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’ll be 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 six more candidates running for state office:
- Matt Longjohn | Candidate for State Representative, 40th District
- Austin Marsman | Candidate for State Representative, 42nd District
- Julie Rogers | Candidate for State Representative, 41st District
- Pauline Wendzel | Candidate for State Representative, 39th District
- Kevin Whiteford | Candidate for State Representative, 38th District
- Rafael Wolf | Candidate for State Representative, 41st District
Matt Longjohn | Candidate for State Representative, 40th District
Email | Website
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
My experiences as a physician, public health leader, educator, executive, advocate, and small business owner–and 6 generations of deep family connections across this community–have all prepared me to serve effectively as the State Representative for the 40th House District. I’m known for organizing and leading health-focused coalitions, and I have 2 decades of experience working with lawmakers and government agencies to improve our health system.
What is your motivation for running for office?
My aim is to improve the health and quality of life of every person in this district. When I graduated from medical school, I took the Hippocratic Oath. My entire professional life has been dedicated to improving the health of others. In 2016, I was identified by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 health innovators in America. I know I can make a difference as the only physician in the Michigan legislature.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Improve health and health care in Michigan by lowering costs, improving quality, addressing health inequities, and stabilizing the healthcare workforce.
Support economic stability for workers and families who too frequently face health risks associated with experiencing household financial stresses, housing instability, food insecurity, and other Social Drivers of Health.
Ensure the transition to a greener economy doesn’t leave workers behind by providing support to schools, training programs, and good-paying jobs in all sectors of the economy.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Throughout my career, I have often been responsible for forming and working through coalitions to get things done. That’s the job of a legislator, and voters can expect me to engage with the constituents and institutional leaders in this community to build strong coalitions and tailor effective policy. I will “show up”, actively listen to the needs of the community, and leverage creativity and compromise to address our shared needs and goals.
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 Southwest Michigan’s economic development focuses on supporting workers and families, promoting a more equitable and greener economy, and investing in small businesses. I often say people cannot live their healthiest lives if the economy is not working for them. Policies to incentivize the creation of good paying jobs, ensure affordable housing options, and expand access to quality education and health care, can all help to foster a healthy, growing, and inclusive community.
What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?
Kalamazoo County’s housing situation is slowing our economy and it’s an exemplar of the national housing crisis. We must continue to improve and expand our housing options if we are going to recruit and support families to live and work here. From serving on Portage’s Planning Commission, I know this is not an easy problem to solve, but we must create the conditions for greater economic growth and sustainability by increasing housing density and accessibility.
What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?
Expanding upon the preceding question’s response, I believe our response to the housing challenge must also include efforts to expand equitable housing options, improve rental affordability, and ensure local jobs will pay a living wage. By tackling these issues, we can reduce poverty, support our workforce, and create more inclusive and healthy growth for all.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
I will bring a “Health in All Policies” approach to Lansing. Whether I’m voting on a budget, a resolution, or a new law, I will always be looking for ways to improve peoples’ health. The region’s workforce and employers can expect me to work with them to drive down health care costs, stabilize the health care sector workforce, and strengthen health-related labor policies.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Elected officials can create a place where working together is the priority by demonstrating empathy, leveraging policy expertise, and fostering open public communication. Collaboration and compromise are essential to finding solutions that benefit all constituencies. My experience in coalition building and servant leadership will help bring diverse groups together, ensuring meaningful progress for our community.
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?
The biggest opportunity for elected officials to address diversity, equity, and inclusion lies in ensuring that public policy promotes fairness and eliminates discrimination. By applying a health equity lens to all policies, I can help improve the quality of life for all people. The greatest challenge is building trust, as progress often depends on diverse representation and collaboration moving at the “speed of trust.”
