Issues

This page features my positions on issues relevant to the nation, state, and our local community. A brief synopsis of each issue is listed below, and you can click through to see additional information.

Jobs and the Economy

" I am committed to doing everything I can to build a full-employment economy, where everyone has a job that pays enough to raise a family and live in dignity with a sense of purpose.” -Commissioner Nash

I believe that our economy should strengthen our country and work for every American, not just those at the top. I am committed to helping all citizens meet the challenges of the 21st century by spurring job creation, rebuilding our infrastructure, and investing in both clean-energy technologies and small businesses.

When President Obama took office in 2009, he inherited an economy in freefall, with huge deficits, skyrocketing health care costs, dwindling employment, and banking and housing markets on the brink of collapse. Working with the President, Democrats stabilized the financial system, helped to prevent a second Great Depression, and created millions of new jobs.

I want to guarantee that all of our citizens have the opportunity to succeed and that all working families can enjoy economic security. I won’t be satisfied until every individual who wants to work can find a job. I will never stop fighting to build an economy that works for all.

Civil Rights

“I will always fight to end discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.” -Commissioner Nash

Every American, no matter their race, sex, ethnicity or national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability, is equal, and as a Democrat I will keep fighting for them. Democrats have a long and proud history of defending civil rights and expanding opportunity for all Americans from the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. Therefore, I will continue to fight to end discrimination in all forms.

I am committed to protecting voting rights, freedom of religion, women’s right to make their own health care decisions, and equal federal rights for LGBT couples. We must also strive for criminal justice reform, as well as common sense approaches to reduce and prevent gun violence.

No matter who you are, who you love, where you’re from, or how you worship, I will keep fighting for all of you.

“I have and will continue to support universal health care for the American people. Health Care must be a right for all Americans and not a privilege for a few.” -Commissioner Nash

In March 2010, President Obama fulfilled a promise that Democrats have pursued for nearly a century: making quality, affordable health care available to all Americans. In all, seven presidents pushed for health reform over the years. We have finally made real the principle that every American should have access to quality health care, and no one should go bankrupt just because they get sick.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more than 20 million Americans have gained health care coverage and the uninsured rate has been cut almost in half. Among the newly insured are more than 2.3 million young adults who are covered because the Affordable Care Act allows them to stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26. Discrimination based on pre-existing conditions is now illegal, and nearly 8 in 10 Americans who recently shopped for health insurance in the marketplace could get it for less than $100 per month.

The Affordable Care Act has also allowed states to expand Medicaid to help even more Americans get covered. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid, and Medicaid and SCHIP enrollment has risen 26 percent.President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act into law.

The Affordable Care Act also provides tax credits to small businesses to help offset the costs of employee coverage and tax credits to help families pay for insurance. We are also experiencing health care spending growth at its lowest level in 50 years.

Democrats are committed to preserving and protecting the Affordable Care Act and the peace of mind it has brought to millions of Americans, and they will fight all attempts by the Trump administration to repeal the law and take health care away from tens of millions of Americans.

I am proud of this progress and I am willing to work to extend and preserve it for generations to come.

What are your top three priorities for Muskegon County and how would you address them?

One top priority for Muskegon County is addressing the health and safety of all of our citizens especially during this current pandemic. It is important that I support policies that are the best decisions for all citizens that are supported by evidence-based practices through scientific research.

A second priority is ensuring the fiscal security and stability of the Muskegon County budget. I will focus on strategies to reduce cost while seeking financial support from the private sector and federal & state government that can help to stabilize the negative impact of COVID-19.

Finally, I have always worked to make advances in the coordination of community services & resources in Muskegon County. I will continue to prioritize the maintenance, improvements, access, and delivery of those services. This includes services for women, men, seniors, youth, veterans, and persons with mental or physical disabilities.

What policies do you support to increase jobs and help your residents improve their economic positions?

