BYRON CENTER, Michigan — Two small business owners will go head-to-head in the November 8 Michigan Congressional election.
Republican Angela Rigas runs alongside U.S. Navy veteran and Democrat Kimberly Kennedy Barrington in the 79th District, which covers Kent County south of M-6 and west of Alto, and parts of Allegan and Barry Counties. Compete.
Rigas, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, describes himself on his campaign website as a “defender of life and freedom” and “the voice of silent students, children and veterans.” I’m here. The Alto resident is a small business owner and former delegate to the county and state Republican conventions.
Kennedy-Barrington of Byron Center is the founder of 100 Shades of Diverse Abilities L3C. The small business owner, disabled after beating stroke and cancer, is a member of the Michigan Council of Rehabilitation Services.
MLive/The Grand Rapids Press partnered with the bipartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide readers with candidate information. Each candidate was asked to outline their stance on various public policy issues listed below.
All responses in the Voter Guide are submitted directly by the candidates and are not edited by the League of Women Voters. Except for the necessary cuts if the answer exceeds the character limit. Spelling and grammar have not been corrected. The publication of candidate statements and opinions is for the benefit of the public service only and should not be considered endorsement. The League does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.
Information about other state, county, and local primaries can be found at Vote411.org.
What, if anything, should Michigan do to 1) provide a fair and quality public education for all students and 2) address the teacher shortage?
Rigas:
“To make public schools more competitive, we can also give students money by increasing their access to alternative schools such as charter, religious and home schools.
Competing public and private school options to make education a more competitive environment for educators (competitive wages, insurance, retirement benefits) so that students get the best education. ”
Kennedy Barrington:
“Over the past 24 months, many parents have had to become teachers for themselves and others, and parents of children with special needs have had to shoulder that burden alone. I believe all parents should receive a paraprofessional certificate and be compensated for teaching their children. should be awarded to and be awarded a teaching certificate.”
What policies do you support to improve the economic status of Michigan residents?
Rigas:
“Eliminate income taxes, lower property taxes, make Michigan more business-friendly and encourage commerce. Eliminate gas taxes and return unnecessary spending to taxpaying citizens.” .”
Kennedy Barrington:
“We redistribute wealth to empower the backbone of our economy, which is a small business. We can. Ensure grassroots organizations and their leaders are notified when federal and state funding becomes available.”
Which state policy do you support regarding elections, campaign finance, and voting rights in Michigan?
Rigas:
“Elections must be fair and robust to ensure a transparent election process. This must be done through voter ID laws and making Michigan a closed primary state. Absentee ballots should only be used for military/out-of-county and individuals with disabilities.
Black money is corruption and should be kept out of the electoral process. Quarterly reports should be produced for all campaigns. Violations must be investigated and resolved in a timely manner. ”
Kennedy Barrington:
“The integrity of voter rights. It is important that diversity, fairness and inclusivity are respected and that the diverse capacities of citizens to participate in voting are taken into account. We need protected voting rights for the sake of voting rights.There is currently no mandate to provide access to Vote Centers, so we will introduce legislation.”
What actions or policies would you support to protect Michigan’s water, air and land for current and future generations? What is your position on energy efficiency and renewable energy?
Rigas:
“Conservation is an important issue, especially for Michigan. Invasive species must be addressed by supporting organizations that are already working on this issue.
Renewable energy is only good if it is efficient or already cleaner than current sources of energy. One form of renewable energy that is efficient and truly renewable is nuclear energy. Investing in natural gas also gives you an edge over other sectors in energy production. ”
Kennedy Barrington:
“I am starting my campaign with minimal paper usage. There are over 875 candidates running, and that means a lot of paper wasted. Michigan The governor and current legislators are currently working on water and air solutions and I will be joining them to support them.
How will you address racial, economic, health, and education inequalities, including 23% of Michigan’s children and 17% of poor seniors?
Rigas:
“We will bring real education to our schools and remove the destructive rhetoric and politics from education. We will cut taxes and encourage commerce and employment to return to Michigan. , make healthcare competitive.”
Kennedy Barrington:
“Expanding the services of the MiAble program. Millions of Americans with disabilities depend on a variety of public benefits, including income, health care, food, and housing. Must meet measures or resource tests that limit an individual’s eligibility to report assets in excess of $100,000 The federal Achieve a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act allows states to take tax incentives Approved the establishment of a savings program that allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest without compromising their eligibility for public benefits.
Donate up to $16,000 each year. Save extra income thanks to the ABLE to Work Act. ”
What steps should we take to curb gun violence in our communities?
Rigas:
“Support local law enforcement and implement gun safety programs in education. Improve security at educational institutions and remove restrictions on access for law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms for self-defense. , make Michigan a constitutional mobile state and keep Michigan a grounded state.”
Kennedy Barrington:
“When you apply for a gun license, you have to take a psychological test, and if you fail you can’t buy a gun. I think people who have taken psychological tests months ago and failed should have their licenses revoked.In the event of a gun incident, their licenses must be revoked, especially for possession of concealed weapons!”
Information about Michigan racing can be found at Vote411.org.
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