Republican Mike Nofs has represented Battle Creek in the state House and the state Senate.
Before running for elected office, he was a police officer, including 25 years with the Michigan State Police. Nofs says he likes serving people. That included six years in the state House, before the state Senate. He won a special election in 2009 after Mark Schauer was elected to Congress. Nofs then won a full term in 2010 representing Calhoun County and most of Jackson County. He is attempting to accomplish a rarity, serving more than eight years in the state Senate. Nofs sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans. Some highlights:
Energy
Nofs, who is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Technology Committee says the state should meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of 10% by 2015. Nofs says he would like to set a standard for clean energy, which would expand beyond the current things allowed under "renewable energy." Asked about hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," he says the state has good regulations on the practice. But Nofs says Michigan has to closely monitor for problems. He says that should include examining what's happening in other states.
Roads
In looking for a way to fund road improvements and maintenance, Nofs says he would like to go to the voters, and ask for a one-penny increase in the sales tax. He says the additional money would be dedicated to roads. Nofs says if the voters reject that, then a gas tax increase would likely be the way to fund infrastructure. He says a tax on tires could also raise money for roads. Nofs says he doesn't want to raise vehicle registration fees, which he says are already high enough in Michigan.
Right to Work
When Michigan became a "right to work" state in 2012, Nofs was one of the few Republicans to vote against the change. He says nothing has happened since then to make him think it was a good move for the state. Nofs says he doesn't believe that being a "right to work" state has brought any more jobs to Michigan. But he says any jobs it does attract probably won't pay as well. Nofs says he thinks workers should be able to unionize as a way to make their voices are heard.
Prison Food
The privatization of food service in Michigan prisons has been plagued by a series of problems. Nofs voted against the contract. He says based on his experience in police work and corrections, he thought it was a bad idea. Nofs says workers who are getting paid less are more likely to take part in illegal or unethical activities such as smuggling contraband into prisons.
Marijuana
Nofs says he would not favor legalization, but says he could support decriminalization of marijuana. He says a fine would be more appropriate than jail time. Nofs says there should be a loosening of the state's medical marijuana law. He says there some oils extracted from marijuana that can help with seizures.
Term Limits
The current term limits in Michigan allow lawmakers to serve six years in the House and eight in the Senate. But the amendment to the state Constitution allows Nofs to exceed eight years if he wins in November, because he served a partial term after winning a special election in 2009. Nofs says he voted for term limits, but says he would like to see them be longer. Nofs says he would also like to allow lawmakers serve a total of 14 or 16 years. He says they could serve all in one chamber, or split their time between the House and Senate.
Landline phones
Nofs' Energy and Technology Committee has worked on legislation on wireless telephone service. He says new technology is allowing more wireless service. Nofs says there are protections for people who still need landline service, perhaps because wireless reception is not good enough.
Charter Schools
Asked about the proper role of charter schools, Nofs says it allows parents to have choice of education for their children. He says the state should seek more accountability for how public money is spent on the schools.
Discrimination
Nofs says he believes that people should not be discriminated against. But he says religious beliefs should also be respected in any change to the state's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Political Reform
As part of the discussion on term limits, Nofs was also asked about a part-time Legislature. He says that would give too much power to the executive branch. Nofs says constituent service would also suffer under a part-time Legislature. On campaign finance, Nofs says requiring more reporting by lawmakers will provide greater transparency. But he says personal finances should not necessarily be subject to public review.
