Ahead of the Aug. 7 primary election, 7 Action News is sitting down with candidates for governor and U.S. Senate to learn more about them and their ideas.
We spoke with Jim Hines, a Republican candidate for governor.
Watch his interview in the video player above soon. Check out his answers below.
Q: What doesn't the average person know about your interests and hobbies, who you are outside politics?
A: I love martial arts. I’ve been a martial artist since I was a teenager. I have a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I’m also a pilot and a medical surgeon of 38 years.
Q: What are your thoughts on current Michigan gun laws?
A: We have millions of people with firearms. Almost all of them are law abiding citizens and can be trusted with firearms. We need strong background checks and to address mental health as a community.
Q: Legalization of marijuana is a huge topic of debate. What is your stance?
A: I don’t support it. It has not been researched as far as interaction with other medications. Heart medications. Asthma medications. We don’t know what the incidents of developing lung cancer are. I only advocate using it for medicinal purposes.
Q: How can we provide a better education for students in Michigan? Do you support charter schools?
A: I support school of choice and charter schools. We need to improve reading skills in the classroom and better train teachers. A proven teaching method like phonics that will teach our kids. I used phonics to teach my 2 oldest sons when we did home schooling in Africa.
Q: Roads in Michigan are among the worst in the nation. What will you do to fix this major infrastructure problem?
A: We don’t have to raise taxes. We can tap into a portion of our personal income tax. That puts about $5.7 billion dollars towards roads and bridges, and we should be able to get them in good shape.
Q: The Flint Water Crisis is an ongoing issue for the people in that city, and a scar for the state of Michigan. What needs to be done next?
A: We need to expedite the replacement of tainted lead water lines. It was broadcast everywhere the water would not be safe until every pipe was removed. I still have patients that bathe their children in bottled water. They don’t trust the water or the government.
Q: You are a newcomer to politics. How do respond to those who say you don’t have enough experience to be Governor?
A: What I don’t have, is the experience of running for office and taking millions of dollars from special interests. My 3 opponents are term limited politicians. 2 are career politicians.