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I learned early in my career the value of “showing up”. So, I will often be found at community events, government meetings, etc. If elected, I plan to actively connect with constituents by “showing up”, holding regular office-hours, town halls, open forums, sending mailers and maintaining active social media profiles. My aim is to better understand the needs and concerns of those I represent, ensuring their voices shape my decisions.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
My political/career goals haven’t changed in 30+ years. I went to medical school to improve peoples’ health. For years, I led a $6 billion non-profit known for promoting health. My consulting business focuses on improving health systems. I teach at WMed to inspire others to take care of people. I ran for Congress in 2018 to advocate for a better national health system. I decided to run for office in 2024 after my wife’s experience receiving cancer treatments showed us a doctor’s voice was needed in Lansing. Now and in the future, I will be improving others’ health.
Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.
- Michigan State Medical Society
- MI Nurses Association
- Michigan Education Association (MEA)
- Michigan Realtors Association
- MI AFL-CIO
- UAW
- MI Building/Construction Trades Council
- MI Laborers/LiUNA!
- IBEW 131
- AFSCME Council 25
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 7
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters MI
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of MI
- Mom’s Demand Action
- 314 Action
- Equality PAC
- We the People Action Fund
- MI League of Conservation Voters
- Voters Not Politicians
- MI Sierra Club
- Kalamazoo County Democratic Party (KCDP)
- State Senator Sean McCann
- State Representative Julie Rogers
- Former State Representative Dave Maturen
- County Commission Chair Tami Rey
- County Commissioner Vice Chair John Taylor
- County Commissioner Jen Strebs
- County Commissioner Dale DeLeeuw
- County Commissioner Monteze Morales
- County Prosecutor Jeff Getting
- County Road Commissioner Keisha Dickason
- Portage Mayor Patricia Randall
- Portage City Councilmember Chris Burns
- Portage City Councilmember Nikki Miller
- Portage City Councilmember Vic Ledbetter
- Portage City Councilmember Jihan Young
- Portage City Councilmember Jim Pearson
- Kalamazoo City Vice-Mayor Jeanne Hess
- Kalamazoo City Councilmember Don Cooney
- Oshtemo Township Trustee Neil Sikora
- Texas Township Trustee BarbHammon
- OutFront Kzoo Executive Director Tracy Hall
Campaign Song
N/A
Favorite Movie
Too many to name
Favorite Book
Too many to name
Favorite Food
Wilted Lettuce (traditional Dutch / family meal)
Austin Marsman | Candidate for State Representative, 42nd District
Email | Website
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I currently chair a countywide broadband workgroup connecting over 10,000 homes in Allegan County to high-speed internet through a public-private partnership. I’m a former Martin Public Schools Board of Education Trustee (2020-2023), where I served on Curriculum and Technology (later Curriculum and Safety) Committee as well as Personnel and Policy Committee.
What is your motivation for running for office?
As a lifelong resident of West Michigan, I understand our communities and the challenges we face. Our current Representative’s behavior is unacceptable, and I believe we need better leadership.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
My top priorities include accelerating Michigan’s economy by lowering costs for families, building a healthy future for our kids, and keeping our communities safe.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Bipartisanship is key. I’m committed to working with anyone serious about solving our state’s issues. Decades of disinvestment have hurt us. Unlike the current representative, I’ll fight for the investments needed to grow our economy, clean our environment, and ensure safety.
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’ll be a strong advocate for our region. While not perfect, SOAR presents real opportunities for government to support large projects that will create good jobs. I also support funding programs like the Michigan ReConnect, which has already helped so many residents succeed.
What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?
Our region has potential for growth, both from existing and new businesses. I will keep an open door and continue pushing for infrastructure investments to attract employers here while also encouraging expansion.
What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?
The 42nd House District has lost a number of large employers in the past few decades. I’m committed to bringing businesses back and helping residents sustain middle-class lives here.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
I’ll prioritize investing in businesses and creating good jobs, ensuring the region has a leader focused on building a better Michigan for all.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Strong relationships, built on mutual understanding, help create bipartisan solutions to our state’s priorities. We must work together to move our great state forward.
