State Representative Jon Hoadley says coming from a family of teachers, makes education a top priority for him, and as a small business owner, he’s focused on reinvesting in small business.
Hoadley is running for re-election in the 60th state House district, which includes the city of Kalamazoo. The Democrat also describes himself as a champion of the environment. He spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans.
Local Government
Hoadley says there should be a “critical conversation” about funding communities. He says while local governments have seen cuts to their revenue sharing, state government is growing. Hoadley says state lawmakers don’t make tough choices, so he says the Capitol View project (a new office building for the state Senate) gets funded, but essential services do not.
Guns
Hoadley says he wants to expand background checks so that everyone is subject to one. He says Michigan should look at what other states have done with gun violence restraining orders. Hoadley says a temporary ban on someone buying a gun in “critical moments” such after a divorce filing or when a restraining order her been issued might prevent someone from taking their life or killing someone in a domestic violence situation.
Flint
Asked how to prevent the next Flint, Hoadley says “by holding folks accountable.” He says the emergency manager law contributed to the crisis. But he says people should be brought to testify under oath, but when given chance to do this, Republicans formed a stacked committee, and did not subpoena people to testify. Hoadley says ideology or partisan politics shouldn’t get in the way of holding people accountable. Hoadley says he gives Attorney General Bill Schuette credit for filing criminal charges in connection with the Flint water crisis.
Election Reform
Hoadley has proposed a series of election reforms, that includes changing term limits, no-reason absentee voting and redistricting. He says currently drawing the lines for state Legislature and Congressional district boundaries are a partisan-based activity. Hoadley says people should elect politicians - politicians should not pick voters. He says the proposed a non-partisan redistricting commission would take power away from politicians.
Term Limits
Hoadley says he supports a legislative effort to eliminate term-limits, or a proposal to give lawmakers a total of 20 years, they could spend all of them in the House or Senate, or 20 years in some combination. Currently lawmakers are limited to six years in the state House and eight in the state Senate.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the extended version of the interview
Tax Incentives
Asked about helping small companies, Hoadley says businesses need talent. He’s also introduced legislation that would allow state to claw back investment in the form of tax breaks if a company leaves after getting a tax break. Hoadley says the state is also supporting small business by funding public schools and local government. He says a tax credit can be helpful, but companies need for capital and talent.
Auto Insurance
Hoadley says Michigan’s current system is one of the best in the country at providing care for people who are critically injured. He says the state can crack down on uninsured coverage and abuse of benefits. But Hoadley is wary of reform proposals because he says take away care from people who have been critically injured. Hoadley says none of the bills guarantee a long-term reduction in auto insurance rates.
Energy
As the state Legislature works on a re-write of the energy policy, Hoadley says he wants to invest in renewable energy. He also wants to maintain energy choice. Hoadley says the state shouldn’t be afraid of competition.
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Hoaldey favors expanding the state’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. He says there should not be undue burdens on religious rights. But Hadley says anyone who wants to operate a business in the public square has to be open to anyone. Hoadley also says the state Board of education did a great job on guidelines for LGBT students. (Note: WMUK’s Gordon Evans misspoke when he said “Department of Education” it was the elected State Board of Education that made the recommendations). Hoadley says They are voluntary guidelines that schools requested to deal with issues such as bullying.
