Full Interview with Tim Moore

1) Why should voters re-elect you?

Since being elected to the legislature, I have always done what I thought was right for the constituents of the 97th District. While everyone may not agree with me on certain issues, I have always based my decisions on what I believe in my heart is the right thing to do.
I have fought to keep the government out of our pockets and out of our life when necessary. I have fought to fairly fund our schools and I have demanded more accountability and more transparency from our government.
I have gone against my own party when necessary, and I have stood up to some very big special interests in Lansing, sometimes making me unpopular person. I will not be beholden to any special interests or parties in Lansing, only to the people of the 97th district.
Finally, I have made every effort to be accessible to the constituents of this district. Make no mistake about it, I know that my job is to represent you and I am always wiling to listen to the concerns of the constituents of my district. Since being elected, I have held office hours every month in every county that I represent. This allows constituents to bring their issues with state government to me so I can assist them. It also allows them to voice any concerns to me, or just stop in and say hello.

2) You have been in Lansing for four years, what was your greatest accomplishment?

There are several accomplishments that stick out, whether it be passing legislation to stop the government from taxing businesses for providing health care, protecting the Veterans Trust Fund or getting a portion of US-10 named “Clare County Veterans Memorial Highway” to honor our veterans.
However, if there is one accomplishment that sticks out to me most it is the work that I have done to close the funding gap between the lowest funded school (which is every school in my district) and schools in other parts of the state.
While this issue is not totally solved by any stretch of the imagination, there are finally steps be taken to end this injustice. When I first arrived in Lansing, no one even discussed the fact that some schools in the state where receiving thousands of dollars per-pupil less then others. I found this to be very disturbing and started the fight to fairly fund all schools. My first year, I passed a bill to increase the funding for the lowest funded schools. This year, the legislature passed what is called a “2X” formula during the budget that doubled the funding increase for the lowest funded schools to that of the highest funded schools. While the issue is not yet solved, legislators from across the state are standing up and taking notice and I will continue to work to fight this injustice while I am your state representative.

3) If re-elected what are you plans to help Michigan workers?

First and foremost, I will continue to oppose any attempt by our government to raise taxes or fees of any kind on individuals and on small businesses. Small business is the backbone of our economy and I will continue to fight against attempts to slow their growth through higher taxes and more regulation.
Currently in Michigan, we are not only losing jobs oversees but losing jobs to bordering states. The state of Indiana has billboards up in Southwest Michigan telling businesses to come there because of fewer taxes and less regulation. We need to stop chasing or own businesses out of this state.
Secondly, I will fight to protect the businesses that we have in this state and give them every resource that we are giving to new businesses coming to this state. For example, the State of Michigan gave a huge tax break to Cabela’s to come to Southeast Michigan. Courting new jobs is great, but what about a tax break for businesses like Jay’s Sporting Goods who have been loyal job providers in Michigan and in our area for years? In this case, the State of Michigan basically helped to fund the competition for one of our biggest job providers. The state needs to stop picking winners and losers and help not only new businesses, but the business that are currently operating in this state and employing people.
Finally, I will continue to stand up for the workers of this state and the workers of this district. I will oppose any efforts to give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs oversees, and out-of-state. I will also continue to stand up for the businesses and workers that already exist in this state, and put new businesses on an equal playing field with business already operating and employing people in this state.

4) Where does the future of Michigan’s economy lie?

I strongly believe that the future of Michigan’s economy will revolve around two major sectors; 1) alternative and renewable energies and 2) the tourism industry.
Major studies from around this state suggest that Michigan is the perfect location to grow alternative and renewable energies that can provide energy across this country. As a state we need to encourage the use of our renewable resources from businesses so that we can not only create good paying jobs here in Michigan but also break or dependence from foreign energy sources.
Secondly, since joining the legislature, I have been an advocate for a steady revenue stream to promote tourism in this state. For every dollar spent on promoting tourism, the state sees over $3.00 back on that investment immediately that year. With the wonderful natural resources in this area, a steady revenue stream and smarting marketing can stimulate or local economy and grow jobs. We need to invest in tourism promotion and market our resources to not only other states in the Midwest like we are currently doing, but states from across this country that do not have the wonderful outdoor attractions that we posses.

5) Some voters have said that you are running a negative campaign what’s you view?

I always tell people to look at who is paying for the ads that people are hearing and receiving. Anything that my constituents have received from my campaign committee are positive pieces and in no way negative. Any negative literature or calls that people have received are coming either from the state party or from an outside group. I have asked the state party to stay out of my campaign especially if they plan to use negative ads. Unfortunately, these groups can send literature and create campaign ads without my permission. I want my constituents to know that I do not support or approve of negative attacks as I believe it turns off the electorate.