Annie Brown says she never really stopped running for State house after losing two years ago. The Democrat is running again in the 66th district that includes Van Buren and part of Kalamazoo County.
Brown has served for 12 years on South Haven School Board. She spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans.
Education
Brown says she originally ran for school board because she saw too much money was going to administration and not the classroom. But she says cuts from the state mean there is no room for any extra money to be spent on administration. Brown says that has hurt classroom education. Asked where to get more money for education, Brown says she would spend some of the surplus that’s currently in the state’s rainy day fund. She would also look at the corrections budget. Brown says while the state needs to make people safe, but she says schools are getting about $7200 per pupil, but corrections budget about $30,000 per prisoner.
Flint
The crisis that contaminated drinking water in Flint can happen anywhere, according to Brown. She says many wells in the 66th district were built on orchards where they pesticides were used. She says Flint also shows that emergency managers are not the answer to financially troubled cities. Brown says emergency managers can help cities by serving as a financial advisor. But she says when cities are neglected and are denied revenue sharing money, problems like Flint become more likely.
Auto Insurance
When walking door to door to talk with voters, Brown says she people often tell her that auto insurance is too expensive. But she says no fault insurance helps take care of people who have been in serious accidents and need long-term care. Brown says she would not end that practice. She says the state should examine all factors such as higher medical costs.
Money
Brown says politicians shouldn’t be relying on huge donations from groups like the Koch Brothers and the DeVos family. She says leaders should take their cue from families, not billionaires.
This Year’s Election
In 2014, Brown had over 42% of the vote. She says voters are not interested in party affiliation, but they want someone with their interest at heart. Although the 66th district has been held by Republicans, Brown says Van Buren County voted for President Obama both times. “We’ve done the math, and we’re working hard.”
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the extended version of the interview.
More on Water
Brown says more than lead pipes can cause water contamination. She says that she has talked to people in some of the smallest villages in Michigan that have been under boil water advisories. Brown says that shows the need to take a big look at whole water infrastructure.
Marijuana
Michigan voters apparently won’t get to vote on a ballot proposal to legalize marijuana in the state. Brown says she opposes legalizing recreational use of marijuana, but she says there should be a debate about it. Brown says despite her own opposition, she would vote as a state lawmaker to put it on ballot.
Energy
Brown favors more alternative energy. She says that includes solar and wind energy. Brown says she’s against hydraulic fracturing or "fracking", and support limits and more transparency. She says property owners should know if there is natural gas on or near property. She says fracking should be banned in state parks.
