Mike Perrin says reviving education, limiting taxes and promoting job growth are the main reasons he is running for state House.
Perrin is the Republican nominee in the 60th state House District. The current representative, Democrat Sean McCann, is running for state Senate. Perrin sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans and Sehvilla Mann. Some highlights:
Education
Perrin says he is opposed to the Common Core standards, which he says is a "one size fits all approach," and diminishes local control. On charter schools, Perrin says says education is an investment in youth and will lead to more growth. Perrin says he would like to put more money into education. Asked where he would get the money, he says the state budget should be reviewed for savings that could be used for schools.
Roads
Asked if he agrees that the state needs $1-billion for roads, Perrin says he's not sure. But he says the roads need to be improved. Perrin says he doesn't like to raise taxes, but he says it's important to make sure that roads are in good shape. Perrin says he might support an increase in vehicle registration fees if the constituents of the 60th District support it.
Economy
Perrin says he thinks Michigan is on the right track. He supports the Right to Work legislation approved in 2012. Perrin says the repeal of the Personal Property Tax will be positive for businesses. He says those are the right steps for attracting businesses to Michigan.
Environment
Asked about the Allied Paper Landfill, Perrin says the site should be made safe so it can be redeveloped, and will be safe. On fracking, Perrin says he has "gone back and forth" on the issue. Perrin says he will need to know more about it, to have a firm position.
Anti-Discrimination
There have been discussions of amending Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Rights Act to includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Perrin says he would likely support adding those protections. He is personally against gay marriage.
Governmental Reforms
Perrin says he would keep Michigan's current term limits. He says no one should be in office for longer than eight years. Asked about changing the method for drawing legislative districts, Perrin says the new state Senate district which includes Kalamazoo County is very competitive. He says he's not sure about other districts. Perrin acknowledges that he is the underdog in the 60th state House District. But he says people should have a choice on Election Day.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the web version of the interview.
College Affordability
As part of the discussion on education, Perrin says Kalamazoo is fortunate to have the Kalamazoo Promise. Although he feels that students attending private schools for religious instruction were left out. Perrin says he would like to see college made more affordable. He says universities's budgets should be examined to see if savings can be found. Perrin says some college education is needed for a good paying job.
Right to Work
As part of the discussion on the economy, Perrin says the Right to Work law has allowed his wife who is a teacher, to opt out of the union. He says the extra money has helped his family. Perrin says the law makes the state more attractive to businesses, although he says it may take time to see the full benefits.
Landfill Regulations
A landfill in Southeast Michigan recently announced plans to accept low-level radioactive waste from a fracking operation in Pennsylvania. Perrin says the state should have tight regulations on what material ends up in landfills. He says the state should make sure the material is well-contained and people are safe.
Campaign
Perrin says the 60th District favors a Democratic candidate. But he plans to work hard and try to meet as many people as possible between now and the November election.
