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Political objectives, goals, and personal mandate of Kerry Bentivolio,
as the Michigan State Senator for the 15th District, western Oakland County, Michigan.
As a soldier, I swore an oath to defend America. My mission has always been to promote and defend the great American principles of individual liberty, constitutional government, a sound fiscal policy, a free and diverse business climate that promotes and creates jobs, and a strong educational system. I have no political aspirations beyond returning Michigan to greatness. I am a proud working Republican who is going to Lansing to serve my neighbors, not to create a power base for the “good ole boys” or the political power brokers and elitists who will spend countless thousands of dollars to buy their election and your vote. I am NOT a career politician, a lawyer, or a former Mayor. Michigan’s success is my mission, my only mission. I will not be defeated nor deterred from my quest. Real change, for real people. Michigan’s success is our only option!
On Economic Issues
- The number one priority is JOBS for Michigan!
- Work is a matter of human dignity and is necessary to the common good.
- Government should create the conditions that support business and industry development.
- Smaller government and zero tax for business.
- Investment goes where it is invited, stays where it is wanted, and creates jobs along the way. What part of basic economics does Lansing (and Washington) not understand?
- Business and worker responsibility is critical in helping to improve, develop, and maintain economic success in Michigan.
- It must be a team effort.
- Business has a right to profit and workers have a right to safe working conditions while earning a living wage.
- We will free up needed capital for business by eliminating business taxes and unnecessary regulations that hamper the profitability and hiring of new employees.
- Big government is a burden on the Michigan taxpayer. I will reduce the size of government.
On Taxation
- I will stop spending your money. I will fight to reduce your tax burden, application and license fees and reduce the overblown State government.
- I will fight any increase in any tax rates.
- Tax policy should not penalize marriage or the raising of children in Michigan.
- Business taxes should be completely eliminated and never threaten the capacity to create and sustain jobs in Michigan.
- Eliminate the sales tax on heating oil, gas, and electrical services for business and families.
On Public and Private Education
- Parents have the right to educate their children within the community at a quality school of their choosing in Michigan.
- Michigan needs to organize and finance a “No-touch Rainy Day Fund” to insure public school funding is never jeopardized for present and future generations.
- Michigan will develop a model public education system where teachers’ rights are protected and supported when quality educational practices are used and maintained within the classroom using a fair, multi-faceted, bi-annual evaluation procedure.
- Parents have the right to have their children educated in a curriculum consonant with personal religious values without penalty in Michigan.
- Government funding should permit financial support to families for the education they desire for their children in Michigan.
- I will work with communities, both public and private schools to develop a model of a financially responsible educational system that will ensure our children:
- Will always have the tools, advantage, and training necessary to succeed in a global economy.
- Work diligently with communities and the Michigan Educational Association in western Oakland County and Michigan to improve and insure instructional quality in both public and private schools.
On War, Defense & Terrorism
- Nations and Michigan have a duty to protect their citizens from legitimate threats.
- Terrorism—the injury and murder of innocent civilians—is never justified.
- Governments have the right to engage in war in self-defense but should first exhaust all peaceful solutions.
- Just war is waged within defined moral boundaries in regard to its targets, goals, and outcomes.
- Political leadership must have both the inclination toward peace and the capacity for decisive action if war is just and necessary.
- I will continue to work to improve and support the efforts of National Defense and Homeland nationwide.
- I will continue to work to improve and support the efforts of Local First Responders-police and fire, and ALL Medical employees in their service to our communities within Michigan!
- Represent the interest of ALL Veterans.
On Marriage & the Family
- Marriage was instituted prior to the state and should be recognized by the state as something inviolate and necessary to the common good.
- Prudential judgments about law and public policy should always seek to strengthen marriage and families in Michigan.
- I will work to ensure financial and personal security for our state and its residents - keeping families in their homes. Now! Not tomorrow, next week or next month.
On Health Care
- Health-care needs should be met by a combination of personal and corporate insurance, philanthropy, and government programs within Michigan.
- Health-care organizations must be free to perform their work with clear consciences.
- I am Pro-Life. Abstinence and fidelity should be the foundation of sex education and sexually transmitted disease–education and prevention.
On Religious Liberty
- Religious expression is a human right that should be recognized by the state.
- States that enforce secularism in social services and education are violating religious liberty.
- Political debate naturally involves religious concepts since law and public policy directly affect the common good.
On Immigration
- A nation should seek to accommodate the legal immigrant who, for just reasons, seeks greater access to the basic goods of life using legal methods.
- Political leaders and citizens should recognize the reality of human interdependence that crosses all borders and all national identities.
- The legal immigrant is a person who deserves the same protections under the law which are afforded to citizens.
On Michigan’s Natural Resources
- I will work to protect our environment and our greatest natural resources – the Great Lakes, our fresh water, and our state parks.
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