House District 2, Lisa L. Howze

Lisa L. Howze
Democrat
State Representative
Wayne County
District 2

Why are you running for office?

I am running to bring economic relief and social justice to the residents of District 2. The community here faces very significant issues related to housing, job availability, and lack of quality education. I want to contribute to a better quality of life in District 2.

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

Michigan's biggest problem is the lack of jobs and loss of jobs, which contributed to thousands of home foreclosures. Therefore, Michigan's tax base has eroded. We can address these problems as follows: 1) Make it more attractive for existing and new business and industries to conduct business in the Michigan by getting rid of the MBT surcharge. This will stimulate business growth and job creation. 2) Focus on restoring the tax base in economically challenged communities like Detroit, by stabilizing the number of owner occupied homes in the community.

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

Both. We must provide adequate funding for education. We can generate more revenues by strengthening the tax base in Michigan. We can expand the tax base to include a tax on services. We can cut the budget for the department of corrections and reallocate those dollars to ensure there is more equity in funding available for public education.

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

We have to diversify the economy in Michigan and start growing in new industries like advanced manufacturing, health care, renewable energy, and film. We must also invest in Michigan's infrastructure like roads, bridges and highways, which translates into thousands of jobs. We must prepare students to work in these emerging industries in Michigan to ensure a strong pool of candidates from which employers may select and hire.

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

People will say that Lisa Howze was a committed servant. She was diligent in her pursuit to make a positive impact in the lives of the people she served, and she inspired a nation of people. She will be remembered for her faith and courage to say, "I think I can" in the face of challenge and opposition. For, she believed all things are possible!