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.) Protecting Water Quality and Aging Infrastructure-Clean drinking water, functioning septic systems, and reliable wastewater infrastructure are essential for both public health and economic growth. Many rural communities in mid-Michigan face aging infrastructure challenges that require practical, affordable long-term solutions without placing excessive burdens on homeowners and local governments. 2.) Balancing Energy Reliability, Affordability, and Environmental Stewardship-Michigan families and businesses need dependable and affordable energy while continuing to improve environmental outcomes. I support a balanced energy strategy that includes investment in modern technology, grid reliability, domestic energy production, and responsible development of renewable energy where it makes sense locally. 3.) Responsible Land Use and Protection of Natural Resources- Our communities value farmland, forests, lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Growth and development should be handled responsibly to preserve Michigan’s natural resources while also respecting private property rights and supporting local economic development.
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.
Revise or repeal portions of the law
I support cleaner energy and continued innovation, but I believe Michigan’s energy policies must prioritize reliability, affordability, and grid stability alongside environmental goals. A one-size-fits-all mandate with fixed deadlines could increase costs for families, seniors, manufacturers, and small businesses if technology and infrastructure are not ready to meet demand.
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?
State government should establish clear standards for large-scale data center development while respecting local control, private property rights, and preserving agricultural land. These projects can bring jobs and investment, but communities should be protected from excessive strain on roads, water systems, and the electric grid.
I support requiring transparency on energy and water use, coordination with local governments and utilities, and responsible site selection that prioritizes existing industrial areas over productive farmland whenever possible. Michigan can support economic growth while also protecting rural communities and agriculture.
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?
The most important step is ensuring contaminated communities receive timely cleanup and access to safe drinking water while holding responsible parties accountable whenever possible. Michigan should continue investing in practical, science-based remediation efforts, improve coordination between state and local agencies, and prioritize communities facing the greatest health and infrastructure challenges.
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?
Yes
I support ensuring regulators fully consider environmental and public health impacts before approving major projects, especially in communities already facing significant environmental challenges. At the same time, any review process should be science-based, transparent, and balanced so it protects public health without creating unnecessary regulatory uncertainty that discourages investment and job creation.
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?
Elected officials should continue providing oversight and accountability to ensure utility rate increases are justified, transparent, and focused on reliability, affordability, and necessary infrastructure improvements. Michigan residents and small businesses should not bear unnecessary costs, and utilities should clearly demonstrate how proposed investments will improve service, strengthen the grid, and protect long-term energy reliability.
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 keeping Line 5 operational while ensuring strong environmental protections and infrastructure oversight are in place. Line 5 remains an important part of Michigan’s and the region’s energy supply, particularly for propane and fuel used by families, businesses, and manufacturers. I support continued efforts to modernize and improve safety, including the proposed tunnel project, to reduce environmental risk while maintaining energy reliability and affordability. Any long-term solution should balance environmental stewardship, energy security, and the economic impacts on Michigan residents.
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 efforts to keep drinking water affordable and accessible for Michigan families, especially seniors, low-income households, and vulnerable residents. I would support practical assistance programs and reasonable shutoff protections that help people stay connected to essential water services. At the same time, any policy must also ensure local water systems remain financially sustainable so infrastructure can continue to be maintained and upgraded without shifting excessive costs onto other ratepayers or local governments.
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?
Support
I support holding polluters accountable for contamination they caused, while ensuring the process is fair, science-based, and does not unfairly penalize current property owners who were not responsible for the original pollution. Michigan should continue encouraging cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties in a way that protects public health, the environment, and economic growth. PUT THE DATA CENTERS ON THE BROWNFIELD SITES!