Economic growth and how to achieve it are at the top of the platform for most candidates for government office — whether it be for local, state, or national seats of representation. Regional economic catalyst, Southwest Michigan First, reached out to 2022 candidates for office to get their take on growing the economy. From now until the election, we’ll share the answers of those who responded to our questions. Let’s meet the candidates for US Congress! (in alphabetical order by last name):
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Affiliation
Democrat
District Position
4th Congressional District
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I am sitting State Plumbing Board member, served as a treasurer for a non-profit, US Marine combat veteran and worked in banking throughout west Michigan.
What is your motivation for running for office?
My daughter deserves the opportunity her grandmother, my mom, brought forth when she came from Puerto Rico with nothing. Everyday people deserve a shot and I will do everything in my power to do so.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Improving our water quality standards, ensuring healthier food options through anti-trust law improvement and improving veteran & military services.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
By finding other US House members with similar communities that could benefit from these changes and authoring, sponsoring, supporting the legislation that does just that.
At Southwest Michigan First, we believe the greatest force for change is a well-paying job. If elected, what steps do you plan to take to increase job growth and workforce development?
Bringing in investment for new age technology careers where micro chips could be made in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo can close the deals and Benton Harbor ship out the parts.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
With me winning, it will lead to bolder investment in the community, being able to start a business becoming easier, collaborating with existing companies that can offer micro-entreprenuer programs and putting the community back in the hands of those who know it best, its residents.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Being a mediator on certain occasions could take a discussion from hitting a wall to moving toward the desired outcome for both parties involved.
What are your thoughts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice issues in your district?
Issues are felt most by the white, black and brown lower quality life residents. And solutions run scarce since many elected officials never experienced many of these issues.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Meeting them where they are and following up after we made an effort on resolving the issues they face.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
Leaving things better than when they were when I came in. Continuing to advocate and fight for workers, small business and those left out of the conversation due to lack of means.
Campaign Song
“Hard Work”, U.S Drill Sergeant Field Recording (Cliché but it is fitting)
Favorite Movie
“Black Hawk Down”
Favorite Book
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
Favorite Food
A traditional, old fashion, New York cheese slice of pizza
Affiliation
Democrat
District Position
5th Congressional District
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I have been a lawyer for 40 years. I get along well with people and am a natural problem solver. I have continued to study economics, public policy and history as an adult. I have served on many boards and neighborhood organizations and I ran for office previously in IL.
What is your motivation for running for office?
Even before 1-6, I knew that our democracy was in danger and I wanted to help protect it. After redistricting I saw that my opponent was part of the problem, so I knew that seeking this office was how I could do the most good for the most people.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Extremists on both sides have created a partisan war that is destroying this nation. The 75% of us in the middle are being ignored and the progress we need is the cost. I’m a moderate. I will have the guts to ratify a presidential election no matter which party won.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
My motto is “Listen, Respect and Deliver” and the importance of that to me cannot be overstated. I will listen to and respect ALL people to protect our democracy, working hard to solve real problems (instead of pandering to a base) and delivering for the district. Nation over political party.
At Southwest Michigan First, we believe the greatest force for change is a well-paying job. If elected, what steps do you plan to take to increase job growth and workforce development?
Small and mid-sized manufacturers are the largest employers in South MI and I will work to both protect them and encourage more of them. I will oppose targeted tax breaks and perks to large corporations that could affect them. I will work to decrease red-tape that can impede start-ups.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
Positively! I will be very available to both management and labor without regard to party affiliation, with the goal of continuing the impressive growth of the South Michigan economy. I will also support the technical and vocational educational training that is needed in today’s economy.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
I plan on joining the Problem Solvers Caucus which has equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans as members and works toward bipartisan solutions. Part of the problem in Congress is that the members often treat the opposing party as enemies and traitors. I will do my part to encourage civility.
What are your thoughts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice issues in your district?
More diversity in MI-5 would be ideal as the percentage of minorities is well below the national average. I oppose discrimination in all forms, and I am also opposed to affirmative action. Good jobs and good education will correct this imbalance. Lead in the water and PFAS must be addressed.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Personally and with respect. I plan on having two district offices since this new district is so large (about 220 miles wide). I also want to mention one way that I will connect LESS, which is that I will spend very little time fundraising, and instead concentrate on governing.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
My goal is to win and serve in Congress for several terms. I have no other political aspirations, but if not elected I will continue to stay active in MI politics. I have suspended my law career for six months to seek office, and will do so permanently if elected.
Campaign Song
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong – Hey, we can all have a goal, right?!
Favorite Movie
“Rocky” followed by “My Cousin Vinny” and then “Talladega Nights”. (I don’t like my movies too complicated).
Favorite Book
“How Democracies Die” by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky (it taught me that you have to want a democracy for it to survive) and “The Righteous Mind” by Johnathan Haidt (made me understand that people have different fundamental values and it’s very hard to change one’s mind).
Favorite Food
Whatever is on my plate. (If you had asked my favorite beer it would be a tie between “cold” and “free”.)
Affiliation
Republican
District Position
4th Congressional District
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I am a third-generation owner of Huizenga Gravel. As a small business owner, I firmly understand the challenges Southwest Michigan businesses face in the current environment. My experience as a state legislator, and now as a Member of Congress, allows me to take this perspective to the realm of policymaking.
What is your motivation for running for office?
