Michigan State Legislature

State and local governments have been struggling for years to balance their budgets. Is the answer to cut more costs or increase revenues? If the answer is cost cutting, what would you cut? If the answer is to increase revenue, how should revenues be raised? [80 words]
Do you support or oppose each of the following state ballot issues? [90 words total]
1. Proposed constitutional amendment to require that money held in conservation and recreation funds can only be used for their intended purposes
2. Amend the state constitution to ban affirmative action programs that give preferential treatment to groups or individuals based on their race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin for public employment, education or contracting purposes.
3. Allow the establishment of a hunting season for mourning doves
4. Prohibit government from taking private property by eminent domain for certain private purposes
Establish mandatory school funding levels
What actions should be taken by the state to manage the ever-increasing use of energy? [70 words]
Should Michigan ensure that all residents have access to adequate health care? If so, how can this be accomplished? If not, why not? [70 words]

State Senate
4-year term — Vote for not more than 1

District 20

Tom George
Republican. Age 49. Texas Township resident. State Senator, physician. U of M undergraduate, 1975–78; M.D., U of M Medical School, 1978–82. State Senate, 20th district, 2003–present. State Representative, 61st district, 2001–02. Physician, Kalamazoo Anesthesiology, P.C., 1985–present. Medical Director, Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo, 1996–2000. Volunteer instructor, Michigan State College of Human Medicine, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, 1985–present. Campaign website, www.tomgeorge.net

1. As a member of the Senate’s Appropriation Committee, I have worked to balance our budget for the last four years without raising taxes. Medicaid expenses are the fastest growing part of our budget and despite spending billions of dollars, Michigan remains among the least healthy of states. The key to providing more revenue for education and other priorities is creating incentives for Medicaid recipients to practice healthier lifestyles. The solution to Michigan’s budget problem is Medicaid reform, not raising taxes.

2. (1) Support. (2) Oppose. (3) Support. (4) Support. (5) Oppose.

3. Michigan can be part of the solution to the nation’s energy problem by serving as an implementation center for energy technologies such as the hydrogen fuel cell, biodiesel fuels, ethanol and solar energy. We also need to refine the use of existing energy technologies so that they are maximally efficient. I support the state encouraging local communities to expand development of bikeways and paths which allow alternatives to traditional commuting.

4. The legislature has a duty to protect the health of the public, which in part depends on access to care. This task is complicated by an epidemic of unhealthy behaviors which leads to high demand and high cost for medical treatments, resulting in a high number of uninsured. Insurance reform which emphasizes preventative care and rewards healthy behavior is the best way to control rising costs and expand access.

Alexander C. Lipsey
Democrat. Age 55. City of Kalamazoo resident. State Representative for the 60th District. B.A., Kalamazoo College, 1972; J.D., U of M Law School, 1977. Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 1989-1993, Vice Mayor of Kalamazoo, 1993–1995. State Representative, 60th District, 2000–present. For more information, feel free to visit my website
www.lipseyforsenate.com.

1. We should first examine how different departments in the budget can collaborate to stretch existing dollars. Any tax increase should specify where the funds are going. We should also review our various tax incentives to see if they work, and if they are not, eliminate them.

2. (a) Yes, these funds have been paid for the specific purpose of conservation and recreation. We should not be allowed to “raid” them. (b) No, affirmative action helps to address crucial shortages in our community. (c) No, doves are a symbol of peace, not of violence. (d) Yes, government should be limited in its power over private property. (e) No, this would discourage efficient use of tax dollars because funding increases would be guaranteed annually.

3. While the state cannot regulate gasoline prices, we can encourage alternatives to gasoline. We can provide incentives to convert vehicles to burn E-85 fuel. We have an operation in Kalamazoo right now to convert existing vehicles. We can also provide economic incentives to wind generators, as well as encourage the purchase of energy efficient vehicles and appliances (tax credits against personal income taxes).

4. Yes, I believe that it is the government’s responsibility to see that all of our citizens have access to ongoing healthcare. In fact, I think it is in our economic self-interest. I agree with the Governor that we can use Medicaid dollars to purchase health insurance, thereby not spending those dollars on emergency room care. I would also like to find a way to remove health insurance as a primarily employer responsibility.

