United States House of Representatives

Nonpartisan Voter Guide 2008

© LWVMI Education Fund 2008

Districts 7

United States House of Representatives - 2 Year Term - Vote for One (1)

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did not respond in time for publication” appear under the candidate’s name.

1. What should the federal government do, if anything, to ensure that every American has health coverage? (75 words)

2. What should be done, if anything, at the federal level to reduce our use of and dependence on fossil fuels? (75 words)

3. What measures would you support at the federal level that would help our Michigan economy? (75 words)

District 7

Tim Walberg, Republican

Tim Walberg represents Michigan's 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before the House, Tim worked in the higher education field, served in the Michigan House of Representatives, and was a pastor. He attended Western Illinois University, Moody Bible Institute, Taylor University and Wheaton College Graduate School, earning his B.S. and M.A. degrees. Tim and Sue have been married for 34 years and live in Tipton. They have three children and are grandparents.

1. Health care run from Washington, D.C. will not work. True solutions involve empowering individuals, families, and small businesses to purchase health care that meets their needs. I have introduced the Making Health Care More Affordable Act to give consumers and patients more control and choices, make health care more affordable for small businesses and families, promote health information technology, and reduce overall costs. These core reforms will make quality health care more affordable and accessible.

2. I support an “all of the above” approach to reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy. Wind, solar, biofuels, nuclear power, conservation, and cellulosic ethanol, along with exploring for more American energy are important to moving our nation toward renewable energy sources, energy independence, and helping Michigan families and small businesses.

3. To grow Michigan’s economy, I am working to reduce the tax burden to encourage investment, hard work, and innovation. Additionally, I support common-sense reforms to make health insurance more affordable, developing America’s energy sources, enhancing job training efforts, and improving educational opportunities. Moving Michigan’s economy out of recession will require policies that encourage job creation and long-term economic growth.

Mark Schauer, Democrat

Prior to serving in the state Senate (January 2003 – present), I served in the state House (1997-2002) and as a Battle Creek City Commissioner. Before that, I was the Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan. I have lived in the 7^th district for 24 years, am married to Christine Schauer, and have three stepchildren and one grandson. I hold degrees from Albion College, Western Michigan and Michigan State.

1. As the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t guarantee some form of basic healthcare coverage to its citizens, skyrocketing healthcare costs are making it more difficult for Michigan workers and businesses to compete in the global economy. We need to make affordable healthcare a national priority and develop a uniquely American healthcare system where individuals, employers and the government all pay a share. This will make us more competitive.

2. We need to end tax breaks for Big Oil and launch an Apollo project to invest in clean renewable energy and new battery technology for the auto industry. America also needs a Renewable Portfolio Standard to require that a certain percentage of our electricity come from clean, renewable sources. By creating a market for renewable energy, Michigan can be a leader in this exciting new field and create thousands of green jobs.

3. Jobs are the number one priority for the 7th district. I would fight for stronger trade agreements to level the playing field for Michigan workers and businesses, a uniquely American healthcare system that offers truly affordable coverage for everyone, and a major investment in renewable energy technology to end our dependence on fossil fuels. These steps will make our state more competitive in the global economy and help us create thousands of good-paying jobs.

Ken Proctor, Libertarian

I was born in Lansing, MI. I am a decorated Viet Nam Infantry veteran. I am Skilled Tradesman, now retired from GM. I first ran for office in 1992, against then, State Senator Nick Smith. I ran for U.S. Congress in 2002, (before Iraq) where I stood alone among the candidates in opposition to the Iraq War, which has undermined our civil liberties, our economy, our Constitution, and our nation’s future.

1. Democrats and Republicans share complicity in every problem facing Americans today, including our sick Health Care System. We need to remove government roadblocks that create barriers to competition and access, to both Health Care and Health Insurance. Over-regulation is killing America’s Health Care System and has doubled costs. If Health Care in America continues to receive the treatments it has received from the Democrats and Republicans, it’s prognosis for survival looks grim.

2. Libertarian Presidential Candidate Bob Barr says, “The free market, driven by consumer choice and reflecting the real cost of resources, should be the foundation of America’s energy policy.” I agree. With our terminally sick economy, not utilizing all possible energy resources in a responsible way is not only stupid but will have unintended consequences. We can improve energy in America with less government; less Democrat micro-management, less Republican gifts of taxpayer money to big oil.

3. To improve our national economy Obama wants to throw Americans a one time $500 bone. We can make a real difference by permanently exempting any individual making less than $100,000 a year from paying Federal Income Taxes. Michigan’s economy suffers greatly because of the tax and regulatory burden that the Democrats and Republicans in state and county governments have placed on Michigan’s citizens and businesses. Michigan needs to greatly reduce state regulation, taxation, and corruption.

Lynn Meadows, Green

Lynn Meadows has been involved with improving her community for many years. She earned a B.A. and M.A, and was a Manager and Independent Sales Representative who is now retired. Meadows is an avid volunteer and currently Secretary of the Committee for Chelsea Parks, member of One World One Family and Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice. She has been honored by the Gray Panthers as one of the top activists in Washtenaw County.

1. Greens advocate single-payer, publicly funded, universal health care to provide healthier Americans at far less cost. A system similar to Medicare should be available for every citizen. Other countries with similar systems have lower infant mortality and higher life expectancy than the US. Health care and insurance should not be connected to employment status.

2. Conservation and sustainability are basic values for Greens. We believe that billions of gallons of fuel are wasted. We insist on easily obtainable mpg standards of at least 60 for passenger vehicles by 2012. Development of alternative energy, wind, solar, and biofuels, will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create new jobs to bolster our economy and reduce our carbon emissions.

3. Greens seek an economics based upon Earth’s natural limits and meeting the basic needs of everyone on the planet. They value People over profits, when the two conflict. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by ensuring that development, technology and fiscal polices are responsible to future generations. A healthy economy requires that workers be paid a living wage. If workers wages had kept pace with CEO’s, that would now be $22.00 an hour.