Lee Gonzales, Democrat

Candidate for: State Representative - 49th District

Response:*

I have proudly served the constituents of the 49th District as State Representative for almost four years and have served for more then 30 years in federal, state and local government.  I believe the core issues confronting Michigan today need to be stimulated by new innovations.  My top priorities are creating new jobs in the emerging global economy, finding innovative ways to attract businesses and retaining and expanding existing job opportunities and the current level of jobs.  To be competitive in a global economy, investing in education is very important as well as job training and preparation.  Currently, I am working with Governor Granholm, Lt. Governor Cherry, MEDC, the City of Flint, Kettering University and representatives of energy leader Swedish Biogas International to establish a Center of Excellence in Flint to undertake a project to produce alternative energy from waste removed from the city's wastewater treatment plant.  The creation of this plant in Michigan puts the state at the center of in-demand research and development of technology that will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help businesses and communities reach their “green energy” goals.  The biogas produced could be used as fuel for municipal vehicles and to generate heat and electricity.  I feel that every person in Genesee County deserves a chance to pursue their American Dream and as State Representative I will work to create jobs paying jobs and a good educational system while investing in health care and infrastructure to attract to new businesses to Genesee County.

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*Note: All candidate responses have been posted verbatim as sent to the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce