John Fisher says he brings a “deep heart for service” to the race for state House in the 61st district. Fisher, Pastor at Osthemo United Methodist Church, says more of that is needed in Lansing.
Fisher is making his second run to represent the district that includes Portage and part of Vicksburg as well as Oshtemo, Prairie Rhonde, Schoolcraft and Texas Townships. He lost two years ago to Republican Brandt Iden, who is running for another two year term. Fisher spoke with WMUK's Gordon Evans
Jobs
Fisher says his plan to create jobs includes “Michigan money should stay in Michigan.” He says state firms should get first shot at state contracts, and should get some preferential treatment when they are awarded. Fisher says saving a little money on an out of state firm doesn’t make sense since the money then leaves Michigan and isn’t spent here. Fisher says when companies promise to create jobs in exchange for a tax break, they need to repay the money if that promise isn’t fulfilled. Fisher says if companies ship jobs overseas, there should be an additional penalty.
Education
Ensuring that everyone is educated and trained for the jobs of today and tomorrow is also part of Fisher’s job creation plan. He says public education should be fully funded, and more investment is needed for Michigan’s colleges and universities. Fisher says not everyone should go to college, and the state needs to train skilled labor force through apprenticeships and community college.
Taxes
Asked about paying for more spending on education, Fisher says he favors a two tier system for taxes. He says people who benefit the most from our economy should “pay their fair share.” Fisher says the more graduated income tax system would replace Michigan’s current flat income tax rate.
Guns
Fisher says he grew up with “guns around the house,” and took part in shooting competitions. So he says he knows the utility and joy of gun ownership. But Fisher says there is a gun violence problem. He says the state needs to recognize the truth of the second amendment and curbing gun violence. Fisher says it’s important to have an honest conversation about gun safety and examine statistics. He says minds have been changed on other safety issues in the past such as seat belts.
Auto Insurance
Any changes to Michigan’s auto insurance system should be made gradually, according to Fisher. The pastor says he knows a number of people in his congregation who rely on lifetime care from injuries suffered in auto accidents, and also knows people who are paying too much for insurance. Fisher says there should be transparency in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association so it can be seen what’s needed to pay for lifetime care and if there are savings to be found.
Campaign Finance
The 61st state House race is expected to end up being one of the most expensive in the state. Fisher says people should be concerned about the amount of money in the race. He says a lot of time is taken up raising money, which takes away time from other important duties. Fisher says it’s also important to “shine a light” on dark money. He donations to out of state groups are often not known. Fisher says that money and message from outside groups controls the dialogue of politics.
Campaign
Fisher says he has a much stronger ground game than two years ago when he lost to Iden. Fisher says he’s working hard to represent his home district. He says Iden lacks judgment, and has put profits above people.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the extended version of the interview.
Emergency Manager
Fisher calls Flint a demonstration of how treating the government like a business puts profits over people. He says it’s important to change that way of thinking. Fisher says Benton Harbor is good example of the potential of an emergency manager and the problems. He says cities need more than just getting their books in order. Fisher says infrastructure and other resources should be improved.
Energy
The state Legislature is working on a new energy policy for Michigan. Fisher says it should include ways to cut down the carbon footprint and include targets for renewable energy. Fisher says he would want to keep incentives for people to install solar panels and other ways to foster the development of renewable energy in people’s homes.
Marijuana
Fisher says the issue of legalizing marijuana is “pretty-well settled,” and just waiting for Legislature to catch up. Fisher says legalizing marijuana would require working out details such as determining when someone is driving while impaired under the influence of marijuana.
Straight Ticket Voting
A federal judge put a new state law on hold that would have removed the “straight ticket” option from the November election ballots. Fisher says the idea of everyone looking at each individual candidate is not a bad argument. But he says the driving force of the law is trying to make it harder for people to vote. Fisher says if straight ticket is eliminated, then other ways have to be offered for people to vote – such as no-reason absentee ballots, and voting by mail.
