Clyde Welford
DemocraticQ1 Scientific and technical expertise can inform decisions related to healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you communicate scientific uncertainty or evolving evidence to the public?
“Scientific evidence and expertise should play a fundamental role in policy making. I would ask for clarification and evidence to support their conclusion. I would notify my constituents and demand investigations and scientific proof.”
KEYWORDS: Scientific evidence investigations
Q2 Government research funding supports universities, medical centers, and technology development across Michigan and the nation. What role, if any, should the federal government play in supporting scientific research and innovation, and what outcomes would you prioritize when evaluating those investments?
“The government’s role in scientific research is of paramount importance. Scientific research is the basis for our high standard of living, health and innovation. My priorities would certainly include research in cures for cancer and diabetes. Research to stabilize global warming and climate change will get investments as well.”
KEYWORDS: research cancer diabetes
Q3 Michigan farmers face challenges including shifting weather patterns, localized droughts, fluctuating input costs, and global market pressures. What policies or investments, if any, would you support to help farmers remain productive and economically competitive, and what role could scientific research and innovation play in those efforts?
“Farmers could benefit from insurance policies that will cover them when drought, flooding and unforeseen weather related catastrophes occur. Farmer should have a Fair Farm Bill that guarantee fair prices for crop sales, dairy and meat. Scientific research could help farmers plan their planting season, determining which crops to plant and rotate, to understanding soil nutrients and composition. All this and more is possible with research.”
KEYWORDS: Fair Farm Bill
Q4 Michigan communities continue to face challenges related to aging water infrastructure, contamination concerns such as PFAS, and long-term protection of the Great Lakes. What policies or investments, if any, would you support to improve drinking water safety and water infrastructure in Michigan?
“Protect our drinking water at all costs. Without safe drinking water we’re all doomed. I will support investments and legislation to improve the quality standards that we currently enjoy. Industrial waste contaminating our Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers and streams would be subjected to regulatory agencies highest scrutiny. Companies and corporations that pollute our environment would be held accountable. I am opposed to Line 5’s operation. I would rather error on the side of caution than to potentially expose millions of people to contamination, disrupting the ecosystem and environment.”
KEYWORDS: Protect ecosystems environment
Q5 Many communities face shortages in healthcare providers and limited access to specialty care. What policies, if any, do you support to address this daily challenge and do you envision emerging technologies playing a role?
“Everyone deserves health care. I believe healthcare is a right not a privilege. I would expand healthcare coverage to more people through Medicare and Medicaid. I’d like to see a single payer healthcare system where the government is the sole negotiator with big pharma over drug prices. In order to save money, the government would be very conservative and it is my belief that prices would fall precipitously. We should invest in more rural hospitals and health centers. We need to tax the ultra wealthy. They should pay their fair share of taxes and be forced to relinquish the billions they’re going to receive from the OBBBA (One Big BustedB Bill Act).”
KEYWORDS: Healthcare for All
Q7 As electricity demand increases due to manufacturing, electrification, and data infrastructure, what role, if any, do you believe alternative energy sources, such as nuclear energy, wind, or solar, should play in America’s future energy mix? What policies, if any, would you support related to alternative energy development, regulation, and/or research, and why?
“With the advent of new technologies, America’s energy demands are increasing. AI and Data Centers are popping up across the country. Although Data Centers will become necessary to handle the immensely, massive bits of information we rely on all day, everyday, we still have to strike the right balance if we are to co-exist. Nuclear, wind, solar and hydrogen powered generators required to help electricity power Data Centers, will lessen the negative effect that Data Centers produce. Generators powered by coal and fossil fuel will have worse environmental impact. I will support regulatory oversight and research to understand how to limit the negative impact these facilities will have on our fresh water supply, farmland, open spaces, forests and air. Research should be done to determine the impact of Data Centers, their costs, short term and long term jobs creation and where these center would be more acceptable.”
KEYWORDS: Balance Oversight Tegualory
Q9 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing demand for energy and water infrastructure. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?
“Although AI and Data centers are rapidly expanding, I would encourage residents to ask questions and research areas that are prime for construction of Data Centers. Primarily, large areas of cheaper land, reservoirs of water, existing transmission lines are some necessary elements for Data Center’s construction. As said earlier the trade-off, or balance between environmental concerns versus technological advancement and job creation will be different in the eyes of residents in each community.”
KEYWORDS: Community. Residents Environment