Editor’s note: Bart Goldberg, a Democrat, is running against longtime U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in the newly formed Michigan 5th Congressional District. Multiple attempts were made to send Mr. Walberg this questionnaire, all of which proved unsuccessful, as he doesn’t accept messages through his Facebook page, and those seeking to contact him via email must verify residency within the district before being granted such access. Those interested in learning more about Mr. Walberg can do so here.

Name: Bart Goldberg 

Age: 64

Address: New Buffalo, Michigan

Party affiliation: Democrat 
Are you an incumbent? No

Family (optional): Husband and father.

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments? 

In 2014, I ran for State Senate in Illinois. 

How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent? 

My wife and I have been in New Buffalo part time for 7 years and full time for almost 2 years.

In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area you are seeking to represent and its constituents, and why? 

• Strong Economy – we need an economy that enables people to take care of themselves and their families, one that strengthens our communities, and provides good jobs that put money in people’s pockets.
• Democracy & Freedom – we should be strengthening rights, not taking them away, making it easier for individuals and families to make their own decisions, not harder. 
• Farmers and Agriculture – Michigan produces more than 300 commodities, making us the second most diverse agricultural state in the nation, just behind California. Today, Michigan does not have representation on the Agriculture Committee in the US Congress and I will make it a priority to serve on this critically important Committee so I can help draft the 2023 Farm Bill. 

Why did you choose to run for the position that you did? 

To help bridge the terrible divide in this country. We need to stop yelling at each other and get something done. My obligation is not to a political party, but instead to this Nation and the people of South Michigan who are fortunate enough to live in it.

What would you say is your leadership style, and how will you utilize its strengths in your position? 

Listen. Respect. Deliver. I will make sincere efforts to work with those on the other side of the aisle to improve the life of Michiganders. I will not let partisan politics damage the interests of our nation, and I’ll stand up for working people and families every day.

How will you know that you’re accurately representing your community?

I will be accessible to everyone and work to establish trust with the entire district.

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background.

Giving back to the community is part of my DNA. 

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the oldest of four children in a nurturing family, and then I moved to Chicago at age 17 to attend college. I received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago in 1981, and then earned a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985.

During college I played in a punk band, and our claim to fame was once opening for The Ramones. Only one of the bands that played that night made it into the Rock Hall of Fame, however. 

After law school, I decided to start my own law practice rather than heading to a big firm or corporate office. I wanted to help real people with their problems – not just be a legal paper pusher for big corporations.

My clients were real people, hardworking, and faced a lot of the same problems we do today. They needed an affordable advisor who was deserving of their trust. 

Now, my wife Missy and I call New Buffalo, Michigan, home. 

I’m active in the community and serve as the president of my homeowners’ association. I love being outdoors on a bike or at the lake. An avid reader of non-fiction and science books, I enjoy learning about new things. It keeps me open minded to new ideas and ways to solve the problems we all face.