State House of Representatives
2-year term — Vote for not more than 1

60th District
Townships: Cooper, Kalamazoo [precincts 1, 10-14]. City: Kalamazoo.

Armando Romero
Republican. Age 51. Kalamazoo resident. B.S., human resources, Northern Illinois U, 1978. Corporate business experience, 27+ years. Kalamazoo homeowner, 19 yrs. President/Owner of Enlace Services—Spanish interpretation/document translation & human resource consulting firm. Current clients include Bronson Hospital, Battle Creek Health System, State of Michigan Social Security Disability. Community board experience includes MI Workforce Development, Poverty Reduction Initiative, Kalamazoo Foundation CIC, Edison Neighborhood Assoc., Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice. Founder of Hispanic Leadership Coalition. www.electromero.com

1. Our governments must work as partners to achieve a balance of cutting unnecessary costs in the areas providing program/service duplication, and increase long-term revenue stream through statewide initiatives that can fund mutual/strategic/critical economic growth statewide. Statewide strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors can result in revenue-generating joint ventures of programs, services and systems for quality basic services leading toward a higher quality of life for our communities in the areas of: housing, health care, education and employment.

2. (1) Support. (2) Oppose. (3) Support. (4) Support. (5) Support, as long as the administrators are held accountable to clear and achievable goals and measurable result criteria as a requirement for future funding.

3. Continue to provide incentives for more biofuel pumps service stations; brownfield development to growing fields to cultivate/grow crops for biofuel use. Build biodiesel and ethanol producing plants. Create more undergraduate/graduate degrees in energy engineering, while encouraging/supporting higher educational research in the biofuel area by our universities. Production/sale of fuel efficient vehicles, such as hybrids, ethanol, diesel, renewable and flex fuels and fuel cell cars. Reward/recognize energy efficiency leadership.

4. Definitely, through the implementation of universal healthcare initiative, evaluation and better understanding of healthcare financing to develop and provide potential healthcare reform. Reform that can provide affordable and efficient health care coverage for our residents by working with our major healthcare providers to provide a system that can promote prevention, education, early intervention and continuity of care, and protects consumer choice.

Robert B. Jones
Democrat. Age 62. City of Kalamazoo resident. Retired. B.S., chemistry, Fort Valley State College; M.S., chemistry, Atlanta U. I have served the community on a vast array of professional and civic projects. I have a strong commitment to maintaining our great quality of life in Kalamazoo. Pharmaceutical industry, 28.5 yrs; mayor, City of Kalamazoo, 8 yrs. National Brownfield Association, Michigan Chapter president; Urban Core of Mayors, co-chair; Community & Economic Development Policy & Advocacy Committee, National League of Cities.

1. The Single Business Tax will end in fifteen months, leaving a 1.9 billion decrease in tax revenue. State and local government will have to make deep cuts to balance their budgets. We must pass a fair business tax to replace as much of the 1.9 billion as possible. The state needs to have a defined tax policy so that business will have information and then can invest and grow the economy, enabling us to maintain our quality of life.

2. I do not support any of the proposals because they do not represent balanced, public policy and instead promote a group’s special interest—not all citizens. Good legislation should be developed through the legislative process where both sides are considered and we end up with the best public policy. Proposal 2 is an example where the signatures were obtained under fraud and with out-of-state money. Proposal 2 would roll back progress. It would not bring us together to work on issues of race and gender. We cannot compete globally going backwards.

3. The state needs to enact policy that will promote the use of alternative and renewable energy and promote conservation. We must fund energy research that will make Michigan a leader in alternative and renewable energy use. The state needs to lead the way by converting state vehicles from fossil fuels. The use of ethanol will help the economy by meeting more of our energy needs and creating new jobs.

4. Michigan must work to improve access to quality healthcare. Michigan needs to reduce the cost of healthcare by promoting healthy lifestyles and deliver healthcare more efficiently. Michigan cannot solve healthcare problems alone. The nation needs a national healthcare system. With a national healthcare system, we will have improved health of our citizens and reduce the cost of healthcare, making our industry more competitive in a global market.

