Name: Larry Walton
Age: 59
Address: 25466 M 86, Sturgis, MI 49091
Occupation: Farmer
Incumbent: No
Family (optional): Wife – Angie, Children – Taylor, Morgan and Paige
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
59 years
Why are you seeking the position of State Representative for the 59th District?
Due to the current situation with COVID-19, the district, and the country for that matter, needs strong leadership. I feel that my experiences in business-management, education, mental health and agriculture have uniquely prepared me to address the current issues then, develop and implement innovative strategies to help our community recover physically, mentally, fiscally and in our schools. I have relationships with many individuals in Lansing and experience in policy development that will facilitate success.
What is the role of a State Representative for the 59th District, and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
The role of this representative is to be the conduit for the needs of the constituents of the district and state government. I have experience with this flow of ideas because it is the same as the grassroots policy development process employed by Michigan Farm Bureau.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
I am familiar with this rate through my work on the local school board – the proportion of the student body that qualifies for free-and-reduced-lunch is higher than one might expect.
Why do you think people are poor?
A strong emphasis on a good education has a significant impact on poverty.
What does the State Representative for the 59th District do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
Representative Miller exhibits honesty and transparency in his actions within the district and in Lansing. I plan to continue the “Town Hall Meetings” that he has popularized and I plan to add a component on the internet by recording my actions, discussions and votes through social media and on my website for constituents to follow.
What could the State Representative for the 59th District do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
COVID-19 has changed the playing field in many ways; the state legislature needs to be circumspect in its plan to move beyond this pandemic. This time will be the source of discussion and legislation for years to come.
What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
It is my firm belief that every life matters and that should drive us to address inequity where ever we see it.
What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Social inequities appear, to me, to be the source for this discord. As citizens and as legislators, we should be resolving and addressing these issues where ever possible,
What is your position on police reform?
Police forces should be maintained and should be trained in conflict resolution. Also, law enforcement should be vigilant in identifying and attending to members who exhibit poor judgement.
What is your take on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
A greater effort needs to be made to consolidate data, research and recommendations; all stakeholders should have a seat at the table – both medical and economic representatives devising and revising a comprehensive plan.
What is your take on the COVID-19 response in your district?
In some ways, the response within the district has been exaggerated, due to our proximity to surrounding metropolitan areas. Still, we must all do our part to reduce the potential of exposure.
Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
Yes, I support increased testing and tracing as it currently will be the only method of verification in the process of re-opening our communities.
What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
Climbing rates of jobless claims are to be expected under current conditions. Lansing needs to support those who need it, while still encouraging those who can work to get back to work.
What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
My constituents’ biggest challenge would be uncertainty. Uncertainty surrounding a person’s job, income, health, mental hygiene, and the quality of their child’s education are all plaguing our neighborhoods.
What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
Solutions to these challenges need to focus on the current conditions in this district, and the measures that are truly necessary here. Many varied and unanticipated consequences have yet to be seen.
With public revenues already significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the economy, how will you address cashflow problems for the public bodies in your district and under your watch?
This district is a unique blend between small urban centers and highly productive farms. This blend gives us an important advantage; leveraging the ability for farmers to keep the local economies afloat until the manufacturing sector regains its footing gives us a distinct advantage. Revenue sharing from Lansing will remain intact for this budget year (as I am told); however, being fiscally conservative, future legislators will need to take a sharp pencil to the bottom line. Federal aid may be available, but it will have strings attached.
What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
Beyond being my life-long stomping grounds, I enjoy the blend of community. Living in a community where people know their neighbors and treat them like family makes me glad to say that I live in the 59th district. It’s a place where all are welcomed, appreciated and called a friend.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I have spent a lifetime in this community, not only on the farm but also working in the private sector as well. I feel that I have a good sense for the pulse of this district. My experiences have taught me how to listen to and craft policy to fit the concerns and the needs of the people around me. With so much time in the community, I have cultivated relationships with business leaders and education leaders as well as individuals in the ag community. At this time it is critical to get the right people in the right positions and I am distinctly prepared to fill that role.
