DISTRICT: MI - 01 WBKB Alpena, MI Candidate Forum (R)

Date: 7/7/16
Candidate: Allen, Bergman, Casperson, Johnson and Cannon
Event: Candidate Forum
Time of day target began speaking: 7:00 to 8:00pm
Approx. Crowd Size: n/a
Approx. Time Spent Talking:
Press Coverage: WBKB Alpena, MI
Internet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXfsw6Lxves
Subjects covered: Environment, Healthcare, Privatization of Social
Security, Northeast Michigan Economics, term limits, foreign policy,
Speech Notes:
Privatization is horrible. It would devastate Social Security. You know, we have too
many politicians willing right now to risk Social Security on Wall Street schemes.
And I would be absolutely opposed to privatizing Social Security. Lon Johnson
Well, Washingtons lost its way. You know, our Congress is too often fighting for the
wealthy and the well-connected. And the results are disastrous for our country.
Were seeing corporations that are moving our jobs overseas. Were seeing
politicians risking our social security on Wall Street. Lon Johnson
And I think we could reduce the costs of prescription medications if we could allow
Medicare the ability to negotiate with the drug companies. We allow that for other
government agencies but not Medicare. Were looking at the saving anywhere from
20 to 30%. Second, we need to simplify our administration of healthcare. You know,
billing and administrative costs are responsible for quite a bit of this inflation that
were seeing for the cost of health care. Weve got to simplify. And third, we need to
give patients the ability, customers, us, the ability to negotiate and go out of state
for healthcare plans. Lon Johnson
Savings accounts appropriately implemented allow families to make choices. They
allow for competition. They allow for individuals to go in and take a look at whos
got the best ability to do healthcare. Much of personal responsibility in healthcare
goes back to how individuals manage those benefits and they care practice. Jason
Allen
And Social Security. Well, number one, I believe that over the long term we need to
privatize. Okay. But
you dont do it 100% tomorrow and take those folks who are of a certain age and
limit their ability to

either live their life based upon what they have earned through the Social Security
system or what they
have available to them in Medicare. Jack Bergman
Privatization is a good thing. I come from the private sector. But in something like
this were dealing with
peoples healthcare. And people are relying on and especially our elderly seniors
that are on retirement
situation. You cant do that. And so, I do think it needs to be something that is a long
term fix that we do
uniformly across the board but its long term. We cant do it overnight. Tom
Casperson

Full Transcript
Male:

Coming to you live from WBKB studios in Alpena. Its Michigans 1 st

Congressional Districts Candidates forum feature Republican
candidates Tom Casperson, Jason Allen, Jack Bergman and for the
Democrats we have General Jerry Cannon and Lon Johnson. And now
heres your moderator Tim Kuehnlein.

Tim:

Welcome to the congressional primary forum for the first congressional

district of Michigan. Im your moderator Tim Kuehnlein. The purpose of
this forum is to meet both Republican and Democratic candidates
taking part in the August 2nd primary election. The August primary is a
partisan primary.
The point of this forum is to help those who choose to vote on
Republican or Democratic tickets decide which of the candidates here
tonight for each party should run in the general election on November
8th against one another. The Republican and Democrat elected from
this panel will run against one another in the November general
election.
The candidate elected in the general election will then serve for two
years as one of 435 members in the United States House of
Representatives in Washington D.C. representing we the people of the
first congressional district of Michigan. This evenings forum is divided
into two segments.
First, candidates will be asked a series of five questions based on
issues, posts by viewers of channel 11 and citizens of the district
covering a range of issues relevant to the congressional district. Each
candidate will be afforded no more than a two minute response to each
question.

Alpena County Clerk Bonnie Fredericks is graciously serving as time

keeper. A drawing has determined the sequence of questioning.
Democratic candidates will go first followed by Republican candidates
after a brief commercial break. There will be no rebuttals nor
exchanges between candidates in either segment.
In closing, each candidate will be afforded a closing statement of 30
seconds. So, lets begin with the first question. Lets start with Lon
Johnson. A lot of people are worried about the environment. Others not
so much. The Enbridge pipe, pipeline from blocking invasive species,
freshwater, supplies, the purity of our Great Lakes are examples of
concerns.
The question is what are the most pressing environmental issues
relative to Michigan and the first congressional district in your mind
and what do you propose we do about them?
Johnson:

By far and away its protecting our fresh water. Were home to 21% of
the worlds fresh water. Thats a competitive advantage that we have
over every other state and frankly over every other country. We have a
duty to protect that fresh water. But also we have an opportunity to
show the world how to use and protect that fresh water.
I believe that we need to number one we need to shut down line five.
We have a 63 year old oil pipeline running through the straights of
Mackinaw that hasnt been independently inspected. Number two, I
believe that we shouldnt be fracking. You know, we have, were using
millions of gallons of our fresh water, putting it under the ground.
Well never get that water back for a set amount of natural gas. We
need to discover ways to get that natural gas out but do it without
using the fresh water that theyre putting down into the ground and
mixing with chemicals. And third, weve got to address invasive
species.
You know, we, here in Alpena we have, obviously, a connection to the
fishing industry. If we were to have fishing and tourism industry, if we
were to allow invasive species to get into our waters our economy
would be forever harmed. And last but not least what we need to do is
create a freshwater institute to show the world how to use and protect
freshwater.
In our lifetime, freshwater will be the most valuable natural resource in
the history of mankind. And we have the ability to show the world how
to use and protect fresh water. If we can create a freshwater institute
we can take advantage of that and show the world how to use and
protect it.
The same way that Stanford University created Silicon Valley or how
Nashville aggregated country music, we can show the world how to use

and protect fresh water and by doing so do two things. One, we create
an entirely new economy up here and second protect our freshwater.
Tim:

Thank you very much. Mr. Cannon.

