John James is the Republican Party candidate running to serve in the US Senate on behalf of Michigan. His Democrat opponent is Debbie Stabenow. [1,2]
Last month, Saline Journal invited each individual to share their thoughts with our readers on a specific series of questions. Responses from Republican James appear below. Responses from Democrat Stabenow will run in Saline Journal tomorrow. [3]
Saline Journal: “What would you list as your top five priorities for 2019?” [4]
John James:
- Veterans: We must uphold our sacred obligation to care for to my fellow veterans [5]
- Education: We must bring real reform to our education system as some of Michigan’s schools still score too low. That’s unacceptable
- Health care: We must empower patients and doctors to make decisions on healthcare, not the federal government and insurance companies. We must also ensure pre-existing conditions are covered
- The Great Lakes: We must keep our Great Lakes clean and accessible to Michiganders
- Infrastructure: We must invest in our roads and bridges, but we must also focus on internet broadband access for all Michiganders
Saline Journal: “Saline is home to a number of excellent facilities and programs in support of the elderly. In what ways can they anticipate working with you as a Senator to order to make the most of their offerings?”
John James: “We must fulfill our promise to our seniors with Social Security. We must also take care of our veterans. We must support healthcare options and healthcare workers. I learned from an early age to listen before you lead, and that’s exactly what I have been doing, and will continue to do when elected to the US Senate.” [6]
Saline Journal: “Can you cite an example of a manufacturing operation in Saline that is impacted by foreign trade policy, and indicate what it means to get that ‘right,’ versus what’s a risk of getting it ‘wrong’?”
John James: “We must ensure free, but fair, trade deals.
Manufacturers such as Saline Lectronics prove that the United States can compete globally today on their own merits in fields including electronic component assemblies. This means their contract work and in so many other areas that too many businesses had written off decades ago. [7,8]
I will always support what is best for Michigan and its diverse economy. But Michigan does not have a seat at both tables with the political parties currently in the US Senate. I will work with anyone to protect Michigan jobs and economic opportunity. Getting it right means doing what’s best for our workers and our state.
Saline Journal: “Why is the voter in Washtenaw County important to you, personally?” [9]
John James: “All voters across Michigan are important, including those in Washtenaw County, where I earned my MBA at the University of Michigan.
The County is among the most diverse in the state, as is its economy. Home to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and Washtenaw Community College, the County is brimming with intellectual curiosity. With an economy ranging from tech to agriculture, Washtenaw County plays a critical role in Michigan’s future. [10,11,12]
Saline Journal: “If you were asked to pitch Saline as a tourist attraction, what amenities would you cite in making the unique case for this destination?”
John James: “Saline, a community rich with history and culture, make for an incredible destination for families, couples or someone visiting America for the first time. An incredible downtown, home to restaurants, shops and surrounded by parks, can entertain people of all ages.
Whether it’s the Christmas Parade, Summerfest or the Celtic Festival, the community prides itself in celebrating its culture and welcoming visitors with open arms. It is easily accessible from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and would make for an outstanding vacation, whether for a day, or a week. [13,14,15,16]
Saline Journal: “What experience have you never had in Saline that should be on your bucket list?”
John James: “The Celtic Festival.
Celtic music and dance is beautiful and unique and I know there is a lot of activities and events for the entire family. I played football and rugby growing up; I’m curious how I would perform in a game of Irish Football. I hope to attend.
Additionally, each candidate was offered the opportunity to put forth a question of their own and then answer it for publication here.
John James: “Why are you running for US Senate?
This is not about me, it is about we. It’s about all Michiganders, and the future we want to create for ourselves and our children.
I graduated from West Point, flew over 750 hours of combat in Iraq as an Apache helicopter pilot, and returned home where I joined the family business and created over 100 jobs. I aim to continue my service to my community, my state and the nation, as your US Senator. I’m living the American Dream and I want to protect that Dream for future generations.
References
- John James: US Senate (home page).
- United States Senate (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).
- Social Security Administration (home page).
- Lectronics (home page).
- “Global Manufacturers Are Hiring Employees At All Skill Levels To Help Their Saline Operations Continue To Succeed” Dell Deaton (August 8, 2018) Saline Journal.
- Washtenaw County Michigan (home page).
- University of Michigan (home page).
- Eastern Michigan University (home page).
- Washtenaw Community College (home page).
- “Christmas in Saline” Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Saline’s Summerfest (home page).
- Saline Celtic Festival (home page).
- Detroit Metro Airport (home page).