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?
Looking at policymaking through a lens of DEI — asking how a proposal would help people — allows us to support communities that have historically been harmed, which creates opportunities for meaningful policy change. The challenge comes with understanding the full context.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I would stay connected by hosting (and attending) regular coffee hours, sending out e-newsletters, and ensuring constituents can easily reach my office to have their questions answered.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
My goal has always been to serve my community and deliver meaningful results. I’m running to represent the 42nd House District in the Michigan House of Representatives in 2024.
Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.
I’m honored to have endorsements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Joe Tate, State Senator Sean McCann, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller, former Republican State Representative David Maturen, and over a dozen labor unions including Teamsters Joint Council 43 and Operating Engineers Local 324.
Campaign Song
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Favorite Movie
Green Book (2018)
Favorite Book
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favorite Food
I love a good from-scratch breakfast at one of our local restaurants, but nothing beats Island City Fudge from Plainwell Ice Cream after a long day.
Julie Rogers | Candidate for State Representative, 41st District
Email | Website
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I’m currently serving in my second term as State Representative and have been honored to serve as Chair of the House Health Policy Committee. I also serve on the following committees: Local Government; Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security; and Insurance and Financial Services. As a practicing health care provider for over 25 years, I’ve used my experience to craft legislation that prioritizes our community’s health. I also served 8 years on Kalamazoo County’s Board of Commissioners.
What is your motivation for running for office?
I am running for re-election to continue the work I started: fighting for improved access to healthcare, protecting our environment, and strengthening our infrastructure. As a practicing physical therapist, my patients inspire me to continue to advocate for better policies to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
My top priorities are improved access to affordable healthcare (including reproductive health and mental health), environmental protection, and strengthening our infrastructure. I was thrilled to help deliver $28 million over several state budgets for the US 131 business loop interchange project. We also need policies that are inclusive and welcoming to young adults and supportive of our Veterans.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
This term, I introduced 11 bills that passed the House, six of which became Public Acts. These successes were built on a team effort, collaboration with stakeholders, and building relationships across the aisle. I’ve introduced numerous public health and economic development bills and co-sponsored many others. If re-elected, I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to deliver results for our region.
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 support policies that make Michigan a welcoming, competitive state for businesses. As a co-chair for the Legislative Biosciences Caucus, I have championed resources and policies supporting this business sector which is important to our region. I’ll fight for increased education funding for K-12 public schools, community colleges, and universities. I’m also interested in creative place-making that fosters cool places to work, live, and play with plenty of parks and green spaces.
What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?
Supporting policies and providing resources that strengthen our life sciences corridor and the arts in Kalamazoo will have a positive impact on our economy. I sponsored HB 5101, one of the bills in the bipartisan R & D Tax Credit package this term to provide financial incentives to grow small companies into larger ones while encouraging them to stay in Michigan. As a Legislative Arts & Culture Caucus Co-chair, I have continued to champion allocating additional funding for arts grants. Funding the arts boosts tourism and has a direct impact on local economies.
What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?
Lack of housing across all incomes has been cited as a factor in preventing individuals from moving to our region. I was proud to vote for the FY2025 budget which included funding for housing supports. Additionally, transportation and childcare costs have skyrocketed and often prevent individuals from entering the workforce. I introduced HB 4491 which would provide a financial incentive for purchasing new electric bicycles, a more affordable mode of transportation for our workforce.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
As the only health care provider in my race (and one of only a handful serving in the legislature), I’m uniquely positioned to represent the needs of our community. I have a proven record of working collaboratively to support businesses and foster growth in our region. As a Legislative Biosciences Caucus Co-chair, I have continued to uplift and champion our life sciences corridor in Southwest Michigan.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Building relationships that foster respect and good communication is key. Just like our families, we legislators don’t get to choose those with whom we serve. We don’t all have to agree on everything, but we need to be able to work together to advance priorities that improve our region.
