Tim Walberg is the Republican Party candidate running to serve in the US House of Representatives on behalf of the seventh Congressional District, of which Saline is a part. His Democrat opponent is Gretchen Driskell. [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 Republican Walberg appear below. Responses from Democrat Driskell ran in Saline Journal yesterday. [3]
Saline Journal: “What would you list as your top five priorities for the 116th Congress?” [4]
Tim Walberg:
- Encourage economic growth
- Oppose polices leading to wasteful spending, more debt, higher taxes
- Combat the opioid epidemic
- Great Lakes and infrastructure funding
- Prepare our children and workforce for real world jobs
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?”
Tim Walberg: “Passage of significant regulatory reform and the comprehensive Tax Reform and Jobs Act earlier this Congress certainly helps our manufacturers, entrepreneurs and the overwhelming majority of individuals in our community. More can be done in these two areas along with health care reform to further enhance personal and commercial economic success.
During my tenure in Congress I have demonstrated my commitment to listening and learning from my constituents and taking the principles of less government spending, lower taxes and fewer onerous regulations to Washington, DC.
Saline Journal: “How would you improve services to those who rely upon them through the Veterans Administration?” [5]
Tim Walberg: “In June I supported legislation to allocate the VA $85.3 billion in funding — the largest funding level in its history. I’ve worked with Representative Debbie Dingell to address concerns about health and safety of the Ann Arbor VA. I have also helped pass legislation to make it easier to remove, demote or suspend any VA employee for performance or misconduct.”
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?”
Tim Walberg: “Continue to lead by example by working with all my colleagues such as Representative Debbie Dingell. I have had 7 pieces of bipartisan legislation signed into law since joining Congress and have currently passed more bipartisan pieces of legislation this Congress than any other member from Michigan. [6,7]
While there is certainly division in Washington, DC, and significant challenges facing our country, many of us will continue in working to achieve bipartisan solutions to get the job done.
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?” [8]
Tim Walberg: “Yes. Absolutely. As I have done already, I will continue to meet with all community leaders and stakeholders who care about both maintaining and growing Saline as a great community.”
Saline Journal: “Describe a memorable experience you’ve had at Saline Celtic Festival. [9]
Tim Walberg: “Seeing my grandchildren dressed as knights participate in a medieval sword fight and survive. It’s a great festival and always very memorable.”
Additionally, each candidate was offered the opportunity to put forth a question of their own and then answer it for publication here. Mr Walberg left this section blank.
References
- Tim Walberg 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).
- In his answer to this question, Tim Walberg additionally provided a link to “Bipartisan Accomplishments” on Congressman Tim Walberg Representing the 7th District of Michigan website.
- In his answer to this question, Mr Walberg additionally provided the following as footnote reference: “HR 71, Taxpayers Right To-Know Act; H.R. 1004, Regulatory Integrity Act; H.R. 1109, Amend Section 203 of the Federal Power Act; H.R. 2155, New HOPE Act, H.R. 2664, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act; H. Amdt 393 to limit Civil Asset Forfeiture; H.R. 4604, Increasing Access to a Secure Retirement Act, HR 5009, Jessie’s Law, HR 5041, Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act.”
- “City of Saline Departments and Elected Officials” Saline.
- Saline Celtic Festival (home page).
