For the fourth time in the last two years, Mary Whiteford’s name is on the ballot for state Representative in most of Allegan County.
Note: There was a problem with Whiteford’s cell phone during the live interview on the air. Because of that the audio file above was edited around the 2:30 mark.
Whiteford ran for the Republican nomination two years in the 80th district. She ran again when Representative Cindy Gamrat was expelled from Legislature. Whiteford won a special primary and then a special election. The incumbent faced a primary challenge in August, and is now seeking a two year term in the state House.
Whiteford says she has focused on jobs and the economy since she won a special election in March. She says the “three legs of the stool” are schools, business and local municipalities.
Asked about ensuring that schools educate a trained workforce, Whiteford says that most parents know what’s best for their children. She says they should choose what kind of school their child attends. But Whiteford says it’s important that local school districts are strengthened to help children become “self-sufficient adults.”
Whiteford says state government can support organizations that help people who can’t support themselves. She says offering tax breaks and ensuring that the state does not erect any barriers that prevent non-profits from doing their job.
A board member of the Allegan County Mental Health Authority, Whiteford says the state needs to focus on individual people in the mental health system. She says reform is needed to empower local professionals. Whiteford says she hasn’t figured out yet exactly how to do that.
