“ Detroit is essential to Michigan’s future, but it presents many challenging problems. Of greatest concern has been the mass exodus of citizens from Detroit in recent years. Concern about crime, lack of jobs, a dysfunctional local government, and a poor public education system has motivated people to seek life elsewhere. But many good people remain in Detroit. Contrary to conventional thought, Detroit does not simply need an infusion of outside dollars and advice. Change needs to bubble up from inside Detroit. The people of Detroit need to believe in themselves and do what a number of communities elsewhere have done. Church and political leaders need to come together to pray and work to clean up the city from the bottom up. It can be done. As a U.S Senator who has seen prayer change lives and organizations, I would love to communicate unity and encourage spiritual and moral renewal for the city which is, in my opinion, the only long term answer for healing. I sincerely believe the best days for Detroit could be in their future. ”

“ I have worked closely with Detroit and other urban pastors in the past on issues such as School Choice, by which we sought to financially empower low-income parents with the ability to choose a better or safer school for their children; and the Marriage Protection Amendment, which Detroit voters approved on the ballot in 2004 to Constitutionally define marriage as only between one man and one woman. Studies have consistently found that whether or not a person is married is the single biggest variable and determinant in whether that individual will live in poverty. I will continue to seek to work with city leaders in any way I can to promote strong marriages, families, churches, schools, and communities. I want all citizens and families of Michigan to have an opportunity to succeed both academically and economically and to live in safe neighborhoods. Many issues that affect these opportunities are more local in nature, but as a U.S. senator, my commitment will be to pursue policies that are in the best interests of all families and all areas of our state. ”

“ Detroit can be a great city again if it is a magnet to attract, develop, and sustain both human and financial capital. Currently the income tax, property tax rates, insurance premiums, and a minimum number of excellent educational options drive people out of the city. As the U.S. Senator from Michigan, I would be a partner with the people of the city and the city in exploring all possible means to enhance excellent educational choices and to increase economic growth in the private sector so that long term prosperity can be possible. ”

“ We need to embrace pro-growth policies. This includes tax reform, regulatory reform, domestic energy reform and spending reform that encourages investment and creates jobs. It will be my responsibility as a U.S. Senator to vote on bills that create an economic environment for all businesses to succeed. When that is done, there is no reason that Detroit cannot be on the forefront of the economic recovery if they embrace pro-growth policies as well.

We have seen over the past two years a dramatic increase of major regulations that negatively impact manufacturers, the backbone of Detroit. We need a Senator that will place a check on the Administration to prevent regulations that damage Michigan’s and Detroit’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

I will develop a collaborative relationship with local and state leaders to support their plans as much as possible at the federal level including efforts to develop SE Michigan into a comprehensive trade and commerce hub. Specifically, I would propose that SE Michigan be a new entrepreneurial zone where the focus will be on streamlining the regulatory process, developing the most efficient and effective regulatory framework in the country by ending duplicative and redundant rules. ”