we need to drive down taxes, which, I voted to keep the income tax low but the democrats pushed that it was only a one year deal. I am sure we can roll the income tax back and it will benefit all working people and business owners.

 

How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

I have an open door policy. I always welcome people to come talk to me about how policy affects their business. I was once a part of the Michigan Works board while I served on the county commission and maintain a relationship with that entity too. Policy is best made when you have open dialogue about how they run and manage their business and let us legislators know what they need to be successful.

 

How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?

Treat people with civility. I tell people all the time, I represent 92,000 people, not just Republicans. I treat people decent and in return, they are willing to work with me across the aisle and get things done. I have had numerous bills signed into law working with all people for the best policy for our state. I feel my reputation and voting record show that.

 

What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?

Here’s the deal, don’t treat people like trash just because you are on different sides of the aisle. We all have different backgrounds, it’s our collective experience that drives policy. Just be open and honest, even if it’s not what someone wants to hear. People know where I stand on issues and if I don’t know, I tell them I need to do more research. Again, I will emphasize, don’t treat people like garbage, it’s ok to disrespectfully disagree.

 

In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

My office is always open for meetings. Coffee hours are done during the year as well, but they aren’t well attended. People can email me, call me or my office and I can schedule time for them.

 

What are your long-term political/career goals?

I want to see us shrink government spending down! The people I represent deserve to keep more of the money they make. We have to invest in our future, safe communities, better schools for a brighter future and investing in infrastructure. We have spent more than ever but not on the main priorities and we need to put that in check. Hopefully, we can come together and get that done next year.

 

Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.

Michigan Chamber, MFIB, manufacturers, AgriPac, CTV, Retailers, SBAM

 

Campaign Song

I don’t ever play it publicly, but my personal fire me up song is Soul on Fire by Third Day

 

Favorite Movie

Serial Mom

 

Favorite Book

The Help

 

Favorite Food

Mexican