Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 81 — incumbent Rachel Hood (D) and Lynn Afendoulis (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Eighty-eight of the country’s 99 state legislative chambers will hold regularly scheduled elections in 2022. The Republican Party controls both chambers of Michigan’s state legislature. Michigan is one of 13 states with a divided government.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Hood:
“Michigan needs tweaks to maximize our competitive edge in the 21st Century. In order to accomplish this, our communities must be attractive places to raise families, live, work and play. Preparing our state for its future as a refuge from climate change impact is my core focus. In order to achieve that vision, Michigan must have great schools, a dynamic workforce, and vibrant local economies; Accessible, affordable healthcare and environmental justice; Clean energy, and protected watersheds.”
Afendoulis:
“I am passionate about a healthy Michigan — economies, communities, families, environmental ecosystems, and all the things that I want to improve for our children. So, I am passionate about the policy at hand that will allow us to do those things. That said: Health policy is critical because we need to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all. There are things we can do at the state level to help do that. Economic policy is critical because without jobs or opportunity, our systems & communities collapse.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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