My Plan
Click on a link below to review a section of my plan
http://www.votetoddnow.com/category/michigan-education/
I believe we must have a choice in education by making every option available to families that will allow them to make wise decisions for their own children. We have schools in Michigan where only 25% of the children graduate. We cannot allow our children to be enslaved by a life without the possibility of success and prosperity. We have a very powerful teachers union in Michigan that controls education dollars and much of our political process. This desperately needs to be changed. The rights of parents to choose how and where to educate their children cannot be undermined by unions and the government.
Eliminate the Michigan business tax
http://www.votetoddnow.com/economic-growth-stability/
Just reducing this tax as some have suggested will not correct our failed business climate. This tax must be eliminated. We compete against states that have no business tax. This tax was created and increased by both democrats and republicans in backroom deals. Our Michigan businesses then responded by closing their doors and moving south in huge numbers! We must fight this sort of destructive deal making!
Protect the Second Amendment
http://www.votetoddnow.com/category/michigan-gun-ownership/
The second amendment has both a history and legacy that goes beyond “the right to keep and bear arms.” It was adopted by our fore fathers to give us the right to defend ourselves, our families and our liberty, not only in the time of war but also in the time of peace. I am a firm believer that we, as citizens, need to fight to preserve and defend the U.S. Constitution, especially the inalienable right to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment, along with both the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, places individual liberty above the government. The government, in the founder’s view and mine, is here to serve the people. The government is not here to offer anything the people want but rather to serve the people by preserving the ideas of individual freedom and liberty, to instill the ideas of rugged individualism and provide the opportunity to pursue your own happiness. It is time that we again look to the road map of our founding documents and the words of our founding fathers. When we honor our Founding Fathers words we will see a bright future for ourselves and our children.
I believe we need to instill in our children what the 2nd amendment means and how important it is to continue on the legacy of our founding fathers, preserving individual liberties and freedom for the next generation.
We need to expand on the idea of allowing the plain meaning of the words of the second amendment to ring again “…the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
- I am a proud supporter of the NRA and GOA.
- I am a believer in the right to carry and expanding that right back to the intent of the original amendment.
- I am a hunter and have processed more wild game than most people.
- I am a father who spends time shooting with my four small children and using that time to explain the meaning and intent of the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment.
Advocate for Stream Lining Property Tax Appeals
- Falling Property Values – Property values have fallen but that has not been reflected in our property taxes. Right now the only process for appealing residential property taxes is confusing, varies from county and state and is basically failing our citizens. We need a clear way for individuals to seek redress for the downward adjustments made to their property values.
- Seniors’ Property Taxes – In some states seniors receive exemptions on property taxes. Many of our seniors are being forced from their homes due to excessive property taxes. We should move toward giving our seniors relief from this oppressive tax in Michigan.
Support a Part Time Legislature
Michigan should not have a full-time Legislature. We are one of the very few states in the union that has a full-time legislature. Michigan needs to cut back on the scope of government and the legislature should lead the way by cutting back on their benefits and expenses first.
Protect the Unborn (Pro-Life)
http://www.votetoddnow.com/category/michigan-life/
Life begins at conception. Life should be protected from conception to its natural end. Life is given by God and is sacred. I am committed to state constitutional rights being expanded to those who are yet to be born. We must be vigilant and never waiver in our commitment to those who are defenseless.
Create a Right to Work state that encourages businesses and jobs to locate in Michigan.
New businesses face insurmountable obstacles when they try to locate in Michigan. Right now a business can wait months or even years to get the approvals needed to develop a facility in our state. In some southern states it is literally a few weeks from purchase to site development. Also, Michigan is known for its strong union roots but now these are a repellant to any new business that might locate here. We need to be a Right to Work state. We need to eliminate the obstacles in order to draw new businesses to Michigan.
Unfunded Mandates
Unfunded mandates are requirements demanded by the state but paid for by the local government. The Michigan Constitution prohibits this action but lawmakers have routinely ignored the law. The State of Michigan needs to pay for what it demands from local governing bodies.
Law Enforcement
We must address the issue of our underfunded law enforcement as well as the early release of violent criminals and sexual offenders who are invading our streets again! The job of law enforcement is impossible without the correct amount of resources.
Agriculture
From crop, horse, cattle, hog, and small family farms, Michigan has a large number of farms that contribute to the economy. Farmers are the “third leg” of our economy and cannot be overlooked as a vital industry in Michigan. Farmers need help with reduced regulation from the DEQ and less taxes. We must do a better job of protecting this vital part of the Michigan economy.
Natural Resources
Michigan’s natural resources are its crowning glory. We have a huge outdoor sports and tourism economy. It needs to be protected and developed further. Where possible, our state lands need to be turned over to local control. This makes it possible to have citizens involved in determining the use of their “own backyards.”