Jerry McNeely
Write-in candidate. Age 44. Democrat. City of Kalamazoo resident. Pastor. B.S., M. Div.; M.B.A. candidate. Former university dean, entrepreneur, pastor, and civil rights advocate.

1. While there has been a long time battle to balance the budget, I will seek to identify means of improving internal efficiencies to insure that we are operating efficiently and effectively, and making the best use of technology to assist the State in doing its job. Then, I would identify and eliminate ineffective or outdated programs, then see about shifting those funds to underfunded needed programs and services.

2. (1) Tend to support amendment to require money be held in conservation and recreation. May need to tweak the details, however. (2) Oppose the civil rights amendment. (3) Tend to oppose establishment of a hunting season for mourning doves. (4) Support government being prohibited from taking private property by eminent domain for private purposes. (5) Not decided on establishing mandatory school funding levels as I believe in accountability and understand that needs of various schools districts are different as some have higher number of people who may be more disadvantaged than others and may require additional support.

3. I believe the public needs to be educated more on energy consumption and the State can insure that it is energy efficient. I believe we should explore the alternate use of fuel.

4. State definitely should insure all residents have access to healthcare as it is one primary reason we have a democracy. It may be accomplished by providing basic heath coverage to all citizens using economies of scale and allowing persons to opt out of insurance if they meet certain requirements. Individuals would choose which plan they would participate in and their employers deduct additional amount of extras from wages or benefit package. . . .

61st District
Townships: Alamo, Kalamazoo [precincts 2-9, 15], Oshtemo, Prairie Ronde, Texas.
Cities: Parchment, Portage

Jack Hoogendyk
Republican. Age 51. Texas Township resident. State Representative, 4th yr. Parchment H.S., 1973, Attended KVCC, various areas of study, 2+ yrs. Sales and marketing, 15+ yrs, including National Sales Marketing Manager, Fortune 500 company. Director, faith-based non-profit, 7 yrs. County Commissioner, 2 yrs.

1. Cut spending; lower the tax and regulatory burden. Michigan becomes more attractive for investment, revenue grows through job growth. We can cut in many areas. Examples: (a) If we could fund every current college student in Michigan at $6000 but not fund students from outside the state, we would save $170 million, without sacrificing dollars for Michigan kids to go to college. (b) Eliminate the prevailing wage; it would save over $100 million. (c) Stop funding the arts; save $30 million.

2. (1) Support. (2) Support. This amendment does not end affirmative action. It ends preferential treatment by government in public hiring, contracting and education. It is essentially the same as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is equal opportunity vs. an attempt at equal outcome. (3) Support. (4) Support. Private property rights are one of the foundational tenets of our constitution and one of the things that make this country great. It would be wrong to allow government to take private property from one to give to another private party for any reason. (5) Oppose.

3. It is not the job of government to take actions to manage energy. Government should pass and enforce laws to protect the public welfare. The law of supply and demand will always address the need for resources. If gas gets too expensive, we will find alternatives. We always have and always will. We have provided incentives to develop alternative energy. This should suffice.

4. No. The Constitution of the United States and, I believe, the Constitution of the State of Michigan are written based on the assumption of the Declaration of Independence, that we have an unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Food, clothing, shelter and good health are all pursuits. These pursuits and creature comforts are attainable in the United States because of free-market capitalism.

Julie M. Rogers
Democrat. Age 31. Kalamazoo Township resident. Physical therapist. Mattawan H.S. graduate; Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center (KAMSC); B.A., psychology; Master’s of Physical Therapy, Marquette U. Experienced advocate for health care and environmental issues. Member: American Physical Therapy Association since 1998, as well as its Legislative Committee; Church & Society Committee on social justice issues, United Methodist Church; League of Women Voters; YWCA. Married to Ed Orloff. www.julierogers2006.com

1. Both (cutting costs and increasing revenues). The state should review and cut areas of duplication. We should promote local government control which typically decreases spending. States with strong economies have the highest number of college graduates. We need to develop new, innovative technologies and diversify our workforce. I would recommend increasing funding for education. By investing in education, we demonstrate our commitment in building a highly skilled workforce for future employers, which is linked to growing a strong economy.