Cannon:

Well, first of all, the environment is absolutely essential to the

livelihood of everybody that lives in northern Michigan. Those that
come to visit as well. And so, finding the right balance between
keeping the lights on so to speak and protecting our environment. We
can never do anything thats going to be at the expense of the
environment.
So, we dont want to do anything thats going to cause us to lose jobs
or employment opportunities but we need to find that right balance
between economic opportunity and protecting the environment. So,
the environment is number one in everything that we have to do.
And we have a great diverse economy here. And we have to play to
our strengths. And one of them is absolutely the Great Lakes. Its one
of the biggest industries we have in northern Michigan. Weve got
timber. Weve got agriculture. Weve got tourism. And so, we all love to
look out our windows and see the great water that we have usually
within a few miles of our homes and obviously, the Great Lakes as well.
So, if anything was to happen to the Great Lakes and theres all kind of
issues to be concerned about both internally and externally. For
example, the agreement with Wisconsin to begin to draw water out of
the Great Lakes. Thats a great precedent that we really need to keep
an eye on.
People can draw water away from the Great Lakes. That was
something I was surprised that the governor agreed to but it what it is.
And we just need to. That waters supposed to be coming back. Fine.
We need to monitor that very, very closely. But again, our environment
is absolutely essential to the lifeblood of our community, our
environment, our communities.
We depend on it in so many different ways that it always has to be the
priority, protecting our water.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you very much. The second question will go first to Mr.
Cannon. Theres a lot of frustration about the cost of healthcare in our
country. Despite the efforts of the Affordable Healthcare Act we
continue to see healthcare costs increase and exceed inflation year
after year.
The question is what do you think Congress should or can do about the
increase in costs of health care in America.

Cannon:

Well, the first thing we cannot do is put profits over people. You know, I
sit on a hospital board over in my community, Kalkaska. And the

Affordable Care Act was a compromise. It did not address all the things
that needed to be addressed as usually happens in legislation.
It was a compromise. Its an imperfect law. It needs to be revised,
reformed, amended, whatever we need to do. But the most important
thing is to make sure that we dont forego profits, we dont forego the
patient care over the profits of insurance companies. And, you know,
when I was the Sheriff in Kalkaska every year people seemed to forget
that insurance premiums were going up 10, 15, 20% a year.
And the Affordable Care Act sort of tried to address some of that.
Obviously, we move back into that realm again as well. But I can tell
you sitting on a hospital board we were losing money and with charity
care. Since the Affordable Care Act that charity care has gone down,
preventive measures have gone up.
Everybodys doing much better because of that. What Congress can do
is go back and revisit this law and be serious about it. This takes
probably moral courage and probably political courage to do the right
thing. Its about taking care of the people first and foremost in
everything that we do.
And healthcare in the industrialized world, were the only ones that are
struggling with this issue. We can get after this if we want to. Its a
moral issue. It should not be a political issue. It is what it is. And I
would make it a high priority for myself to make sure we gave this the
attention it deserves.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Johnson.

Johnson:

Specifically we need to do three things. One, we need to address the

rising cost of prescription drug care, prescription drug costs. We need
to give Medicare the ability to negotiate with pharmaceutical
companies. We dont allow that now. Thats unacceptable.
And I think we could reduce the costs of prescription medications if we
could allow Medicare the ability to negotiate with the drug companies.
We allow that for other government agencies but not Medicare. Were
looking at the saving anywhere from 20 to 30%.
Second, we need to simplify our administration of healthcare. You
know, billing and administrative costs are responsible for quite a bit of
this inflation that were seeing for the cost of health care. Weve got to
simplify. And third, we need to give patients the ability, customers, us,
the ability to negotiate and go out of state for healthcare plans.
You know, we only limit health care insurance companies, were only
allowed to go to companies that are in our state. We need to open that
up and allow customers to shop around and create a nationwide
competition for healthcare, which would drive down the costs.

Tim:

Okay. Just quickly. Is it fair to say then on the issue of Social Security
and Medicare if I offered you the option of reform or privatize your
position would be?

Johnson:

Privatization is horrible. It would devastate Social Security. You know,

we have too many politicians willing right now to risk Social Security on
Wall Street schemes. And I would be absolutely opposed to privatizing
Social Security.

Tim:

Okay. Mr. Cannon, reform or privatize?

