JOBS AND NAFTA
 
In Flint I saw how a town and area can go through really tough times. 
 
We need to provide incentives for businesses to stay in the country and the region.  But as a result of NAFTA, which my
opponent supports, a significant number of U.S. companies have packed up and relocated to Mexico.  These include many companies in Western Michigan. Lifesavers, Johnson Controls and Electrolux have all sought the cheap labor and significantly relaxed environmental standards that other countries offer.
 
The shift of American companies to Mexico and elsewhere has placed a tremendous strain on the economy and job market in Michigan. This is one of the reasons I am opposed to NAFTA and other "free trade" agreements.  I'm going to try to work with the companies and make sure they stay here because we need to protect these jobs. The job losses here have been frightening.

 If elected, I will fight to protect the West Michigan economy by creating barriers that would make things extremely difficult for businesses to relocate to Mexico.  I also advocate giving businesses positive incentives to stay in Michigan, thus keeping intact the jobs that our communities depend upon.