Special Report
PRIMARY ELECTION 2010
Governor's Race from page 20
Q: Young Professionals — What would you do so more young people
will choose to remain in Michigan and contribute to our economy and
society?
A: In addition to investing in programs that create jobs like the 21st Century Jobs
Fund, I would continue to promote green job creation, expand No Worker Left
Behind to ensure that Michigan's workforce is prepared to take on the challenges of
today's most in-demand industries, and pass Hire Michigan First to keep our jobs
in Michigan. It is also essential to reinvest in our urban cores to make them desir-
able places for our young professionals to put down roots, as well as to reinstate the
Michigan Promise Scholarship as a refundable income tax credit with the require-
ment that students work in Michigan one year after graduation.
Q: Bipartisanship — What would you do to restore confidence in the
ability of our elected officials to embrace bipartisanship to address
important issues and govern effectively?
A: We have been divided along partisan lines in the state of Michigan, and on a
national level, for far too long. I have worked tirelessly, to the chagrin of some mem-
bers in both parties, to nurture a bipartisan approach to problem solving throughout
my time in the legislature. Despite any criticism, I maintain that the best solutions
and the most realistic and well thought out approaches require that we bring all ideas
to the table and commit to working out our differences in the best interests of the
citizens of Michigan.
Q: Michigan/Israel Cooperation — Would you lead/support efforts to
promote trade, security cooperation and cultural exchanges between
Michigan and Israel?
A: I would continue to support efforts to promote positive economic and social rela-
tions between Michigan and Israel.
Q: Creationism — Should "intelligent design"/creationism be part of
the science curriculum in public schools?
A: No.
Q: Welfare — What would you do to maintain a solid "safety net" for
those most affected by Michigan's economic downturn?
A: We need to consider creative solutions to balancing Michigan's budget. Vital state
programs like education, public safety and social welfare programs should be the
very last budget items to see the cutting block. Government should do its best to pro-
tect all Michigan's citizens with special attention paid to not adding to the burden of
our most vulnerable residents.
Q: Jobs/Economy — What would you do to get people jobs that can sup-
port a family, and how long will it take?
A: The future growth of the state of Michigan depends on a commitment to build on
our unique strengths: research and development, advanced manufacturing, and our
thriving agricultural and tourism industries. We must invest in these already success-
ful industries while also preparing our workers for the jobs of today by supporting
job training for careers in up-and-coming industries.
Q: Prison Propaganda — What can be done to monitor and filter mate-
rials coming into our prison system so it doesn't become a recruiting
ground for Islamic extremists and domestic terror?
A: I remain committed to ensuring that our prison system is as safe as possible and
support the continued strict monitoring and filtering of materials coming into cor-
rectional institutions. Extremist threats or terrorism of any kind cannot be tolerated
or overlooked behind our prison walls or in our communities.
Q: Nonprofit Support — With shrinking state funding for social ser-
vices, how must the state support and facilitate the efforts of nonprofits
that are picking up the slack?
A: We need to be doing everything we can to fund social services and care for strug-
gling Michiganders so that nonprofits aren't carrying the brunt of the responsibil-
ity. Our tax dollars should go directly to critical services. At this time in Michigan
history we cannot afford a penny lost. In an effort to find new and efficient ways to
balance the budget I: Led the legislature in passing reforms to the teacher retirement
system that will save up to $680 million this year; Continue to work to modernize
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IN
state health care plans to improve efficiency by streamlining administrative costs
and leveraging economies of scale while preserving choice and quality; Will work to
renegotiate Michigan contracts with vendors; Support an audit of state expenditures
to find wasteful spending and mismanagement.
MICHAEL BOUCHARD
Republican
Mike Bouchard, 54, is Oakland County sheriff, having
been appointed in 1999, elected in 2000, and re-elected
in 2004 and 2008. He received his B.A. from Michigan
State University in 1979. He is a former police officer and
small businessman and has served in the state House
and Senate, where he became the majority floor leader.
Bouchard and his wife, Pam, live in Birmingham. They
have three children.
Website: www.bouchardforgovernor.com
Q: Education — What would you do to ensure adequate funding and
top-flight instruction in our public schools?
A: Education is the cornerstone to bringing jobs back to our state. As the former
chairman of the Senate Education Committee, I have a long track record of cham-
pioning improvements to Michigan's education system. To put every available
dollar into the classroom, I would have school districts competitively bid out sec-
ondary services, such as busing, on an intermediate school district level. It is also
imperative to teach essentials. Teaching children to read, write and complete basic
math problems is not outdated. Rather than teaching our children how to think, we
are trying to teach them what to believe.
Q: Young Professionals — What would you do so more young people
will choose to remain in Michigan and contribute to our economy and
society?
A: I am in this race because I have three school-age children, and I do not want
to chase them around the country as they seek out the jobs. Instead, our children
should find their future in the state they already call home. In order to achieve this,
I have introduced my "Blueprint for Prosperity" plan, which takes the necessary
steps towards reforms that cut away the government red tape hindering an ideal
business environment. This environment will make it easier for job creators to
grow and invest, opening the doors for young professionals.
Q: Bipartisanship — What would you do to restore confidence in the
ability of our elected officials to embrace bipartisanship to address
important issues and govern effectively?
A: As a former leader in the Michigan Senate, I have the experience of working
with both sides of the aisle to make good public policy. Our current governor has
said one of her weaknesses is she has no legislative experience. The divide between
the legislative leaders and the governor is a symptom of this inexperience. I am
the only Republican gubernatorial candidate who has the legislative and execu-
tive experience necessary to build the necessary relationships to provide the level
of government the public deserves. Michigan cannot afford another term with a
governor who lacks the legislative experience necessary to being an effective leader.
I am committed to working with members of the legislature on both sides of the
aisle to reform the way we look at our priorities. The status quo will come to an
end in a Bouchard administration. To do this, it will take a person who has the
proper temperament to work with elected officials who have differing positions on
issues critical to the future of our state.
Q: Michigan/Israel Cooperation — Would you lead/support efforts to
promote trade, security cooperation and cultural exchanges between
Michigan and Israel?
A: As sheriff of Oakland County, I have implemented culture diversity programs
because I understand how important it is to educate professionals on how to pro-
mote business and security between Michigan and Israel. I have also participated
in multinational, joint-counterterrorism trips in Israel and the Middle East, which
helps me shape our cultural programs here in Oakland County.