United States Representative

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did not respond in time for publication” appear unUnited States Representative
Two-Year Term — Vote for 1der the candidate’s name.

Are you concerned about the size of the federal deficit?
Explain your answer.
What government measures would you propose to improve access to affordable health care?
The United States uses a great deal of fossil fuel for power generation and transportation. What measures would you support to tackle the ever increasing need for energy?

6th District

Fred Upton, Republican
First elected to Congress in 1986. Currently a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman of the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee. Fred personally reads and signs some 500 legislative letters he receives each week. Fred grew up in St. Joseph. A graduate of University of Michigan, he and his wife, Amey, have two children.

1. Absolutely. When we had a surplus, I supported paying down the debt. I support the line item veto and identifying member’s earmarks. I support priorities for education and health research within the federal budget, as well as tax cuts. I have offered and supported amendments saving the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

2. I have worked to expand Medicaid coverage for the poor, providing increased funding for community health centers, providing prescription drug coverage and preventive health coverage, and enacting the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (Michigan’s program is MICHILD). I also support Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

3. Conservation and alternative fuels are important. I introduced an ethanol bill which would require all gasoline to have a 10% ethanol blend by the year 2012. Cars need no changes to use it, so we can start cutting down right now! I support using a wide range of renewable fuels: wind, solar, waste-to-energy and nuclear power. I want the U.S. to be a leader in alternative fuels as we have led the world in other innovations.

Kim Clark, Democrat
I’m a businessman and community leader with a varied background. I reside in Three Oaks, MI, named one of Michigan’s “Cool Cities” due in large part to my leadership. I have been a banker, professor, advertising executive and entrepreneur. Born April 6, 1959, I have a BA in Applied Psychology from Loyola Univ. and a BA in Christian Education from Moody Bible Institute. I believe that my broad background will serve me well in Congress.

1. I consider myself a fiscal conservative and am gravely concerned about the federal deficit. As a businessman I can’t write a check unless I have money in the bank. As a Congressman I will push for more responsible government spending. I believe the cost of the Iraq war be included in the “official” federal budget, that we should restore budget surpluses through fair tax structure and that the Social Security Account should not be raided.

2. I believe that quality affordable health care should be available to all and fully support Rep. Conyers HR 676 which would extend Medicare coverage to all residents of the US.

3. It is vital that the federal government help fund research and development of alternative fuels. Not only would such development help reduce dependence on foreign oil, it would improve the environment, provide manufacturing jobs in the production of alternative fuels and be a boon to the agricultural industry. The government should also create public policy that encourages the conservation of fossil fuels.

Kenneth E. Howe, Libertarian
Did not submit background information.

1. Very much so. I feel strongly that the size of the federal government needs to be reduced.

2. Get the government out of the health care industry. When private concerns can, they do a wonderful job of helping people.

3. Get the government out of the energy industry. I believe the free marketplace will easily develop a much more efficient way to provide our energy needs.