Planet Detroit Candidate Survey
What are the three most pressing environmental issues facing the communities you seek to serve? Please rank them in order of priority and briefly explain why you chose each.
1. Water Infrastructure — Systems, some of which are beyond their design intent.
2. Climate Change — Increasing flooding risks, which stress storm drains and the overall system.
3. Air Quality — Degradation due to pollution from companies and vehicles, as well as wildfires in Canada.
Michigan law requires utilities to reach 100% clean energy by 2040. If elected, would you support maintaining this law, or would you support revising or repealing it? Please explain your position.
Other (please explain below)
I support clean-energy initiatives in principle. However, before making a final assessment, I would like to understand how the proposed changes will affect residents, utility costs, and county finances. I would also like to review the implementation timeline, funding sources, expected return on investment, and measurable outcomes to ensure the proposal is both environmentally beneficial and fiscally responsible.
More than two dozen Michigan communities are considering or have approved large-scale data center developments. These facilities can consume as much electricity as a small city and place significant demands on local water and energy infrastructure. What role should state government play in overseeing data center development, and what guardrails should the state legislature enact to protect communities where data centers are proposed?
The goal should always be to protect Michigan residents and the state’s natural resources. Decisions regarding major developments that significantly impact communities should be made through collaboration between state and local governments.
PFAS contamination has been detected in drinking water, groundwater, and surface water across Michigan. Cleanup efforts are underway, but many affected communities are still waiting for action. What is the single most important step the officeholder in this position should take on PFAS in the next term?
Protecting Michigan residents must remain the top priority. Continued studies, data collection, and analysis are essential to ensure that the most significant issues are properly identified, evaluated, and addressed with effective solutions.
Michigan residents in some communities face disproportionate exposure to air pollution, contaminated water, and industrial waste. Do you support requiring Michigan regulators to assess cumulative environmental and health impacts on overburdened communities before approving new permits for polluting facilities?
It depends (please explain below)
I support local and state governments working together to understand community needs and assess the impacts of development on public health, air quality, water resources, and residents' quality of life. Economic growth is important, but it must be balanced with environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability for Michigan communities.
Utility rate cases directly affect what Michigan residents pay for electricity and gas. DTE and Consumers Energy have requested frequent significant rate increases in recent years. Should elected officials play a greater role in holding utility companies accountable for rate hikes and rising energy costs?
I support transparency and increased accountability for utility companies, particularly regarding rates, infrastructure investments, service reliability, and long-term costs to consumers.
Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline runs through the Straits of Mackinac and carries crude oil and natural gas liquids between Wisconsin and Ontario. A proposed tunnel beneath the lakebed to house a replacement pipeline has faced legal and regulatory challenges for years. What is your position on the future of Line 5?
I support the initiative to replace Michigan Line 5, as it presents a solution that prioritizes safety, environmental protection, and economic benefits for the local community.
Drinking water is becoming increasingly unaffordable for Michiganders in both rural and urban areas, leading to water shutoffs. Would you support legislation that caps water bills for low-income Michiganders and adds shutoff protections?
I support keeping water affordable for all residents and believe there should be assistance programs for people experiencing financial hardship or emergencies.
Michigan is home to more than 18,000 contaminated sites. Do you support or oppose legislation to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up these sites?
I support holding polluters accountable for cleaning up contaminated sites. However, I would want to review the specific legislation to understand how accountability would be enforced and how cleanup efforts would be funded and monitored. Any approach should protect public health and the environment while ensuring transparency, fairness, and effective implementation