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?
Many inequities exist, including access to affordable healthcare, safe drinking water, and housing. I’ve championed education and policies aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Decades of redlining have underscored the importance of utilizing an equity lens when assessing government policies. Last term, I served on House Democrats’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Planning Committee.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Last year, (in the off election year) my team and I knocked on 10,000 doors to listen to residents’ ideas. I hold monthly coffee hours (third Fridays). We send out regular monthly e-news with legislative updates. I attend many community events including neighborhood association meetings. Our 41st District Service Office, located in Kalamazoo, has served residents locally for over 50 years.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
I hope to help as many people as I can by advancing equitable policies that improve the lives of Michiganders.
Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.
Mayor David Anderson, Mayor Patricia Randall, former Mayor Bobby J. Hopewell, former State Rep. Jon Hoadley, Realtors, AgriPac, MEA, UAW Region 1D, AFSCME, Michigan Manufacturers Assoc., Operating Engineers, Michigan FOP, MNA, and many others. Visit www.juliemrogers.com for a complete list.
Campaign Song
“Beautiful Day” by U2
Favorite Movie
A tie between Love Actually and E.T.
Favorite Book
For the Love of Cities by Richard Florida
Favorite Food
Breakfast tacos!
Pauline Wendzel | Candidate for State Representative, 39th District
Email | Website
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I’ve been a state representative for 6 years. I’ve passed bipartisan legislation ranging from Autism Services to helping our craft breweries. I chaired a House Committee, and I’ve served as the Republican Leader of the Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee.
What is your motivation for running for office?
Lowering the cost of daily life for Michiganders. Families, Seniors, and Small Businesses are all being crushed by inflation. Groceries are more expensive, gas is more expensive, and utility bills are on the rise and service is less reliable. Current policies under one-party rule have raised the cost of living and lowered opportunities for Michigan workers.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
- Lowering the cost of daily life
- Keeping our communities safe
- Supporting pro-growth policies to help our small businesses.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Reverse the Democrat income tax hike on every Michigan family. Reduce utility bills and re-focus towards reliability instead of artificial mandates and subjective timelines cooked into our state’s first partisan energy package. Recruit, retain, and support more police officers, support victims of crime, and oppose legislation that has been introduced which would allow violent criminals like murderers, rapists, and child predators out of prison early.
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?
Picking winners and losers isn’t a winning strategy for permanent economic growth and opportunity. It makes for nice headlines but doesn’t deliver permanent results. Michigan needs to follow the lead of high-growth states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. We need a low cost of living, improved local infrastructure, and an economic climate friendly towards businesses. Repealing Right to Work, passing an energy package that will raise rates, and re-instating prevailing wage runs contrary to basic principles of growth.
What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?
Southwest Michigan is in an incredible geographic spot. We’re close to Chicago, Grand Rapids, and South Bend. We border Indiana, which has been growing exceptionally well, and our region is one of the most beautiful in our state. People want to live here. An immediate win for our region could be passing the Data Center legislation, which would bring immediate investments into our region. Long-term, we must foster a pro-business, pro-growth climate. We’ll win out in the long run and attract investments and jobs to our region.
What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?
In a Detroit News article, SWMI First stated that Right to Work made Michigan competitive in the site selection process for businesses looking to invest in our state. Re-instating Right to Work is low-hanging fruit that makes us competitive with Indiana. We also have re-instated prevailing wage, which makes local infrastructure projects and projects for schools and local governments more expensive. These artificially high prices, on top of inflation, result in tax dollars not going as far, lessening what we can do to improve our communities.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
I’ve been endorsed by the Small Business Association of Michigan and Michigan Chamber of Commerce every time I’ve run for office. When I win re-election, they’ll have the peace of mind that a pro-business, pro-growth elected official is in office, has their back, and will support them.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
I think if elected officials spent less time grandstanding, we could get more work done. Bipartisanship is also a two-way street. In 2016, Republicans had a trifecta, yet still included Democrats when the 2016 energy package was being passed. After two years of hard work, countless stakeholder meetings, and numerous drafts of the bills, that package passed with bipartisan support. This term, I was the Republican Leader of the Energy Committee. Not once was my party invited to a work group, nor was input solicited on the package. For the first time in decades, energy became a partisan issue. That’s not how a committee should be run, and that’s not how we should govern on topics that are so important and impact every single Michigan family and business.
