Pubdate: Wed, 28 Dec 2011
Source: Flint Journal (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Flint Journal
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/fljournal/letters/
Website: http://www.mlive.com/flint/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836
Author: Blake Thorne

CANDIDATES LOOKING TO REPLACE RECALLED STATE REP. PAUL SCOTT DISCUSS
JOBS, MARIJUANA AND CRIME

FLINT, Michigan -- Everything from jobs to public safety to medical
marijuana was up for discussion Wednesday morning between two of the
candidates hoping to replace recalled state Rep. Paul Scott.

Republican nominee Joe Graves and Green Party nominee Cary
Neuville-Justice fielded questions at Flint's White Horse Tavern
during a live broadcast the program Off The Kuf on Kettering
University's WKUF 94.3 FM.

Democratic nominee Steve Losey could not attend because of a
scheduling conflict, said program host Tom Sumner.

Both Graves, a Genesee County Commissioner from Argentine Township,
and Neuville-Justice, a tax professional from Linden, said jobs and
the economy would be top priorities, if elected.

Candidates also were quick to distance themselves from Republican
Scott, who was ousted by fewer than 200 votes in a high-profile
November recall election. Both candidates say they support schools,
teachers and union rights, topics that led to Scott's recall.

"I strongly oppose taxing pensions," said Graves, referencing Gov.
Rick Snyder's pension tax which Scott supported. "It never should have
been done."

Neuville-Justice, who sits on the board of review for Linden's city
government, spoke several times about "attacks on civil rights" in
relation to the state's medical marijuana law.

"My issue is, civil rights are under attack," Neuville-Justice said.
"Most recently elevated by the attacks on our Michigan Medical
Marihuana Act."

Neuville-Justice cited House Bill 4851, proposed legislation medical
marijuana advocates say intereferes with the doctor-patient
relationship.

Public safety was another highly-discussed topic in the hour-long
forum.

Graves said he could lower crime in the county by working to open up
more jail space.

Neuville-Justice said the state should draw down its high
incarceration rates for marijuana-related crimes.

Both agreed fixing crime in the county's largest city will help the
rural 51st district.

"There is a major crime problem in the city of Flint," said Graves.
"And anyone who thinks that doesn't spill out into the out-county
(areas) is majorly mistaken." 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D