Mary Whiteford is making her second run in the 80th state House district. She sought the Republican nomination in 2014, but lost to Cindy Gamrat.
Gamrat went on to win the general election in the district that includes most of Allegan County. But then was expelled by the House over her involvement in covering up an affair with fellow lawmaker Todd Courser.
Whiteford won a special Republican primary in November, and is now seeking the state House seat in a special election that is being held in conjunction with Michigan's Presidential Primary on Marth 8th.
Asked about gun violence, Whiteford says she doesn't favor changing any laws in response to the February 20th shooting spree in Kalamazoo. Whiteford, who serves on the the Allegan County Mental Health Authority, says getting help for people with mental illness should be the focus. She favors parity between how mental and physical health are treated and insured.
Whiteford, who is a registered nurse, says lead contamination should be addressed in Flint and other cities. She says more frequent testing should be considered, especially in areas with older homes.
Asked about making the governor's office and Legislature subject to the Freedom of Information Act, Whiteford says "absolutely." She says transparency is needed to document how taxpayer money is being spent.
Note: The other candidates for the 80th state House District have been invited for interviews and are scheduled to appear later this week.
