Two Democratic candidates are vying for District 11 State Representative in the Aug. 7 primary. The incumbent candidate, Jewell Jones, is running against the former Mayor of Garden City, Randy Walker. The district covers Garden City and Inkster, as well as portions of Dearborn Heights, Livonia and Westland.
The News-Herald sent questionnaires to both primary entrants and their responses are below. The winner will face off against Republican candidate James Townsend of Garden City in the Nov. 6 general election.
Name: Jewell Jones
Age: 23
City of residence: Inkster
Prior elected office: Incumbent State Representative for District 11
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position?
Did not respond.
If elected, what do you plan to tackle within your first 90 days?
Our district faces troubles with bad infrastructure, high car insurance rates and high prescription drug and health care costs. We must increase school funding to provide a better environment for our students and a better functioning work environment for our teachers.
What’s the most pressing issue facing the district and what specifically will you do to address it?
We need to strengthen jobs and wages and end retirement taxes so that we can retire with security.
What’s the most pressing issue facing the nation and how will your work with the district contribute to fixing it?
Nationally, we have a big fight ahead on health care, gun control and providing citizens with opportunities to receive livable wages. We must also save our seniors’ benefits.
Name: Randy E. Walker
Age: 60
City of residence: Garden City
Prior elected office: 9 years as Mayor of Garden City
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position?
Working to help people and improve communities has always been my passion. I have the experience, work ethic, intelligence and dedication. I continue to live by my Air Force core values of Integrity, Service before self, and Excellence in all that I do.
If elected, what do you plan to tackle within your first 90 days?
When elected I plan to immediately get to work on road funding, car insurance premiums and health care costs.
What’s the most pressing issue facing the district and what specifically will you do to address it?
I have been knocking doors daily for 3 months and roads and auto insurance seem to be the top concerns of the residents.
What’s the most pressing issue facing the nation and how will your work with the district contribute to fixing it?
Did not respond.
