United States House of Representatives

Nonpartisan Voter Guide 2008

© LWVMI Education Fund 2008

Districts 9 and 10

United States House of Representatives - 2 Year Term - Vote for One (1)

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did not respond in time for publication” appear under the candidate’s name.

1. What should the federal government do, if anything, to ensure that every American has health coverage? (75 words)

2. What should be done, if anything, at the federal level to reduce our use of and dependence on fossil fuels? (75 words)

3. What measures would you support at the federal level that would help our Michigan economy? (75 words)

District 9

Joe Knollenberg, Republican

I proudly represent Oakland County in Congress and work with leaders such as Brooks Patterson to bring high-paying jobs and new industries to Oakland County. I am a former Oakland County business owner. I am happily married to my wife Sandie of 40 years, and we are the proud parents of Marty and Steve. I served my country in the Army and my community as congressman, homeowners' association president, PTA president, and parish council president.

1. The federal government should take action now to comprehensively lower costs and make health care affordable for every family and individual. My plan is to allow small businesses to pool together to provide affordable health care for their employees; to promote personal wellness so as to reduce chronic disease; to adopt cost-saving information technology; to ensure consumers have choice in the marketplace; and to end costly malpractice lawsuit abuse.

2. We need an “all of the above” strategy to achieve energy independence from foreign oil. The government should encourage the use of alternative energy, including nuclear, wind, solar, and natural gas. My plan provides incentives for the auto industry’s development of hybrid vehicles, funding for advanced battery research, and the implementation of alternative energy, including wind, solar and hydro-electric. While we research cleaner energy, we must also explore our domestic resources, including safe domestic drilling.

3. I will continue to work with local leaders like Brooks Patterson to strengthen and diversify Oakland County’s economy. To date, my efforts have helped bring in more than 13,000 new jobs, $1.1 billion in investment, and 80 companies in emerging sectors of the economy. I saved the federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership that helps manufacturers adopt new technology, and I helped create the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center that provides workers the skills they need for tomorrow.

Gary Peters, Democrat

I am a fifth generation Oakland County native. I have served as the Michigan Lottery Commissioner, a State Senator, and a member of the Rochester Hills City Council. I spent more than two decades as a Vice President at UBS and Merrill Lynch, and I served as a Lt. Commander in the US Navy Reserve. I hold the following degrees: B.A., Alma College, M.A., Michigan State, M.B.A. (Finance), University of Detroit, J.D. Wayne State University.

1. I will work to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. Right now, Members of Congress and nine-million federal employees have access to such a plan, and there is no reason we cannot open a similar model to all Americans. Not only will I make sure that every child has health care, but by providing access to preventive care, screenings, and primary care for early treatment, we can lower health care…

2. We will only solve the energy problem our country faces if we have a comprehensive strategy. I favor a system of incentives and public-private partnerships with government, educational institutions, and the private sector working together to develop new, green technologies that will help create jobs. I will work to dramatically increase investment in alternative energy research and development, including wind, solar, biofuels, and alternative fuel vehicles.

3. I will work to cut taxes for the middle class and small businesses, get rid of tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, promote fair trade policies, and provide incentives to businesses to create new jobs here at home. Michigan is poised to take the lead in the next generation of energy-efficient vehicles and alternative energy technologies like wind, solar, and biofuels. I will bring those green economy jobs to our state.

Adam Goodman, Libertarian