I understand what makes Southwest Michigan such a special place and I am committed to upholding the values that we hold dear, creating new opportunities for hardworking families, and strengthening our economy.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Job creation and workforce development. Reining in the federal government. Out of control spending has fueled inflation which is hurting the job creators, employees, and families across Michigan. Regulatory red tape is hindering economic opportunity and making it harder for the private sector to achieve its maximum potential.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Being a leader on the House Financial Services Committee has provided me a unique opportunity to shape policy and promote a pro-growth economic agenda that will help our region grow and flourish.
At Southwest Michigan First, we believe the greatest force for change is a well-paying job. If elected, what steps do you plan to take to increase job growth and workforce development?
As a small businessman, I understand what Michigan job creators need: less red tape and lower taxes. My top priority in Congress is to promote an atmosphere for job creation, economic growth, and higher wages for employees across Michigan. This includes having the right size scope and role for government.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
If elected I am committed to making Southwest Michigan not just a great place to raise a family but a great place to open and run a business. I will continue to advocate for pro-growth economic policies that will reduce red tape, lower taxes, and support a robust local workforce.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Communication is key. If elected officials aren’t talking to each other we don’t know if we agree on five or fifty percent of the challenges facing our nation. In order to craft bipartisan solutions there must be a basic level of trust. In order to build trust you must communicate.
What are your thoughts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice issues in your district?
A federal policy is not going to address these challenges overnight. The Federal Government can play a role in striving for equal opportunity, however there is no policy that can be legislated that can guarantee equal outcomes.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I’m eager to listen to constituents across the 4th District. This includes members of the business community in Kalamazoo, the single mother in Battle Creek, or the farmer in Van Buren County. I also am committed to holding telephone town halls to hear from residents across the district.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
First and foremost my goal will always be to be a strong voice for the residents of the 4th Congressional District in Washington. I am committed to service before self and that means making sure our seniors, veterans, and residents receive the benefits they deserve.
Campaign Song
“Won’t back down” by Tom Petty
Favorite Movie
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Favorite Book
“Education of a Wandering Man” by Louis L’Amour
Favorite Food
A good rare steak
Affiliation
Republican
District Position
5th Congressional District
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
Member of Congress – US House of Representatives, January 2007-2009, January 2011 – Present
Division Manager – Moody Bible Institute Strategic Partners Division, September 2000-January 2006
President – Warren Reuther Center for Education and Community Impact, January 1999-September 2000
State Representative – MI House of Representatives, January 1983-January 1999
Pastor – Union Gospel Church Tipton, MI, August 1978-1982
What is your motivation for running for office?
I believe in the Michigan values of hard work, entrepreneurship, compassion, and creating opportunities for each person to use their God-given gifts to care for their families, reach for their dreams, and help their community. As an elected official, community foundation leader, manager in higher education, and pastor, I have demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals to succeed and doing my part in elected office to help make America a pillar of freedom and hope in the world.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
My top priority will be to combat inflation and get Michigan’s economy growing again. Reducing taxes, stopping wasteful spending, making health care affordable, increasing domestic energy production, and eliminating bureaucratic red tape are all elements to help grow our economy and help Michigan families.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
I will continue working to encourage economic growth and oppose excessive regulations that hinder the business community. Reducing tax rates, eliminating the estate tax and capital gains tax, stopping wasteful spending, and ensure businesses have the resources they need to address economic challenges.
At Southwest Michigan First, we believe the greatest force for change is a well-paying job. If elected, what steps do you plan to take to increase job growth and workforce development?
Creating long-term job growth in Michigan has long been my top priority in Congress. It is critical to increase both Michigan’s and America’s competitiveness in order to ensure there are good paying, high-skilled jobs. Reducing the tax burden, reducing harmful regulations, and passing job friendly legislation are important steps in this process.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
I will continue working to encourage economic growth, particularly in the areas such as agriculture and oppose policies that lead to more debt, higher taxes and slow economic growth. In a previous Congress I helped pass comprehensive tax reform for the first time since the 1980’s which included immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned businesses when they pass down their life’s work to the next generation. I also continue to advocate for stopping wasteful spending, increasing rural broadband access, making health care affordable and pursuing an ‘all of the above’ energy policy.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
I have been previously recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a non-partisan collaboration between Vanderbilt University and University of Virginia, as the most effective member of Michigan’s Republican congressional delegation. I have had 10+ pieces of bipartisan legislation signed into law since joining Congress. While there is certainly division in Washington, D.C., and significant challenges facing our country, many of us will continue in working to achieve bipartisan solutions to get the job done.
What are your thoughts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice issues in your district?
I oppose racism and believe in economic opportunity for everyone. I stand by our founding fathers belief “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I will continue to support policies that bolster our economy, improving our children’s education, and ensure job opportunities for all workers.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I continue to lead the Michigan congressional delegation in the number of town hall type meetings held each year. In addition, I take every opportunity presented to me to meet with businesses on site or virtually. My office also prides itself in providing outstanding constituent service.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
To continue to serve the people of the district with the utmost honor and integrity. My focus in Congress will remain on encouraging job creation and economic growth, fiscal responsibility, affordable health care, and defending our values. Less power in Washington DC and more power in the hands of individuals, families, businesses, non-profit organizations, and local communities will build a healthy economy and stronger Michigan.
Campaign Song
No response
Favorite Movie
“Ford v Ferrari”
Favorite Book
The Bible
Favorite Food
Spaghetti