Cannon:

I would say, Im against privatization. Theres obviously room for

improvement in any program but its a very effective program already.
And the way to sustain it and prolong its lifeline is to, you know, raise
the income cap. And, but I would be against privatizing Social Security
and Medicare for that matter.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you very much. The next question will start with Mr.
Johnson. Northeast Michigan is one of the most challenged regions of
Michigan and the country in terms of economic statistics. As a
freshman Congressman with partisan hierarchies to contend with what
do you see as your role in helping northeast Michigan move ahead
economically?

Johnson:

You know, one of the largest, I think, duties of a member of Congress is

to convene. Youre a convening agent. You can bring together private
industry, local governments, county governments, state governments,
federal governments, and private non-profit entities to the table to
create a vision for where we want to be 5, 10, and 15 years down the
road.
You know, we need to create a place where our families can stay and
succeed. Too many of our kids and our grandkids are going down state
or out of state for jobs or for education opportunities. Specifically that
means a number of things. One, we need to return passenger rail
service back to northeast Michigan.
We used these lines for decades to export lumber, value. Now, we
need those same lines to bring people up here to spend money,
tourists. Two, we need to bring high speed internet and mobile
cellphone service to all our communities. You know, were massively
moving as an economy where people can live and work wherever they
choose.
And were not prepared to bring people here to have access to mobile
phones and to internet service. You know, this wasnt just invented last
year. The internet and mobile cellphone service its here to stay. And
its how people are conducting commerce. And we need to bring that
here.

And third, you know, I believe that we need to create a freshwater

institute to show the world how to use and protect fresh water, to show
our military how to move more troops using water, show the
agriculture industry how you grow more product using less water, show
manufacturing how you make more widgets using less water.
And from that we can create the engineering and jobs of the future and
protect our Great Lakes. And Id also like to say something about. Id
like to compliment Governor Snyder today who sent a letter to the
congressional delegation calling on them to support the funding of
another Sioux Lock.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Cannon.

Cannon:

Well, I agree that northeast and lower Michigan is struggling as many

areas in the district are. Rural America is struggling. The entire effort
seems to be in urban areas and suburban areas. And so, its a priority
for us to be at the [13:00] pulpit to make a lot of noise about things
that we want to see.
I would love to see if its not already there a rural caucus about issues.
We all share the same concerns across the country. But the best
answers arent in Washington. The best answers are not in Lansing for
that matter. But the federal government can be a better partner, can
be an enabler.
The best answers are really here at the local level. And we need to
embrace innovation. We need to enable home grown businesses,
startups, some fast growing businesses that are in the community. Do
the kinds of things that are going to help them be more successful, hire
people, expand.
We need federal policies that are going to strengthen Main Street. Not
so much Wall Street, Main Street. And by keeping interest rates low so
the local businesses can get started, can expand, can do all the things
we would hope they could be able to do. Our [14:03] Michigan is small
businesses.
So, thats where weve got to focus. We play to our strengths.
Obviously, weve got some great natural resources. But Main Streets
where were going to get, thats the majority of our jobs in northern
Michigan. And so, the federal monetary policy can create a strong
economy but good trade policy to kind of seal the deal.
And thats what we need to do and bring that to northeastern, lower
Michigan.

Tim:

Thank you very much. The next question will start with you Mr.
Cannon. This is a little bit of a different topic probably. Michigan has

been subject to [14:40] throughout its history. Both parties are guilty of
engaging in the partisan that impacts our state and federal districting.
The question is what should or could be done to stem the tide of
partisan dominance in redistricting every 10 years?
Cannon:

Well, this is a long-standing problem. Youre absolutely right, Tim, both

sides have played this game. And, of course, if youre on the losing end
of that proposition you scream the loudest. What we need to do is
create, weve got to take the politics out of it. And we just need to kind
of create.
What happens, I think the end result is that because of the
gerrymandering the party thats got the majority only worries about
the primary race and they can ignore the smaller percentage,
whatever it is 40, 45%. Thats wrong. We need to listen to everybody.
So, if youre going to be an elected official you need to share
everybodys interests and concern. And so, we need to create a
separate entity. This has been done elsewhere in the country. Its not
political. Its fair. How to make these districts as equal as you possibly
can.
Understanding and in some areas its just not going to work but in
many others you can. The majority of the people in Michigan voted
Democratic but our congressional delegation doesnt reflect that. And
so, trying to be very progressive in this idea of trying to make sure that
everybody has equal and fair representation, that their voice will be
heard, that their representative is interested in their concern and will
seek that out and to try to represent the best interest of everybody.
And its not necessarily going to be a simple deal. But creating a
separate body that would do the demographics after the census and
try to make these districts as equal as possible. And avoid these
spaghetti districts that meander all over the place where people have
absolutely nothing in common.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Johnson.