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?
I believe meritocracy is the bedrock of a just society, and DEI runs counter to that philosophy. Opportunities should be open to all based on their ability and efforts.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I’m in my community all the time. I meet people at coffee hours, local festivals, charity events, and my office is proud to respond to constituents in writing in a timely manner. I believe that the best ideas for legislation come from constituents, and I’ve implemented that philosophy. My Autism package came to me from a constituent, and my brewing package also came to me from a constituent. The job of a representative is to “make present” the voices of your constituents, and I’ve excelled at that.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
I’m focused on doing this job to the best of my ability and making sure my constituents are heard and receive the best possible assistance navigating state government. Too many politicians use their job as a springboard to further their career instead of helping their constituents. That’s wrong, and it’s something I will not engage in.
Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.
Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Small Business Association, Michigan Realtors, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Corn Growers, Fraternal Order of Police, Michigan Manufacturers Association.
Campaign Song
“Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
Favorite Movie
Little Giants
Favorite Book
Outlander
Favorite Food
Crab legs
Kevin Whiteford | Candidate for State Representative, 38th District
Email | Website
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I am currently the owner and operator of multiple small businesses with the two main businesses being Whiteford Wealth Management, Inc., and Whiteford Properties Inc., located in South Haven, Michigan.
I have extensive business experience in all 50 states of the United States.
While I have been busy pursuing my career objectives, I have been active in speaking and performing at various college and high school classrooms throughout the State of Michigan where I love giving back to the children of the Next Generation. I currently sit on the board of directors for the DDA for the City of South Haven. I reside in South Haven, Michigan with my wife Mary, our three children, Scott (wife Kary), Alisa and Ken, along with my five grandchildren Reese, Beckham, Novak, Wellington and Hazel, all of whom live and are prospering in the State of Michigan as well.
What is your motivation for running for office?
To ensure that all of our children and grandchildren have opportunities to live, work, and thrive in Michigan.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
- Reduce the tax burden on the citizens of Michigan, specifically reduce or eliminate our state income tax.
- Ensure that every child is able to read when entering into 4th grade.
- Working together in Lansing between Democrats and Republicans in order to make things happen.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
I have spent my career helping people keep more of their hard-earned money, regardless of political party. In this regard, I have proven that I can win over both sides (Republicans and Democrats) and still keep my conservative values. While knocking on the doors of thousands of swing voters, I have tested my message, and everyone has been agreeing with me. I will maintain my conservative values by:
- Not wavering on my support of the 1st and 2nd Amendments of the Constitution.
- Respecting every individual’s faith and belief system.
- Reducing or eliminating the state income tax, something that has resonated with every person that I have met when visiting the thousands of residents of the 38th district.
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 huge reason for my decision to reduce or eliminate the state income tax is that when we place the income tax back into the pockets of the citizens of my district, this will be replicated within their communities on average 7 times and therefore increases economic activity everywhere!
What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?
Reducing the income tax will not only benefit the State economically, but it will assist in keeping our young professionals from leaving the State to go elsewhere: States where there is no income tax (Florida, Texas, and North Carolina). This will in turn provide the future workforce for corporations to locate and/or stay here in Michigan. I will also work with the Michigan Manufacturers Association along with the Michigan Chamber to assist out-of-state corporations to set up operations in the State of Michigan. This was something that I did early in my professional career for a major manufacturer operating in 33 countries.
What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?
