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Four Basic Issues
People are concerned about their future. Will they be able to make their mortgage payment? Will they be able to afford college for their children? Will they even have a job next month? What happens if they get sick? The challenges we face require hard work and creative solutions, not glib answers and political posturing. I am running for state representative to be a voice for change, a voice for our families. I will take to Lansing a 'can-do' attitude that is willing to work with Republicans and Democrats to move our community and our state forward.
While not complete, here are four basic principles state government must abide by to begin to turn Michigan around. As the campaign develops, we'll continue to update this page and add additional links, but these are my priorities. Feel free to contact the campaign if you have additional questions.
  Make it more difficult for politicians to raise your taxes.
Last year, Lansing politicians passed the largest tax increase in Michigan history…and then promptly went on a spending spree. This year, the state is facing another $300+ million deficit.  Stimulating our economy requires cutting taxes. That requires fiscal control and priorities in spending so that government lives within its means—just like you and I have to! To have the funds that we need to support our valued programs, we need to have more accountability in our state government, not more tax increases. I will fight to ensure that we — not wasteful government — decide how to spend our hard-earned dollars.
Invest in and reward education so our best minds stay in Michigan.
Steve Ballmer is CEO of Microsoft. Larry Page is co-founder of Google. Both were born in Michigan. Both left the state for opportunity elsewhere. As the former school board president of the award winning Walled Lake School District, I’ve seen firsthand how a quality education can transform an individual’s life. Our community has great schools and committed teachers, but we can do more to prepare our young people for a prosperous future in Michigan. Controlling spending and maintaining educational quality are two of the most important factors in helping turn Michigan’s economy around. Some people will suggest that both reforms can’t be done at the same time – but if we have fiscal control and these are the priorities, then we’ll find other ways to keep spending in line. In fact, we must do both at the same time. We can start by offering businesses tax credits for hiring Michigan ’s college graduates, and by offering students additional tax credits for staying in Michigan after graduation.
Promote Michigan Jobs.
Michigan has lost 360,000 jobs since 2001. That’s a fact. And the “happy talk,” promises coming from politicians (both Republicans and Democrats) hasn’t done a thing to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs. The legislature eliminated the Single Business Tax (SBT) only to get one with a new name and a “surcharge” that means it will actually take more money out of the economy than the previous system. We can’t even do reform right. We need to change direction. We must reform and do it the right way the first time. I will work with both Republicans and Democrats by focusing on creating a favorable business climate and tax structure for the Michigan business community. I will work to create incentives so that job providers want to continue to do business in Michigan. I firmly believe that a strong, prosperous Michigan is the best legacy we can leave our children.
 Protect Our Quality of Life.
As an attorney, I have worked for 20 years fighting for the rights of children, families and vulnerable adults. As your State Representative, I will continue to advocate for the issues that are important to our community, such as affordable healthcare, repairing the roads and protecting Michigan ’s water and the environment.
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