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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Green Party State House Candidate John Anthony La Pietra

WMUK

John Anthony La Pietra says he believes in Green Party values, and thinks that many other people believe in them as well. La Pietra is running for state House in the 63rd district, which includes parts of Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. 

LaPietra is an attorney who has worked on constitutional issues and property rights. He also worked in government, for non-profits and in the private sector. He spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans.

Democracy

La Pietra says he believes in “grass roots democracy.” He says the major parties have worked to protect their own power and position. La Pietra says that includes making it more difficult to vote, register to vote, and he says the Legislature has made it more difficult to recall lawmakers and hold a referendum on the laws they pass. La Pietra says the need for reform is demonstrated by the Center for Public Integrity, which rated Michigan last in public integrity and accountability.

Voting

La Pietra says he would allow college students to register where they go to school, as long as they aren’t registered in two places, and don’t vote twice. La Pietra says he favors no-reason absentee voting, voting by mail, and making Election Day a holiday. La Pietra says he would also make it clear that people can make exceptions in some races, if they vote straight ticket. (Note: John Anthony La Pietra is correct in saying that people can vote “straight ticket” and then make exceptions. I regret the error and any confusion created on my part- GE)

Emergency Managers

La Pietra says Michigan’s system of Emergency Managers flies in the face of government “by the people.” He says the managers are not accountable to the people in those cities. La Pietra says an emergency is only defined as a financial crisis. He says the state may have had something to do with putting cities in financial straits by reducing funding to local governments.

LGBT

La Pietra says that he, like the Green Party, has a long history of being in favor of equality for sexual orientation and gender identity. La Pietra says anti-discrimination laws should include protections LGBT people.

Auto Insurance

La Pietra says the concept of no-fault insurance is good. People shouldn’t have to pay if they are injured in a car accident through no fault of their own. He says a single-payer health care system would help. La Pietra says he would propose Michigan adopt a single-payer health care system if elected to the state House.

Marijuana

Michigan voters aren’t likely to vote on a proposal to legaliza marijuana this year. But La Pietra would support such an effort. La Pietra says he helped collect petition signatures for MI Leagalize, which is in a court battle over the state’s rules on signature gathering.

Energy

Asked about energy, La Pietra notes that the Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein is calling for 100% renewable energy by 2030. La Pietra says he would propose to start putting Michigan on such a path.

Political Parties

La Pietra says the Republican and Democratic parties operate as a "duopoly" over government. He says that’s partly a matter of how elections are run. For instance, Republicans and Democrats certify election results at any polling place. La Pietra says the two parties shouldn’t have such control at a time when there are more independents than people who belong to one of the two major parties.

Discussion of other issues can be heard in the extended version of the interview

johnalapietra092216-web.mp3
Interview with John Anthony La Pietra

Guns

La Pietra says he is concerned about the trend of heavier guns and equipment as well as training for law enforcement. He says citizens should have oversight over police departments. La Pietra says that should include the option for an independent investigation.

Roads

La Pietra says he might support more money for infrastructure, but he favors money going to maintaining infrastructure. La Pietra says new roads draw traffic, and don’t help manage traffic.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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