Johnson:

I think very simply weve got to get the politicians out of the business
of drawing their own lines. They are choosing their own constituents
instead of the constituents choosing, you know, which lines that they
want to be associated with. It is, I think, in large part responsible for
the partisan bickering that weve seen in Washington and in Lansing.
You know, when you have lines that have been drawn to favor one
party or the other, you know, routinely what youre having is politicians
that are going to Lansing or Washington and theyre disincentivized
from cooperating. And that is, you know, that is, you know, that is the
way were going to get anything done in either Lansing or Washington

is to redraw these lines and have an independent body do so thats not

partisan.
You know, also we need to get rid of campaign. Weve got to get rid of
corporate money in politics. Weve got to end this citizens united
decision that allowed corporations to pour billions of dollars unreported
into our political system. Its why Im proud to have the endorsement
of citizens united, an organization thats dedicated to that.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Just quickly with the time we have in this segment.
Any thoughts on term limits for US Congress? Lets start with you Mr.
Johnson.

Johnson:

We have terms limits, you know, those occur every two years in
election. You know, we were served here very well for 18 years by
Congressman Stupak. And as he served longer in Washington so did his
ability to get things done and deliver for this district. Im proud to have
his support and his endorsement in this election.

Tim:

Okay. Mr. Cannon, term limits?

Cannon:

Well, I agree that we do have term limits. And the moment that a
person goes to Washington and starts thinking about how they can
stay there theyve already lose their way. I think you go there, you do
the right things for the right reasons and people will keep you.
And if they dont keep you thats fine. You go home with a clean
conscience that you did the best you could. And so, I would be against
term limits per say.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. This will be the last formal question. And depending
on the timing we may have a few more. And the question will start with
Mr. Johnson. Regardless of a Clinton or Trump presidency what role
does Congress have with regard to foreign policy. And what policy
agendas do you think are most important to your constituents?

Johnson:

Well, number one, in terms of foreign policy I think our Congress has an
enormous responsibility to review our foreign policy and to make, you
know, depending obviously on which branch, the Senate or the House
but to make, to help make policy with the executive on foreign policy
via legislation and appropriation.
You know, as someone who was in Iraq in 2005. I came home in 2006.
As a civilian, you know, I saw firsthand the problems we face fighting
terrorism and in the Middle East. You know, I believe that a member of
Congress should be knowledgeable about that and should speak up.
As far as the responsibility of a member of Congress to the district its
casework. Its making sure that our towns and our counties are getting
their share of federal dollars. And then on the individual level its

making sure that our constituents are getting the right services
whether its social security or help from the VA that they need
Tim:

On the foreign policy issue, theres often a struggle over the issue of
the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center and keeping it open
among the other four training bases of the area National Guard. Would
you consider saving Alpenas air base at the expense of the other three
if necessary?

Johnson:

Well, Senator [20:23] fought for years to keep this open. And its a big
economic driver for this region. And I dont think its an either or
discussion. You know, Senator Levin, while we Senator Levin there we
now do, we also have Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters there.
And I dont think its an either or.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Cannon, on the original question of Congress and
its role in foreign policy. What do you think is the most important issue
in foreign policy for your constituents?

Cannon:

Well, I think across the nation and probably around the world, I think
terrorism has stolen the spotlight and taken the oxygen out of the
room as far as foreign policy. And so, for me, I think Congress has a
responsibility to make sure that appropriate agencies are staffed and
funded at the appropriate level.
You know, as a military officer I served in Iraq on two different
occasions. I know and work hard with the embassy to try to establish
and redefine the role of government in Iraq. And so, making sure that
when the militarys involved the resources are pretty unlimited.
But the state department doesnt have the resources that they should
have had to do some of those things. So, Congress has a responsibility
to make sure that the funds are available to do what needs to be done.
And theres a budgetary process and theres priority.
And when we have two juxtaposed entities, political, the executive
branch and the House of Representative for example, obviously, the
best interest of all these federal agencies is probably not going to
come to the forefront. And so, as far as the Alpena Combat Readiness
Center this is just like all of our national guard.
We have no federal bases left in the state. And so, the National Guard
bases that we do have Suffridge and Alpena and the Army down in
Custar and over at Camp Grayling these are instrumental. These are
facilities that we need to have. And its all about readiness. We want to
make sure that our troops are well equipped, well trained, and ready to
do our nations bidding whenever theyre called upon to do so.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. We have a little bit of time left. I want to switch to
education. Theres a lot of concern about education in this country,

secondary, higher education. But the common theme is education is

too costly especially higher ed. As a Congressman what is the solution
to the cost problem in education?
Johnson:

Well, weve shifted our funding off many of our universities and
community colleges. Weve shifted it off the state and onto the
student, which is requiring them to take greater amounts of debt. We
need to increase our funding of higher education, number one.
Number two, we need to help these students with their debt level.
Weve, you know, got to increase the Pell Grants number one. Number
two, allow these students to create, to refinance their loans or to
develop other plans that they could pay over time or a percentage of
their income.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Cannon. Just briefly.

Cannon:

The, I think one of the things we need to make sure that we take
advantage of is that in high school weve got to start talking about
everybody doesnt need to go to four year college. Almost everybody
doesnt want to. So, weve got great community colleges that we need
to encourage people to take advantage of.
That small degree can help offset the costs of the larger degree. But I
also feel that a lot of the burden is on the states but the federal
government can make sure that. The federal government should not
be making money off student loans from their different programs.
But they need to make sure that those programs are available and that
theyre equitable and that students have an opportunity to apply and
get those funds and renegotiate those rates as necessary. Keep those
rates as low as possible so. Or just covering the expense of educating
our future generations.

