Michigan House candidates address jobs, taxes, school funding topics

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ESCANABA -Increasing jobs, cutting taxes, and improving school funding were among topics addressed by Republican candidates campaigning for the Michigan House of Representatives 108th District seat during a public forum in Escanaba Wednesday.

More than 40 people attended the primary election candidate forum sponsored by the Delta County League of Women Voters, the American Association of University Women, and the Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce.

Republican state candidates attending were Mike Falcon, Ed McBroom, Brady Nelson and Bruce Rosen. Gaylord Jones did not attend. The party winner in the Aug. 3 primary will be challenged by Democrat Judy Nerat, current state representative.

Falcon, employed by Northern Michigan University, said he is running for the two-year term because of his military, education and work experience and his promise to serve the people.

McBroom, a dairy farmer, said he has a passion for America and encouraged citizens to take hold of their liberties. Values he holds include integrity and honesty. He is also pro life.

Nelson, an Escanaba City Council member with a background in financial matters, said he has been involved in public life all his adult life. He believes in parties working together for the state.

Rosen, Iron Mountain mayor and businessman, said he wants to reduce state government in both size and cost, increase job opportunities, better educate children, and not raise taxes.

Rosen said he would encourage job development in the central U.P. by eliminating the state business tax and getting the government out of the way of business so the economy can flourish.

Nelson agreed the state business tax must go and job issues need to be brought to the table. He said he would work to change the economic conditions in the district and would listen to people's concerns.

McBroom said he sees local organizations working toward economic growth while the state stymies opportunities. He said the state needs to help with building business. He also views agriculture as playing a more major role in the state's economy.

Falcon said he believes small businesses keep the state alive. Regulations need to get out of the way of Michigan's economic growth, he added.

Regarding the budget, Falcon said the state needs to get back to common sense with spending. Departments need to be held accountable for fraud, waste and abuse, he added.

Rosen had similar sentiments and said state agencies must justify costs with program benefits.

Nelson said the state's structured deficit can be addressed by prioritizing agency services. The state needs to operate as a business, he added.

McBroom said there is a need to limit unfunded state mandates. Local communities should be allowed to determine what they can do for themselves, he added.

All candidates agreed education is among the state's most important social programs. Falcon, Nelson and Rosen said improved funding for schools needs to be addressed, including a better budgeting process. McBroom added education needs to relate to area needs, including vocational and technical jobs.

Wednesday's candidate forum was broadcast live and will be rebroadcast on Charter Communications Channel 8 Friday and Monday.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Tuesday's primary election.