Regulations, costs, and paperwork necessary to operate as a small business. From required training and licenses to oversight by state and federal authorities, it is making it very difficult to operate as a small business. In addition, the additional costs that are placed on them every year. We need to work with legislators in Lansing to explain why this is killing small businesses as well as my US Congressman, so that they can assist in DC (such as issues like changing independent contractors to employees). Most people don’t understand the impact of the supreme court’s recent decision to reverse the tip income and paid time off legislation. Unfortunately, our current state representative specifically stated last week in South Haven that this decision helped “level the playing field” for employees and employers. His inaction will lead to the closing of restaurants in SW Michigan. My extensive knowledge of tax law and the impact of taxes on citizens will enable me to quickly analyze bills and their real-world effects.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
I will work on behalf of everyday citizens as I truly understand what they have to deal with daily to operate.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
I have proven this in two ways:
- In order to be a successful business owner, I have worked with Democrats and Republicans all my life.
- I am having discussions every single day with both Democrats and Republicans in my district and am having resounding support.
I have no fear combing through and knocking on doors and meeting the people of Democrat areas and explaining to them why my ideals are beneficial to them. I particularly have found that people in solid Democrat areas like Benton Harbor have my ideals! Love of family, desire to express their faith, the value of keeping as much of their hard-earned money as they can, and safety of their communities.
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?
Actually being able to talk to people freely. We have to work together and actually prove to both sides that I have already done that and it is easy for me to do!
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I have met them at their houses and neighborhoods! I will continue this as state representative.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
To show politicians that they have to be completely intertwined within the communities that they represent. This would include going to and participating in various group activities and meetings throughout the District. Roller-skating in the parks, reading to children at the schools and libraries, getting involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs, stopping while driving through communities to talk with the kids playing in the parks and the basketball courts, hanging out at the coffee shops and restaurants in the communities, etc – Just a few things that I do.
Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.
So many to list—well over 100.
Definitely, all 3 county sheriffs which represent the 3 counties I will represent: Allegan County, Van Buren County, and Berrien County.
Campaign Song
“Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)” – The Hollies
Favorite Movie
Hoosiers – The underdog winning it all.
Favorite Book
Anything on the Civil War – My favorite topic is President Grant, I most likely have read every book regarding him.
Favorite Food
My wife’s Meat Loaf.
Rafael Wolf | Candidate for State Representative, 41st District
Email | Website
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
Current member and former board member of Portage Rotary, former board member of Fair Food Matters, and former board member of BuyLocal Kalamazoo.
IT Business owner.
What is your motivation for running for office?
As briefly discussed in my campaign voter information video, by design, nobody is represented. You are voting for a committee member who has their power stripped and transferred upward to the House Speaker. You likely didn’t vote for the speaker. This renders your vote, representative, and therefore your representation moot. I want to break this power structure by making them all meeting organizers, empowering reps to bring any vote to the floor regardless of “leadership.”
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
The ONLY responsibility a House Rep has is to pass the budget. Most don’t know this. Everything else they do is a mix of paper-pushing, absurd declarations, time-waster meetings, self-aggrandizement, gaslighting, and serving the wrong interests while robbing the public treasury with pet projects that end up being wasted “investments.”
Other priorities are limiting campaigning to two weeks before the election.
Limiting contributions to $50 each from all sources for state offices.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
By creating a culture of individual power that each rep is responsible for preserving and maintaining. When you vote as a citizen, you presume that the person you’re voting for will represent you. If that isn’t true, why are you voting? We need to seize this power back as reps and empower ourselves to maintain that power, educating those who follow and enshrining these principles into house rules.
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?
With all due respect, organizations like SWM First distort markets by picking winners and losers. It is a “club for capital” with relationships to government, banks, and oligarchy. SWM First is a marketing arm for big business that rent-seeks competing in a marketplace of corporate welfare from the public treasury. It facilitates the raiding of monetary resources from the public treasury that could be better spent serving the public elsewhere.
