House District 23, Pat Somerville

Pat Somerville
Republican
State Representative
Wayne County 23rd District

Why are you running for office?

I decided to seek public office because I am tired of the gimmicks and games being played in Lansing. I believe many of our lawmakers lack the political and moral courage to make the tough decisions to get Michigan back on track.

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

Without question, the biggest issue facing Michigan residents is jobs. To create jobs, we must foster a competitive business environment. To do this: we must have less government, less regulation, less tax burden on working families and businesses, and finally we must have less spending in Lansing.

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

Cutting costs is a better way to meet Michigan's public education budget. Teacher salaries are sustainable. We must look at the benefit/pension packages and make them competitive with those in the private sector. We must also look at consolidating school districts and eliminating the bloated bureaucracy.

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

1. Eliminate the 22% surcharge (MBT)
2. Phase out the Michigan Business Tax
3. Eliminate the personal property tax
4. Apply uniform tax incentives
5. Eliminate excessive regulation

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

I hope that they would say: He always did what was right regardless of the consequences or whether it was popular.