Gretchen Driskell is the Democratic Party candidate running to serve in the US House of Representatives on behalf of the seventh Congressional District, of which Saline is a part. Her Republican opponent is Tim Walberg. [1,2]
Earlier this month, Saline Journal invited each individual to share their thoughts with our readers on a specific series of questions. Responses from Democrat Driskell appear below. Responses from Republican Walberg will run in Saline Journal tomorrow. [3]
Saline Journal: “What would you list as your top five priorities for the 116th Congress?” [4]
Gretchen Driskell:
- Campaign finance reform: Dark money and special interests cannot continue to call the shots in Congress
- Healthcare Reform: Lowering premiums, copays, and prescription drug costs while protecting coverage for those with pre-existing conditions
- Infrastructure: Investing in roads, water systems, and rural high speed internet to create jobs locally
- Michigan Economic Development: Ending unfair trade deals that hurt local manufacturing and undercut American labor
- Bipartisan policy making: Our biggest issues need bipartisan solutions and I have been recruited to join the Problem Solvers Caucus
Saline Journal: “Saline is home to leading global manufacturing facilities, unique historic buildings, and wonderful variety in our restaurants. Provide a specific example of how you could help any one of these categories better thrive through actions that you could undertake at the national level?”
Gretchen Driskell: “Training, retaining, and attracting talent needs to be a top priority and that means investing in education from pre-K to college and votech. Community colleges are instrumental in educating our workforce.
I have experience partnering with businesses and the community stakeholders, bringing together educators and the government to build a strong economic environment just like we did here in Saline. That’s why as a State Representative, I introduced a tax credit for small businesses to hire apprentices. In addition to training and education, we need to see investment in our downtowns and our communities to bring back the families that had left Michigan over the last decade.
Saline Journal: “How would you improve services to those who rely upon them through the Veterans Administration?” [5]
Gretchen Driskell: “As a Navy mom and granddaughter and daughter of Navy Veterans, this issue is personal to me.
We need to ensure that the men and women who have served our country have access to the resources they need when they return home. I support expanding the amount of physical locations where VA services are provided, and I support ensuring that healthcare services provided by the VA include access to mental health services that so many veterans require unlike Congressman Walberg who has voted against support for PTSD and suicide prevention.
We have asked so much of our veterans, and they deserve the best resources that our country can provide.
Saline Journal: “If you found yourself a member of the minority party in the United States Congress, how effective do you think you could be on behalf of your constituents?”
Gretchen Driskell: “Just as I did as mayor, I’ll work with anyone who wants to move our communities forward. In my 14 years as mayor, we were focused on finding solutions, not having partisan fights. I took these lessons with me to Lansing and we had multiple infrastructure projects completed in the 52nd District due to my advocacy. In Congress, I am committed to working in a bipartisan way no matter which party has the majority because our neighbors deserve solutions, not more tired partisan games.”
Saline Journal: “Do you anticipate being personally accessible to Mayor Marl or City Manager Campbell as issues arise where it was felt that your advocacy on behalf of Saline might be helpful?” [6]
Gretchen Driskell: “Yes. I understand what it means to have a partner in Congress as a local community leader because I had that with Joe Schwarz and Mark Schauer, our previous congressmen. I have met with mayors across our district to discuss how Congress can be more of a partner in infrastructure and economic development. Mayor Marl and City Manager Campbell, and our local leaders across the district, deserve a congressperson who shows up, listens to our community issues, and works on our behalf.”
Saline Journal: “Describe a memorable experience you’ve had at Saline Celtic Festival. [7]
Gretchen Driskell: “I have many fond memories celebrating our Sister City relationship with Brecon, Wales and our shared heritage. Watching all ages come together and share the experience of the music, dance, and highland games has always been very rewarding. Each year it’s always a highlight to hear the massed pipe bands at the start of the festival, but sitting on the caber was surely an unforgettable experience.”
Additionally, each candidate was offered the opportunity to put forth a question of their own and then answer it for publication here. Ms Driskell left this section blank.
References
- Gretchen Driskell for Congress (home page).
- United States House of Representatives (home page).
- “Major Political Party Candidates Have Answered Questions In Races Of Local Interest To Saline Michigan” Dell Deaton (October 12, 2018) Saline Journal.
- Candidates were requested to limit their responses to ten words or less per item.
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (home page).
- “City of Saline Departments and Elected Officials” Saline.
- Saline Celtic Festival (home page).