What do you see as the major economic opportunities facing our region and would you propose addressing them?
Opportunities are in decline. In my view of realism, economy, and all it encompasses can’t be distilled or compressed into a bright, rosy future. The future is grim. AI, for example, is going to ROCK the labor market globally. There will be a major displacement of human labor, essentially rendering parts of what we value as self and identity obsolete. Human labor will be unable to compete with AI and bots in the marketplace.
What do you see as the major economic challenges facing our region and how would you propose addressing them?
An easily fixable challenge is declining education quality. The almost unrepairable challenge is corporate power consolidation and concentration in my district, which encompasses the Kalamazoo area. Wealthy interests run the city, county, and state government, distorting markets and robbing from the public treasury. We see market distortions in everything from labor, housing, and infrastructure “investments” that serve other purposes besides those marketed to the public. Everything is incorporated and run by lawyers or corporate “counsel.”
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
The question is a veil of propaganda assuming a house rep can directly impact the regional workforce or companies within it. Outside of direct corporate subsidy (liquidity injection, tax breaks, etc.), government intervention means picking winners and losers. The work I have planned is to break up power structures in Lansing, not reinforce them. New business development in an unencumbered market with minimal headwinds would allow a market to thrive with market-based competition.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
This assumes anyone is “working together” and that there is “meaningful progress.” SWM First works on behalf of the established business community, bankers, lawyers, and the wealthy. This is the “club of capital” I previously mentioned. The best thing a legislator can do is ensure market-based competition, promote individual interests instead of collective interests, and help the working class preserve the little capital they’re allowed to currently have after government tax theft.
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?
Understanding it is the biggest challenge. Diversity and inclusion are good. Equity is good if by it you mean a “fair and impartial system.” The problem with the “E” in DEI is, as I understand it, people usually mean equality of outcome rather than equal opportunity. The equity piece doesn’t really work well in a world with diverse human DNA, class birth, regional birth (rural vs urban), access to certain privileges like private education, etc.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
The website at vote3p.com is valuable; people can contact me there. I would also be happy to speak with anyone at any time and any place, including larger gatherings/meetings. I was able to participate in the SWM HBA meeting during the primaries even though third parties caucus and don’t primary. I’m active on social media and perpetually run for House Rep, attempting to build a movement.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
For most, as your question alludes to, this is a “career.” They hitch their wagon to a corrupt establishment party from one of two camps, and they build their personal wealth by perpetually leaching off the system. I want to break this power system, which corrupts absolutely, and distribute power downward as close to the individual as I possibly can. This is true freedom.
Please list any relevant endorsements you have received.
None. Endorsements come from the voters, not corporate interests, celebrities, or special interest groups. Endorsements should be 100% ignored by every voter. It is a sign of who not to vote for. It means they have been bought and paid for by that particular lobby. An endorsement in economic terms is a debt needing to be paid.
Campaign Song
Are you kidding me? I’d probably be dragged into court for a licensing violation with loopholes that bankrupt me. I couldn’t even say “appyhay irthdaybay” without paying a nickel to some corporate interest.
Favorite Movie
The greatest POLITICAL MOVIE I have ever seen is a hidden gem from Eddie Murphy’s work back in the 90s (1992) called A Distinguished Gentleman (available for free on YouTube). The IMDB synopsis is this: “A conman discovers during a “job” that US Congress is where the money is. “Name recognition” gets him elected. Will he develop a conscience?” You will LOVE this movie.
Favorite Book
I’m always finding a new one. I will tell you what I’m currently listening to (“reading”).
End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration by Peter Turchin.
Synopsis: “From the pioneering co-founder of cliodynamics, the groundbreaking new interdisciplinary science of history, a brilliant big-picture explanation for America’s civil strife and its possible endgames.”
I have a reading list on vote3p.com if anyone is interested (I need to update and reformat it probably).
Favorite Food
Mexican food.
