Interview with candidate for U.S. Congress, Lon Johnson (Dem.)
The seat is currently held by incumbent Dan Benishek (GOP). Johnson’s opponent, Jack Bergman, declined to respond to our questions.
Glen Arbor Sun: Please name three top goals you’d like to accomplish as U.S Congressman.
Lon Johnson: 1) Protect the benefits that you’ve worked a lifetime to earn: Social Security, Medicare and VA services. We must not allow Social Security to be sent to Wall Street. 2) Make our government as honest and hardworking as the people who pay for it — us. That starts with civility and bi-partisanship. 3) Create a northern Michigan where our families can stay and succeed. That means bringing high-speed internet and mobile phone service to all our families; investing in infrastructure like a new Soo Lock; and exploring the return of passenger rail service to northern Michigan.
Sun: What can you do to support economic development and jobs in Leelanau County?
Johnson: We can support economic development in Leelanau County by addressing the affordable housing problem; bringing high-speed internet and mobile phone service to the entire county; and exploring the return of passenger rail service to northern Michigan to bring tourists to our region.
Sun: How can you help solve the problem of too little affordable housing in the county?
Johnson: As a Member of Congress, I would work with the County Commission, and support bringing home federal funding that will assist in the rehabilitating and constructing of new affordable housing rental units over time. This will help address our local challenges while creating good paying jobs in the process.
Sun: Many area businesses struggled to find enough employees during the high tourism season — and some curtailed their hours, as a result? How can Congress help solve this riddle?
Johnson: Congress can take action to address key issues like affordable housing and income inequality to support our local economy. We have to do more to ensure that workers have the jobs they need and housing they can afford to climb the economic ladder and support our local tourism economy.
Sun: Any thoughts on what to do about Sugar Loaf, which was once Leelanau’s largest employer but has been closed for 16 years?
Johnson: Bring all involved stakeholders to the table and work towards a resolution. I am committed to taking an active role with the property owners, the Leelanau Board of Commissioners and all involved parties to find a solution.
Sun: What can you do as U.S. Congressman to reduce income inequality in Northern Michigan — particularly in rural areas still reeling from the 2008 recession? Do you support raising the minimum wage?
Johnson: We need to protect what you’ve earned already, and create a northern Michigan where our families can stay and succeed. That means opposing the privatization of our Social Security, Medicare and VA benefits. That means supporting our public education system; bringing high speed internet and mobile phone service everywhere; returning passenger rail service to increase our tourism; and opposing the TPP trade deal. That does not mean continued tax breaks for the wealthy and well-connected. Yes, I support increasing the minimum wage. No person who works full-time should live in poverty.
Sun: What environmental issues are most important to you? What role should Congress play in protecting Northern Michigan’s natural resources?
Johnson: We must protect our Great Lakes and Freshwater: That means shutting down Line 5 at the Straits of Mackinac; banning horizontal hydraulic fracking; fighting against invasive species and creating a world-class Fresh Water Institute to show the world how to use and protect fresh water. By showing the world and every industry how to use and protect freshwater – we can rebuild our economy, and protect our freshwater.
Sun: Where do you stand on the Line 5 oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac? Do you favor shutting it down, or regulating Enbridge, and why?
Johnson: I believe the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline should be 1.) shut down at the Straits of Mackinac; 2.) independently inspected and verified to be 100% safe; 3.) work with the Governor’s pipeline task force to find pipeline alternatives to move this oil without having a pipeline in our Great Lakes.
Sun: What lessons should government learn from the Flint water crisis? Where do you stand on Gov. Snyder’s hallmark initiative, and the state legislature’s law, that put power over Flint decisions largely in the hands of a state-appointed emergency manager?
Johnson: 1.) Government belongs to the people – not Emergency Managers. 2.) Decisions must be made based on the long term good of our citizens and not for a short-term financial fix. 3.) Transparency within is crucial.
Sun: Politics has reached pitiful new lows this election season. Both presidential candidates are viewed unfavorably; and one of them has made a habit of insulting women, minorities and the handicapped. What, specifically, can you do to promote civility in politics?
Johnson: Lead by example. Common courtesy and civility in politics can be increased by understanding that compromise is necessary and that reasonable people can disagree without being disagreeable. We must promote a civil discourse and find common ground in order to achieve progress.
Sun: What’s your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Leelanau County?
Johnson: My wife and I were married in Northport in 2011. Visiting the downtowns of Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay is a perfect afternoon.