Tim:
Okay. Thank you very much. Mr. Johnson will start. 30 seconds for a
closing statement.
Johnson:

Well, Washingtons lost its way. You know, our Congress is too often
fighting for the wealthy and the well-connected. And the results are
disastrous for our country. Were seeing corporations that are moving
our jobs overseas. Were seeing politicians risking our social security
on Wall Street.
We need to send a member of Congress thats going to go there and
fight for us. You know, northern Michigan, we have always led the
world whether it was lumber or mining and our water resources. We
need to lead the world again. And thats why I ask for your vote on
August 2nd.

Tim:

Thank you. Mr. Cannon.

Cannon:

Well, every election is important. And equally important is that we do

our homework and we get out and vote. And I ask everybody to look at
all candidates, examine their body of work, their education, their
experience, their community credentials and ask yourselves these
questions.
Is a candidate really connected to our community? What have they
done for others? Do they share our values? Do they have real world
experience? And can they make realistic and sensible decisions at the
national level? I have. I can. I will. My name is Jerry Cannon. I ask for
your vote on August 2nd. Thank you.

Tim:

Gentlemen, thank you. And ladies and gentlemen well be right back
with the Republican portion of this forum after these commercials.
Welcome back to this congressional primary forum. Id like to welcome
the Republican candidates for the 2nd half of the forum.
Well begin with Mr. Bergman on the first question. A lot of people are
worried about the environment. Others not so much. The end bridge
line, fracking, invasive species, freshwater supplies, the purity of our
Great Lakes are examples of concerns. The question is what are the
most pressing environmental issues relative to Michigan and the 1 st
congressional district in your mind?
And what do you propose that we do about them?

Bergman:

Thanks for the question Tim. There are thousands of miles of shoreline.
Look at our probably equally large amount of inland waterways. Water,
number one. If we dont preserve our water, conserve how we manage
it that would be in my mind our number one environmental issue in the
1st district.
Second only by our woodlands which we manage because if you dont
manage the resources you have eventually something bad will happen.
With the technology that we have available today to not only predict
but to evaluate the quality of our water, the quality of our soil, the
quality of those natural pests who would be invasive to our area we
have the ability to manage it very successfully.
So, I would propose that number one, we partner with those
environmental agencies who should exist and those businesses who
seek to utilize our resources so that we come up with the best
economic results as well as environmental results.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Casperson.

Casperson: Yes. Thank you for having us. The environment is important. I think
water probably is the pristine part of our environment in this region.
We talk a lot about it. And I dont know of anybody that wants to hurt

it. I would be concerned and be very careful that as we talk about

environmental issues that theres a balance.
And it really involves our way of life. And I think a lot of people live
here because of the great outdoors and the natural resources that we
hold dear. But its both sides. Our industry relied on natural resources.
The recreational side we all rely on natural resources.
So, as we move forward I think you have to have and make sure we
have a balance to the use of those natural resources and the
protection of the natural resources. And what I mean by that, having
served on natural resources and actually chaired that in the Senate.
Its been a big issue for us and especially Michigan.
Michigan is one of the leading states when it comes to natural
resources overall. And so, there is a concern about it but I cant
emphasize enough the balance. As we move forward and put
protections in place that theyre common sense oriented and that they
make sense for all the people of Michigan and the country.
And our country is vast with natural resources. And that applies across
the board. And weve seen it directly here in Michigan. And I think as
we move forward it needs to be something thats a high priority. And it
needs to be economically looked at as well as preservation and
protection.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

Thank you very much. And thank you to your station for allowing us to
be here. When you start taking a look at these issues on a federal level
the breadth is daunting. My first biggest concern is the ability for
[31:24] to expand the aspects of exporting water in the most recent
rulings on the Wisconsin case.
Because when you look at the ability for us to preserve the next
generation of water, the ability to stop exportation because of the
precedence being set is of great concern. Then we start taking a look
at the exotic species in the water area. And whether you are in favor or
some sort of balance coming in but we have to come up with a way to
exotic species coming into the Great Lakes because that has great
implications on the aquifer.
And what its going to be doing to the quality of life. Were already
seeing that with degradation in certain parts of the area on the types
of species of fish in the Great Lakes. We are starting to see those
affecting our inland lakes. Then the next thing weve got to start taking
a look at is seriously how do we prepare the next generation to be
good stewards.

When you look at the declining number of people doing hunting and
fishing. And like my colleagues we spent a lot of time in the woods and
enjoying those. But we have to make sure that our youth are able to
get out and enjoy those activities because the access to both federal
and state lands is invaluable for our economy and also for the pristine
aspects of our country.
When you look at the ability to get on the trails and do horse riding,
when you look at the ability of the Boy Scout troops to be out in the
field like myself as an Eagle Scout weve got to make sure that the
next generation is prepared. And then finally, the aspect of us being
able to make sure that we have good solid energy resources is
invaluable.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you very much. The next question will start with Mr.
Casperson. There is a lot of frustration about the cost of healthcare in
our country. Despite the efforts of the Affordable Care Act we continue
to see healthcare costs increase and exceed inflation year after year.
What do you think Congress should or can do about the increasing
costs of healthcare in America?

