Battle Creek City Commissioner Andy Helmboldt says the 62nd District needs someone with a broad range of experience.
Helmboldt a former teacher, who now runs his own small business, is seeking the seat currently held by Democrat Kate Segal. She cannot run again because of term limits. Helmboldt says good jobs, education and protecting seniors are his top priorities. Helmboldt sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans. A summary:
Economy
Helmboldt says the key to driving economic development are education and infrastructure. He says an educated workforce is needed to meet employment demands, and quality roads are needed as well. Helmboldt says both of those areas are currently suffering in the state.
Education
Asked where he would find more money for schools, Helmboldt says businesses need to pay their fair share to ensure a high quality education. He says the state also has to ensure that students everywhere need access to a good education. Helmboldt says improving access to high-quality pre-school programs is one step in that direction. He says that is one of the most positive things in state education policy over the last couple of years.
Roads
The lack of any action by the state Legislature on roads is frustrating for voters, according to Helmboldt. He says it's a complaint he hears often when knocking on doors in the district. Helmboldt says the state's current system of collecting gas tax revenue for road repair is outdated, because people are driving fewer miles, and many cars are more fuel efficient. He says the state's regulations for heavier trucks are lax, compared to other states in the region.
Energy
Helmboldt says the state should have a policy that pushes in the direction of renewable energy. He says he is skeptical about the value of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for natural gas. Helmboldt says he has concerns about possible drinking water contamination.
Right to Work
The state's so-called "right to work" law was approved in late 2012. Helmboldt says the law is an attempt to "turn back the clock" on workers' rights. He says labor rights should be protected to help grow the middle class.
Privatizing Services
Michigan's move to privatize food service in prisons has led to a series of problems, including contaminated food. Helmboldt says the standard for privatization should be ensuring the quality of service. He says saving money is only one factor.
Charter Schools
A Detroit Free Press series earlier this year showed problems with accountability of state money spent on charter schools. Helmboldt says charters should be under the same rules as any other public school. He says how the money is spent should be transparent. Helmboldt says a moratorium may be a good idea to ensure that charter schools are being properly monitored.
Write in Campaign
Helmboldt won a three-way primary for the Democratic nomination this past summer. One of the other Democrats, Terris Todd, announced plans to run a write in campaign. Helmboldt says he's not sure that Todd will actually file as a write in candidate. But Helmboldt says the campaign is still about talking to voters, and telling them what he plans to do in Lansing.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the web version of the interview.
More on Roads
Helmboldt says an increase in vehicle registration fees should be considered as part of the solution of more money for roads. But he says the fees should reflect the damage that vehicles do to the roads. Helmboldt says heavier cars and trucks should pay more for registration.
Pension Income
The change in state taxes that allows some pension income to be taxed is "unfair," according to Helmboldt. He says people worked for years and planned for their retirement based on that income not being taxed. Helmboldt says the idea of taxing pension income may be a good change for the state. But he says it should be phased in. Helmboldt says the sudden change hurt many working class families.
Marijuana
Michigan voters approved the use of medical marijuana in 2008. Helmboldt says the state needs to make sure it "meets the spirit" of the law. He says safety and other factors need to be considered as well as the will of the voters. Helmboldt says there are compelling reasons to legalize marijuana for recreational use. He says Michigan should monitor what happens in Washington and Colorado where voters legalized marijuana in 2012.
Discrimination
Helmboldt says he would vote to amend Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. He says discrimination of any sort should not be legal in Michigan.
Government and Election Reform
Michigan's term limits law has opened up the 62nd state House seat since Kate Segal has served three terms, the maximum currently allowed. Helmboldt says he doesn't think term limits have made government better. He says the ballot box is the place to limit the terms of lawmakers. Helmboldt doesn't favor a part-time Legislature for Michigan. He says the state should want experts to serve in the Legislature. Helmboldt says the state's primary system helps create a more polarized Legislature. He says Michigan could move to a system like California where the top-two finishers, regardless of political party, go on the November ballot. Helmboldt says he would favor changing the system for drawing new legislative boundaries, and letting an independent group, rather than the Legislature handle redistricting.
Campaign
Helmboldt views the 62nd District as "Democratic Leaning." But he says it's still his job to earn people's trust, and "let people know they can count on you."
