House District 44, Eileen Kowall

Eileen Kowall
Republican
State Representative
Oakland County
44th District

Why are you running for office?

I want to continue working to help Michigan through the economic tsunami and put us on a path to the Michigan of the future.

What is the biggest problem facing Michigan residents today and how would you solve it?

Jobs, or lack thereof. Restructuring of MBT or business tax to a more fair, broad-based tax. Phase out the job killing MBT Surcharge. Regulate regulations by requiring DEQ not supercede federal regulations and benchmarking Michigan's regulations against other states. Reform of MEDC to make credits/incentives more competitive and not based on the next "big thing". MEDC should be much more responsive and provide more services to businesses. Promote our many strenths such as universities, well-trained workforce, research and development, natural resources, and so on.

What's a better solution: finding revenue or cutting costs to meet Michigan's public education budget? How would you do it?

Education is a priority, but even priorities can't escape the economy we've been slammed with. This is a zero-sum game & there's only so much money to go around - even from the taxpayers. We're an older, smaller, poorer state and we have to live within our means. Having said that, I'd rather spend money on schools than Corrections. As we continue to rightsize state government, school districts will have to continue cost-cutting and finding ways to share services and resources with nearby districts.

What's the best way to create jobs for Michigan residents?

First of all, government does not create jobs. Other than that,I believe I answered this as much as possible in above question. The House Republican Strategic Task Force on Jobs provides a much more comprehensive plan. It can be found at www.gophouse.com

After you leave this earth, what will they say about you?

That she slid into home base all dirty and used up.