Casperson: Sure. I think first of all we need to take a look at Obama Care. And I
think it needs to be repealed in its form. I remember the debate. And
the debate was its too much at one time. Theres too much in it. And
people didnt even know what was in it. And so, weve seen that play
out now in our country.
And weve watched healthcare costs rise at an alarming rate just the
opposite of what we were told. I think the approach needs to be that
we take and start over in the sense of instead of one big fell swoop we
should be looking at all kinds of concepts that could help.
The insurance issue across state lines is a prime example of something
that was left behind and we didnt look at. I think as we go forward and
whoever gets into this office and the next class coming in cannot just
say repeal Obama Care. They have to have ideas on how we fix this
thing and bring it back to the people and make it affordable.
Thats one way. Were hearing doctors now that are starting to look at
their practices, general practitioners are starting to offer healthcare in
a sense through their own office. And I think its a pretty inventive way
of providing some healthcare for people. Theyre offering so much a
month for a family and so much a month for a single and really carving
the middle guy right out of it, the insurance company, and providing
health care.
Those things are innovative ways that we could do it differently and
offer healthcare for people at an affordable rate. I think the more we
can think outside the box like that well bring this back under control.

But to leave Obama Care in place as we see it today is unacceptable

because it clearly has failed.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

Thank you very much. Obama Care needs to be repealed. And then we
have to allow for local options. And as you know Alpena Regional
Medical facility with the new partnerships that are available and ability
to access care. The first thing is coming up with the best practices.
We know on an international and national basis that there are certain
types of treatments that different hospitals do well. And weve got to
allow for those treatments to be taken care of and managed in such a
manner that the best practices are used. Then from there weve got to
take and have a heart for those that are, have preexisting conditions.
Families that have diabetes, certain types of serious illness from
genetics and put that into a separate classification. And then from
there go in and really start taking a look at allowing families and
individuals and individual businesses to make those decisions on the
best way to do healthcare, medical care.
Savings accounts appropriately implemented allow families to make
choices. They allow for competition. They allow for individuals to go in
and take a look at whos got the best ability to do healthcare. Much of
personal responsibility in healthcare goes back to how individuals
manage those benefits and they care practice.
And so, the key is to allow for personal choice with some sort of major
care. And then finally is when you look at real healthcare weve got to
take a special dispensation for that. We know that when were dealing
with miles between hospitals that theres going to have to be some
assistance on a federal level to keep real hospitals in place.
Whether it be the challenges that Cheboygan faced in this media
market or the challenges that Roger City faced years ago. Weve got to
allow for access for those smaller hospitals.

Tim:

Thank you. Mr. Bergman.

Bergman:

Number one, not only repeal Obama Care but defund it. Weve
repealed it enough times without defunding it. So, now its time to walk
the talk. Allow insurance companies to compete across state lines. The
market will determine the value for the customer. And itll return a
profit to the company thats reasonable.
Dont get the government into picking winners and losers. More and
more doctors are working directly for hospitals. Hospitals now are
controlling the kinds of hours, the kinds of procedures, everything. The
doctors spend more time typing into a computer than they do actually

diagnosing the patients and providing that one on one care that is so
important for the individual to help manage their own condition.
Small businesses cant afford healthcare. They have to leave their
people to fend for themselves. Depending on the number of employees
that a company has you either pay a premium or youre exempt. The
number of hours that you work a week, youre either in or youre out.
Arbitrary rules that dont help the end game of the healthcare. Medical
savings accounts promote cohesion between the company especially
the small business whos trying to provide the healthcare for its
employees, the employees so their sense of satisfaction and the larger
medical community within that area.
24,000 square miles, 32 counties in the 1st district. We have big
hospitals. We have a lot of little rural hospitals. We have to be able to
develop our own way of delivering care to our patients especially when
its January and 20 below and ice and snow on the roads. That doesnt
happen in Florida.
Tim:

And why would you have to remind us of that?

Bergman:

Its important that we never forget the realities of what God has given
us.

Tim:

Thats right. On the issue of Social Security and Medicare, just quickly
with the time that we have. Reform or privatize? Lets start with you
Mr. Bergman.

Bergman:

Reform or privatize Medicare, did I get that right?

Tim:

And Social Security.

Bergman:

And Social Security. Well, number one, I believe that over the long term
we need to privatize. Okay. But you dont do it 100% tomorrow and
take those folks who are of a certain age and limit their ability to either
live their life based upon what they have earned through the Social
Security system or what they have available to them in Medicare.
They have a limited amount of time that they can.

Tim:

Let me stop it. Thank you. Mr. Casperson, just concisely.

Casperson: Sure. The Medicare issue is something that you cant just turn off a
switch and say were going to go this direction. Privatization is a good
thing. I come from the private sector. But in something like this were
dealing with peoples healthcare. And people are relying on and
especially our elderly seniors that are on retirement situation.
You cant do that. And so, I do think it needs to be something that is a
long term fix that we do uniformly across the board but its long term.
We cant do it overnight.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

Theres both Social Security and Medicare?