2. (1) Support. Fees collected should be used to protect and maintain our parks and state lands. (2) Oppose. Such an amendment will hurt women, minorities, and roll back progress we have made toward equality. It would eliminate many advocacy programs. (3) Support. This was already passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Granholm. (4) Support. I support individuals’ right to own property and not fear it will be taken for private enterprise. (5) Oppose. While I support education, Michigan’s economy fluctuates. We should not place mandates when population size and income fluctuate.

3. Michigan has the opportunity to be a leader in automotives that utilize alternative fuels. I support creating alternative fuel usage incentives and the further development of biodiesel, hybrid technology and wind power. I also favor tax credits for solar/wind power users. Michigan could further support universities’ research in these fields and create partnerships between businesses and universities to market newly developed technologies.

4. Yes! Universal health care is critical to economic vitality. As a physical therapist, I have witnessed the results when citizens do not have access to health care. Massachusetts may be a model as it begins its first year of universal health care. State-sponsored health care can decrease fees, remove employers’ financial burden and attract businesses to Michigan. Wellness and prevention decrease utilization of more expensive health care and doctor visits.

63rd District
Townships: Brady, Charleston, Climax, Comstock, Pavilion, Richland, Ross, Schoolcraft, Wakeshma. City: Galesburg.

Lorence Wenke
Republican. Age 61. Comstock Township resident. State Representative; owner, Wenke Greenhouses in Kalamazoo and SunBelt Greenhouses in Georgia. B.B.A., WMU. Business owner, 35 yrs. Kalamazoo County Commissioner, 8 yrs. Married 40 yrs to Nancy; we have two adult children, Lisa Wenke Ambrosio and the Reverend Jeff Wenke.

1. Local governments should live within their means which requires them to cut costs in some areas. Most local governments have seen an increase in revenue every year from the normal growth in economic activity and value increase of taxable property.

2. (1) Support. (2) Oppose. (3) Support. (4) Support. (5) Oppose.

3. Promote conservation practices when we build new buildings. Seed all energy saving practices in existing buildings. Develop alternative fuels such as ethanol.

4. I do not support a national healthcare system. We currently provide adequate healthcare to Michigan citizens but some citizens are plunged into poverty by illness. We need to promote and reward good health choices.

Phyllis A. Smith
Democrat. Age 60. Pavilion Township resident. Retired recently; worked for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951, 23 yrs; union representative and recorder. Vicksburg H.S. graduate. Have negotiated contracts with companies such as Meijer and Kroger. Have organized the unorganized. Member and officer, UFCW Women’ s Network. Have worked with working women and have planned educational women’s conferences held throughout the country, including Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami and Las Vegas.

1. I believe that the Single Business Tax should be reinstated. The paperwork should be simplified and the tax should be stabilized. Revenue sharing will be phased out in 2007. It should be reinstated.

2. (1) Tourism is second largest industry in state. Tourism will be served by this amendment as will the environment. Support. (2) I strongly oppose because it is a big step backwards. (3) If the morning dove season will increase revenues through hunting fees and through tourism, then the state should have a season. (4) Eminent domain should not be used for private purposes. Oppose. (5) Funding education this way will help produce highly educated work force, attracting and retaining businesses and creating good jobs. Returns will be greater than cost. Support.

3. More research and implementation of a variety of alternative energy source, and encouragement of Green Technology. Conservation, alternative fuels and new forms of generating electrical energy, for example, wind energy.

4. Michigan should support access to affordable quality health care. This can be done by: (a) Forming a multistate agreement to purchase prescription drugs. (b) Appointing a Surgeon General to prevent chronic diseases. (c) Reduce the cost of drugs with the use of a prescription discount card. (d) Expand access to primary care in rural areas by increasing federal qualified health centers. (e) Secure needed funds to support the Detroit Medical Center.