Alex Ross sees a huge problem, that people don’t know who their state representative is. He says one question he’s heard through the campaign is “what’s a state representative?”
The Kalamazoo College student is running in the 60th state House district, which includes the city of Kalamazoo. Rss says he would place an emphasis on discussion, and his office would have an open door policy. Ross says government needs more people who will side with their district even if they have to go against their party. The Republican candidate spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans.
Guns
Ross became embroiled in controversy when he addressed the Kalamazoo College student government, and said that people with concealed carry permits should be able to have guns on campus. Ross says the student government didn’t want to discuss it, and the issue was blown out of proportion. A threat was made against the school shortly thereafter, Ross condemned the threat. He says it was sad to hear the things he stands for used to threaten people.
Criminal Justice Reform
While Ross says he doesn’t use marijuana, he says there’s a huge problem with putting people in jail for something benign. Ross says legalizing marijuana would allow police to focus more on keeping community safe, and avoid some confrontations with law enforcement. Ross says he favors Sheriff’s Departments, over police departments because they are Democratically elected. He says a Sheriff can be voted out if the community has a problem with that department. Ross says that’s up to local communities, but he would support allowing local communities to shift to a more Sheriff centered model.
Infrastructure
Ross says he would “tentatively agree” that more money is needed for roads. But he says he would like to see the money come from other areas of the budget, rather than raising taxes.
Money
While he is raising money, Ross says he’s hoping not to spend a whole lot in his bid for state House. He says the campaign hasn’t taken any money from lobbies or organizations. Ross says he worries about the influence of money on policy. But he says money does allow for candidates who aren’t as well known to make a bid for office. Ross says examples from the race for the Republican Presidential nomination include Carly Fiorina, and “unfortunately Donald Trump.”
Presidential Race
While saying he plans to vote, Ross says he’s looking at options for President such as the Libertarian and Constitution party Called U.S. Taxpayer's Party in Michigan). Ross says Trump’s nomination is disturbing. He says Trump’s nomination has caused a shift in the Republican party from small-government conservatives to more authoritarian, populist messages. Ross says he’s a Republican because he believes in protecting individual rights and prosperity.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the extended version of the interview.
Health Care
Ross says he believes in greater access to health care, but there a lot of problems at the federal level. He says there should be more competition, and more options to keep prices down. Ross acknowledges that much of that work would have to done at the federal level.
Mental Health
Ross says his experience working in the summer caring for mentally disabled adults helped him realize that mental health is an important as physical health. If elected, Ross says he would work to make sure that businesses that provide care have a smooth and easy licensing process to keep costs down. He says the state should also make sure that public knows that services are available.
Lead
Asked about preventing another situation like Flint, Ross says he would support funding for community-based inspections, and rules that would allow homeowner insurance to replace lead pipes. He says that could help in cities like Kalamazoo which have many older homes.
LGBT Protections
Ross says he supports anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. He says people shouldn’t be treated differently for something that’s part of who they are.
More on Guns
Calling himself a Second Amendment supporter, Ross says there is some “common-sense legislation” he supports, including “a safe-storage law.” Ross says he supports background checks, but doesn’t believe that they necessarily stop crime. Ross would not vote to make increase background checks.
Small government
Ross says he’s more of a Libertarian-leaning Republican who believes in small government. When asked why he’s a Republican instead of a Libertarian, Ross says “Libertarians don’t win.” Ross acknowledges that he is running in “a very Democratic district.” But he says if elected, the one question he will always ask is “what’s best for Kalamazoo?”