I will also support small businesses, entrepreneurship, and a strong workforce. After all, these elements are the backbone of our economy. I will support policies that provide quality education & training for all who desire a better quality of life. This has proven to be the best way for individuals to improve their economic positions. Many company owners, directors, and employers have consistently expressed this need throughout Muskegon County. I will petition our state legislative representatives to help earmark future funding for Muskegon County so individuals will have better employment opportunities and our county will develop a strong workforce. I will also support partnerships with the federal, state, and local government that support small businesses and encourage entrepreneurships. Read More

What actions or policies do you support to protect the county’s water, air and land for current and future generations while meeting community energy

I will continue to support the current efforts we provide as services for protecting Muskegon County's water supply. Having served as a member of the Public Works Board, Water Policy Board, and Chair of Health and Human Services, provided the opportunity to have a direct impact on water cleanliness. These boards set policies and provide these services on behalf of our citizens. I am also open to listening to innovative ideas that can help us improve what we do with water, air, and land. One good example, is the current efforts to preserve the Nugent Sands property for Muskegon County that will help improve the quality of life of all residents for years to come. Read More

What initiatives or policies do you support to help increase tourism and recreational activities in your municipality for residents and visitors?

I will support policies or initiatives that help our local businesses, retail centers, restaurants, and bars to expand or use outside porches, patios, or tents to abide with new spacing requirements. The board could help within reason to expedite these expansions. I will support policies and initiatives that would help to promote larger spacing for events or gatherings for larger crowds. This will also include more promotions of our wide-open spaces, recreational trails, beaches, and state parks. Offering rebates or discounts throughout the next 6-10 months will help to draw in more business revenues. Lastly, I will focus on helping Muskegon County stay healthy, which would allow us to return to a new normalcy that encourages future business. Read More

Seniors

“Seniors should not have to choose between putting food on the table, keeping a roof over their heads, or buying the medication that they need to stay healthy.”

One of the greatest achievements we have as a county board, is helping our county pass the "Senior Millage!" This millage has helped to enhance the quality of life for our seniors through many different agencies that provide quality services. I will continue to work and ensure these funds are used wisely to meet the needs of all of our seniors in Muskegon County.

Voting Rights

“The Democratic Party was founded on the promise of an expanded democracy… Democrats believe we must make it easier to vote, not harder.”

Voter purging. Voter fraud. Voter suppression. Russian interference. If you’ve ever had an issue with voting, you know that it can be daunting. It can be overwhelming. It might even start to feel like no one else is paying attention. Well, here is the good news: The Democratic Party is paying attention. The Civic Engagement and Voter Protection team is dedicated to protecting our democracy. They work around the clock to educate voters and fight voter suppression. Democrats are dedicated to ensuring that all voters have equal access to the ballot box. Together we can protect the right to vote and take back the White House in 2020.

Who is the Civic Engagement and Voter Protection department & what we do?

The Civic Engagement and Voter Protection department is concerned with safeguarding the right to vote by ensuring fair, accessible elections. To further this mission, the department works closely with local, state, and national partners to implement voter education and voting rights programming and strategies.

How can Civic Engagement and Voter Protection department help?

The Civic Engagement and Voter Protection department can provide assistance for two areas: simple issues and complex issues. Simple issues such as voter registration, updating voter information, and checking polling locations can be done through IWillVote.com.

If the issue is outside of the scope of IWillVote, it is probably a complex issue. In such instances, I recommend voters call 1-833-DEM-VOTE (1-833-336-8683). This voter hotline is monitored by DNC employees 24/7/365 who are ready to field questions pertaining to felon disenfranchisement, voter purging, poll worker misconduct, voter machines, accessibility, and more.

How you can help

There are tangible ways that you can help promote and protect voting rights in our own community! Applying to be a poll worker in Muskegon County can have a huge impact on elections. The Civic Engagement and Voter Protection department also has an Election Advocate Program, in which volunteers advocate for programs and policies in this county.

You can also join the DNC Facebook group! Members are encouraged to share voting information pertinent to their state and respective communities!