Tim:

Yeah.

Allen:

Both are going to need significant reforms. The Bismarck model of

1980, its antiquated and needs to be overhauled. And the same thing
for long term healthcare.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you very much for your conciseness everyone. Moving
onto the next question. Well start with Jason Allen. Northeast Michigan
is one of the most challenged regions of Michigan and the country in
terms of economic statistics. The question is as a freshman
Congressman with partisan hierarchies to contend with what do you
see as your role in helping northeast Michigan with economically?

Allen:

Well, thank you very much. And its partially an understanding of the
importance of this area and the challenges that were facing. Weve
got transportation issues both from rail and logistics of getting people
here. And then weve got one of the eight critical access airports
available.
And so, we have to protect what we have available to us. And then also
seriously taking a look at what the long term strategic goals are for this
region. As you know, we are struggling with modernization and the
types of things that are going on in our industry. And theyre doing a
wonderful job but thats declining the number of people that are
employed.
We went up and studied our [41:12]. And theyre about a third of what
they were 30 years ago but are requiring to produce a third as much.
So, the first issue is that weve got to communicate the needs of this
area. Make sure we understand how were going to attract
entrepreneurs, flatten the tax rates so that were able to attract the
next generation of entrepreneurs because its going to be hard to
figure out what the next generation of jobs are going to be because of
the modernization of technology.
And then finally make sure that we have a strong solid healthcare
system because when you start looking at the base employment,
healthcare and then education are the two, the big areas.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Bergman.

Bergman:

Well, first of all, start with from a worldwide basis we dont have in this
country a competitive market rate, income tax rate for our
corporations. Were too high. If a company is considering moving
anywhere in the United States the first thing they look at is can they
make money.

If they cant then no jobs are provided. They dont come. So, number
one, change our tax, corporate tax structure to provide a worldwide
market level corporate rate so that companies then can say okay, what
are the resources whether they be natural or human.
Its important and essential for our education system to produce 18
year olds or 22 year olds or somewhere in between that have the skill
sets that when companies decide to come here to northeast Michigan
because they really do believe that they can be successful here long
term that weve got would be ready employees ready to do the jobs
especially in the manufacturing sector that will allow the company to
make a competitive product.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Casperson.

Casperson: Yeah. Weve been working on some ways to help rural Michigan that
struggles with some of these things. One example would be the mining
industry in the upper peninsula. There was a new tax put in place that
we worked on, the severance tax. We put together through that tax a
economic fund thats designed for local units of government to be able
to petition through that fund to get some funding to bring
infrastructure into our rural areas.
But really the way that I see that some of our rural areas in Michigan
could be helped is removing some of the red tape that the very
government that were talking about has created. You talk about tax
structures and all those things all day long but if I cant get a permit to
put a building up, if I cant get a permit to put a road in, if I cant build
some of that infrastructure that we need because of the red tape and
the rules and the regulations thats been put in place by this
government, the rest of it doesnt matter.
And theres a lot at stake here with our rural areas. And this region is
no different. In talking with the people here they struggle with the
same things. And if we can clear that red tape out of the way. We
talked earlier about the natural resources. Prime example is our natural
resources can be a huge draw for these areas.
And if we cant use those natural resources and we cant enjoy them
and go out on walking trails, things like that not a big draw for people
to come into the area. Weve got to change that mindset. And we need
to listen to what the local people are telling us and what they want for
their economic development opportunities.
And again, Washington doesnt seem to want to do that. They seem to
know better what we need. I think weve got to get back to listening.
And our local people can figure it out. And we need to get out of the
way and let them do it.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Onto the next topic and question. Well start with Mr.
Bergman on this. Its a little bit of a different topic than youre probably
used to having posed in one of these situations. Michigan has been
subject to jerry mandering throughout its history. Both parties are
guilty of engaging in the partisanship that impacts of state and federal
districting.
What should or could be done to stem the tide of partisan dominance
in redistricting every 10 years?

Bergman:

Are you really asking what should be done to change how the political
parties operate in the state and federal level?

Tim:

In fact, the way in which are districts are drawn and ultimately how our
choices are shaped.

Bergman:

If you look at how our country was formed it was formed as a

representative democracy. Our founding fathers had to make decisions
based on populations, locales, and they started that process back in
the 1770s. We have taken that process and pretty much subverted it.
I could probably use a stronger word to local and individual desires and
needs. Some could say peroquial. So, I would suggest to you that we
have a Constitution. We have all these rules. Rules probably isnt the
right word. We have all these tenants in place that we can work within.
We are wasting time every 10 years to figure out how we can one up
the other party by doing this. Lets face it. Thisll be the third, I believe
the third election that Traverse City has voted in the 1 st District. I could
be wrong but bottom line is was that the right answer.
I tell you what, after travelling the 1st District for the last five months I
can tell you that its a long way from Copper Harbor to Alcona County
in Harrisville. So, bottom line is if theyre going to jerry mander in such
a way give the representative a plane. By the way, Ill fly it.

