David Gernant is pledging transparency if he is elected to the state House.
Gernant is the Democrat seeking the state House seat for the district that includes most of Allegan County. The 80th district has been without a representative since Cindy Gamrat was expelled in September for her part in covering up an extra-marital affair with another lawmaker.
Gernant says he would favor expanding Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to cover the Legislature and the governor's office. He says that state is currently an exception in that regard.
Asked about gun violence in the wake of the February 20th shooting in Kalamazoo, Gernant says he's not sure anything could have prevented the tragedy. But he says guns can be made safer, and tighter regulations on gun dealers, and longer prohibitions on owning a gun for someone convicted of a crime such as domestic violence.
Gernant says the people of Flint need help after their drinking water was contaminated with lead. He says the state should start with a registry of children with lead poisoning.
Asked about road funding, Gernant says he would like to "start over." He says all fuel taxes should be dedicated to roads.
Gernant says he can win on Tuesday in a district which has traditionally been represented by Republicans. He says there's a chance that "there could be a relatively close three-way race by the time the votes are counted."
