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Election Profile: 97th Michigan House District

Editor’s note:

This questionnaire was offered to candidates for the upcoming 97th Michigan House seat: Bob Townsend and Jason Wentworth.

Each candidate was given the exact same question and word count limitations, as well as a deadline to submit their responses. The purpose of the questionnaire is to allow voters a chance to learn more about the candidates and their positions on items of importance to the people of Northern Michigan.

Answers were not edited or altered in any way by the staff of AuSable Media Group, LLC.

Townsend did not submit a response.
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Name: Jason Wentworth

Age: 34

Community of residence: Clare

Education: Bachelor’ degree in public safety administration and a Master’ degree in leadership

 

Jobs

Q: Michigan continues to experience the loss of talented individuals due to a lack of quality employment opportunities, especially in Northern Michigan. What specifically do you plan to do in order to bring more jobs to the Northern part of the state? (Do not use existing or currently planned business operations as examples)

A: We need to increase job training and increase access to career and technical education opportunities. Businesses need to know there are skilled and ready workers in Northern Michigan. Also, we need to make it affordable for businesses to set-up in Michigan. Our current tax structure is borderline punitive for small businesses.

Emergency Manager
Q: The emergency manager (EM) law played a role in the Flint water crises, which is expected to cost state and federal taxpayers more than $600 million (current estimates). In spite of a public referendum banning the previous EM law, the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate voted to overturn the results of the election, then attached a funding requirement preventing the public from reversing the legislature’s decision. What are your thoughts on the emergency manager law and its effect on local control? If elected, will you propose legislation to overturn law? Why or why not?

A: I support the emergency manager law. Residents deserve intervention when their local elected officials fail them. However, I do believe the law has some room for improvement concerning local control. I don’t like the idea of the state government coming and taking over complete control. In my opinion, it should be a partnership. Local and state authorities work together to make the situation better, if possible.

Fracking
Q: In regard to fracking, do you believe drilling companies should be required to publicly disclose the specific chemical components and amounts they are injecting into the ground; as well as keep track of, and publicly disclose the specific amount of chemicals extracted? If elected, will you introduce a bill to require the disclosures? Why or why not?

A: Fracking is under the EPA and regulated by them, which makes this a federal issue. I don’t like the idea of adding state regulations on top of federal regulations. We see enough regulations.

Open Meetings Act
Q: The legislature and governor are currently exempt from the Open Meetings Act, even though local officials must follow the law. If elected will you introduce a bill, with significant criminal penalties, to revise the act to include all appointed and elected officials at the state level? Why or why not?

A: I believe transparency in government is vital. The public has a right to know what is happening in Lansing. I will introduce bills that help make our government more accountable.

School Funding
Q: Many Northern Michigan public schools have struggled under the current system of educational funding operated by the state. Although overall funding has increased over the past seven years, the amount dedicated toward classroom instruction has decreased. More revenue is also being dedicated to parochial schools and academies. How do you plan to ensure all schools, especially smaller public schools in Northern Michigan, are adequately funded to provide students the education needed to compete in the 21st Century.

A: We should not be paying schools more per child based on their zip code. Children don’t deserve to have dollars hanging over their head. We need parity across all of Michigan. I also believe our local school districts need more flexibility with the dollars they receive from the state and federal government. I am also an advocate for parent’ choice. Our government shouldn’t tell parents they can’t have a say where their child goes to school.

Hunting and fishing licenses
Q: Many Northern Michigan property owners have family members out of state they would like to have come home for the hunting seasons. But out of state licensing fees are prohibitive, preventing families from coming together to share in this great Northern Michigan tradition. In states like Missouri, out of state hunters are charged the cost of a license from their home state; called reciprocal licensing. This format could encourage people to visit our region and perhaps relocate their families or create new employment opportunities. If elected will you introduce a bill changing our out-of-state licenses fees to a reciprocal format. Why or why not

A: No, I wouldn’t support a reciprocal format. We need that revenue to ensure we are protecting our natural resources in Michigan. I also wouldn’t want in-state license fees to raise because we reduced the out-of-state fees.

Fish farming
Q: Do you believe that industrial scale fish farming should be allowed on Michigan’s waterways, including inland waterways such as the AuSable River. Why or why not?

A: I have never been asked about industrial scale fishing. If there was a potential harm to the waterway then I would not support it. I would call on the expertise of the DEQ and the DNR before making my final decision.

Community Mental Health
Q: Parents of severely disabled students and young adults indicate they regularly have conflicts with elected officials and bureaucrats as they work ensure the rights of their children are protected. What specific steps will you take to guarantee that funding is available so seriously disabled adults can transition into a situation where they are able to live independently, without being forced into a foster or group home.

A: I recently toured and met with officials from Mid-Michigan Industries. MMI’ quality services have helped thousands of disabled people across mid-Michigan achieve greater independence, better work skills and a higher quality of life. I will fight for the rights of all disabled.

School Boards
Q: At the current time, only public schools are required to have an elected board. Charter schools, parochial schools and academies generally have committees appointed by their funding organization, which may restrict community input. Do you believe schools that accept any tax revenue should be required to have elected boards? Why or why not?

A: If tax dollars are accepted then the school board should have members of the community including parents of children who attend the school.

Environment
Q: After the oil spill in Kalamazoo several years ago, questions about pipelines beneath the Straits of Mackinac, and the chemical plume contaminating private wells in the Mancelona and Kalkaska area, the public is more aware of the risks posed by aging oil and gas pipelines across the state. Will you propose legislation to ensure the public is notified that all pipelines are properly inspected and replaced when appropriate? Why or why not?

A: Inspection results of the pipeline should be made available to the public.

General
Q: Why should residents of the 97th District vote for you?

A: The 97th needs a strong conservative voice. I am confident in my ability to inspire others to get on board and get the job done.

 

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