By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — State Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) will be on the Aug. 7 primary election ballot as an incumbent in the 11th District as he faces off against Garden City Mayor Randy Walker.
Both men are seeking the two-year term to serve the areas of Garden City, Inkster and parts of Dearborn Heights, Livonia and Westland.
Republican James Townsend will be unopposed on the ballot.
Candidates were contacted and asked to answer questions about why they are interested in the state senate position. Each of the following question had a 100-word limit.
Jones did not respond to questions by deadline.
Question 1: Why are you running for state representative?
Walker: I am seeking the office of state representative for District 11 because I can and will make a difference. In order to know the needs of your constituents you must have a presence in the districts you represent and that is what I intend to do.
Question 2: What skills, education or experience do you possess that make you a qualified candidate for the position you are running for?
Walker: I have been the mayor of Garden City for the last nine years. Working for and helping people and communities is one of my greatest passions. After high school graduation I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. I took advantage of the G.I. Bill and obtained my bachelor’s degree. I’m a former UAW skilled tradesman and retired from Ford Motor Co.
Question 3: What is the one most important issue facing your district and what will you do in your position if (re)elected to solve it?
Walker: I have been knocking doors in my district daily since early May. The biggest concerns seem to be roads, car insurance and medication costs. I plan to get to work on these immediately in 2019. I would like to see communities receive an increase in state shared revenue as well as additional state dollars for the necessary road and infrastructure repairs. I want to work with fellow legislators to eliminate red lining when determining auto insurance rates. I also plan on figuring out how to make prescription drugs affordable to all who need them.
Question 4: Why should people vote for you?
Walker: People should vote for me because I am honest, dedicated and hard working. I strive daily to live by my USAF Core Values of Integrity, Service before Self, and Excellence in all that I do.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)