WGVU’s Decision 2018 profiles the gubernatorial candidates. We begin our series asking Democrat Shri Thanedar three questions.
Q: What is your plan for expanding the state’s economy?
A: “I’m the only gubernatorial candidate that has created jobs. I’m a small business owner 26 years. I will stop the corporate welfare, not giving money to big corporations. Invest in small businesses. Create an entrepreneurial culture. We got to have a grand, great skill training program so that Michiganders can have skills to get tomorrow’s jobs.”
Q: How would you improve the state’s educational outcomes?
A: “Well, we’ve got to respect our teachers and we’ve got to pay them like the professionals that they are. Obviously, we’ve got to have early childhood education. Expand pre-universal childcare. Have more money in 2K-12. We need to make two year community college tuition free and anybody that has family income of $120,000 or less, four year college tuition free.”
Q: How would you improve the state’s infrastructure?
A: “Well, we’ve got to put our money into it. We’ve got to fix the roads, the bridges, lead pipes need to be replaced. Northern Michigan doesn’t have broadband. We’ve got to have mass transportation. I’ll raise the money through 30-year, $30 billion state-wide municipal bonds.”