Patrick D. O'Connell is dedicated to improving our community by creating an environment of hope and unity. We promise to work tirelessly to improve conditions in our community and affect positive change in the world around us. We affirm the importance of working together to find solutions. We will not profit from our endeavors. We believe in fairness for all. Patrick D. O'Connell will not waiver in the conviction to create a better community for all citizens.The economy is one of the main issues in this election. We need to bring business back to Michigan plain and simple. We need to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax that affecting our economy.We can do that with the Michigan Fair Tax. We need to make Michigan a right to work state and with that will bring new businesses and jobs. We also need to address education ,as public education is an important key to Michigans future.We need to reform the structure of education by extending the school year and reducing class size. We can also develop curriculum that will link students to jobs in Michigan by partnerships between businesses and the school. We also need to improve the business atmoshere which will entice new business. We have the natural beauty of state and need to put it to our advantage. We have a riverfront area that is greatly wasting away and needs to be revitalized to attract business.We need to promote downriver as it its a disirable community to work and raise a family. Making Michigan a right to work state and the Michigan Fair Tax are two key components to bringing jobs back to Michigan!!!!!!!!
MEDICAID REFORM: Next to education, Medicaid is the largest single expense in the state budget. Medicaid can be brought under control without lowering the quality of care.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Public employee pay and benefits are out of control. All public employee benefits should match private sector.
GAS TAX SPENDING: The gas tax should be used for roads only!
PRISON SPENDING: We need to bring prison spending down to the national average. We are in the highest in spending on a per prisoner basis. If our state cannot figure it out, prisons need to be privatized.
KEEP TAXES LOW: High taxes have a negative effect on economic growth. States with high taxes grow more slowly than states with low taxes. The evidence is clear, high taxes hinder economic growth and prosperity.
GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON JOBS: Government does not have the capacity to create jobs in the private sector. We need to get government out of the way of job providers with less government.
CONSOLIDATION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Michigan has too many layers of government and duplications of services. We need to reduce the size of government on all levels.
TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT: Taxpayers should be able to see government spending at all levels by checking online. Every taxpayer should have easy access to how their money is spent.
