House District 10, Harvey Santana

Harvey Santana
State Representative
Wayne County
10th District

Why are you running for office?

I'm seeking to serve public office because Michigan is at a critical stage in our history. We have an opportunity to restructure our government so we are in-line with modern times and develop a vision for our future. I want to offer my experience and leadership ability to help get Michigan on the correct path for prosperity.

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

Our economic situation is our biggest challenge in Michigan. There are many items that we need to have solid/truthful/courageous conversations about. First, we must restructure our tax policy in this state to foster economic development. The MBT MUST be modified to help businesses grow. Secondly, we have to develop a better strategy for incarcerating criminals and later preparing returning citizens back into society. The MDOC is one of the largest budgets in Lansing and I fail to see what it produces. We are one of four states that spends more on prisons than we do education. we cannot be serious about education if we fail to invest in our children's future.

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

I believe politicians oftentimes develop tunnel vision on this subject. There are two sides of a budget: revenue and expenditure. What we often neglect is the efficiency in the middle as the center point of balance. Any household or business recognizes the balance is always in the center. One area of focus for me would be to find a more efficient and productive measure of incarceration and post incarceration. MDOC is a $2 Billion dollar budget in Michigan and we must look at better ways of using that money. Inmates should not be allowed to lift weights, watch TV, fight and sleep all day while checking days off on a calendar. Our NON-violent prisoners should be working throughout the day EARNING their freedom. Under my plan they would be sentenced to community service instead of a prison cell. Presently, we cover their prison stay and health care coverage while only investing $7,000 per pupil on education.

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

Reinvest in our infrastructure. Michigan needs to build our way out of this recession. We cannot afford to argue about who gets to build tunnels or bridges. We must build everything...railroads, tunnels, freeways. ports, airports, bridges, etc. Businesses want to locate their operation in areas where they can move products in and out of the market Faster, Cheaper and Safer. Detroit and on a larger scale SE Michigan has all of the infrastructure we need to build the 100% corner. What we lack is the political courage and vision to move past squabbles and be bold towards a redevelopment vision for our economy.

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

Harvey Santana was a statesman who earned the privelage of serving public office every day. Uncompromising integrity was his standard while he fought on and off the political battlefield everyday. In the community he was recognized as a leader, mentor to young people, and a great neighbor to have next door.

In politics he demanded discipline and expected innovation. He fought for the people valiantly in the worst of times and was never lazy in the best of times.