Tim:

Alright. Thank you. Mr. Casperson.

Casperson: Yes, I think the only way youre going to get there is you have to have
some type of independence involved because either side if they have
the control are going to do with it as they see fit. And that seems to be
the way the process worked. So, if theres a way we could come up
with an independent type of scenario to make that work that probably
would be the answer to all this.
If youre in the majority you like the way the system is just the way it
is. If youre in the minority you dont like it. And it doesnt matter whos
in control because both sides feel the same way about it. So, to me the
only real solution long term would be to look at something that we
could all agree on that would be a neutral type of an entity that really
deals with it.

But we also have to stay within the parameters of our Constitution.

And if theres changes need to be made there thats a heavy lift and
but that needs to be looked at. I dont see how you solve the
impression of what some people might have because of the party
system we have and the way its set up.
Both sides will feel that way depending on what position theyre in at
any given time.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

Historically the state of Michigan has used this set of standards that
were developed if I remember correctly from the [48:05] era. And that
was a set of standards put together and tested through the courts
called the Apole Standards talking about the basis of the breaks.
This is a state issue based on decisions that are made by the state
legislature giving powers through the Constitution to the local state
authorities to make those decisions. So, as the different plans and
things are developed certainly we will listen but it does not have a lot
of bearing on this issue because its determined by the state
legislature.
Now, there are several different models that have gone on. North
Dakota has one that is similar to just basically looking at populations.
Theres other ones that have committees. There are other groups that
go about in doing it ultimately winding up in court cases. The
standards that have gone through here have held up a lot in the court
although theyre not perfect.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you very much. Just quickly since we have a little bit of
time here. Any thoughts on term limits for US congressmen. Lets start
with Mr. Bergman. Just quickly yes or no.

Bergman:

Yes. Id repeal the 17th Amendment to start with.

Tim:

Okay.

Bergman:

And let it go downhill, you know, trickle down from there.

Tim:

Alright. Mr. Casperson.

Casperson: Yes, if we can include departments and bureaucrats because right now
if we do it we give them the control. If theres a way to do it both ways
Im all in.
Tim:

Okay. And Mr. Allen.

Allen:

In Michigan, we are seeing the effects of term limits which have been
very dramatic because what is happening is that bureaucrats are
outweighing the legislature. And the only way youre going to have a

viable program is to have some sort of a system in place where you

have mandatory retirement of the bureaucrats and the lobbyists.
And so, I am very hesitant to go even forward into the discussion on
term limits in Washington if weve got to change where the direction of
this nation is headed.
Tim:

Okay. Excellent. Thank you. Last question and we will begin with Mr.
Casperson. Regardless of a Clinton or Trump presidency what role does
Congress have with regard to foreign policy? And what policy agendas
do you think are most important to your constituents in the district?

Casperson: Youre talking about the foreign policy part of it?

Tim:

Yeah.

Casperson: Yeah, I think Congress role is the purse strings and budgets. And I
would hope whoever the next President is based on everything thats
happening in Washington with the dysfunctional, dysfunctionality that
were seeing that there would be a partnership forum.
In that decisions that are being made out of Washington they start
partnering because when you take a look at Congress or the Senate all
those folks were put in there by the people just like the President was.
We see that same thing going on in Lansing. If we could form
partnerships these policies could get worked out.
Whats happening is theres a divide going on right now. And we see
that over and over. And so, the administration seems to hold its
ground. They want to do it their way. Congress disagrees so theres this
battle going on. I think our role is to find a way to blend together and
work together as a team instead of this division we keep seeing in
Washington.
I think if you form the team and everybodys concern is whats best for
this country instead of whats best for our party or whats best for my
position whether it be Congress, Senate or the White House well see
some real improvements within our governing.
And I think well come up with the answers that are needed to do the
right thing on behalf of the United States.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

Thank you very much. And I think the issues that weve got to take a
look at is how we are going to be able to govern when we have not had
any serious discussions on budgets. Continuing resolutions continue to
be passed and are not allowing for fair and open debate whether its
involving military equipment, the types of policies that were moving
forward.

And so, either one of the two presidencies we have to have a serious
discussion on where we are headed because national security and our
deficit are great threats to this nation. At 19 trillion dollars its
inexcusable for us to be taking a look at any other kinds of programs
until we come up with a program to pay those down.
Once we have a serious budget discussion taking a look at making sure
our borders are secure then we can start planning for the future. But
until those types of activities take place its going to be very difficult.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Bergman.

Bergman:

I would suggest to you that foreign policy strategy in a world in which

we live today is an ever moving target but nonetheless a target that
has to be tracked. For the past eight years we have basically lumbered
along in our country without a national security strategy which drives
to some extent the foreign policy in how our ambassadors and our
security teams can operate around the world.
During my last six years recalled active duty I was based in different
areas, D.C., some overseas. I had a chance to talk to many
ambassadors about the challenges they have with the security
strategy coupling with the foreign policy strategy. So, we need an
administration that actually understands what it means to be a good
ally, what it means to actually know how to handle classified material,
what it means to actually make a decision where lives of our
ambassadors and our contractors and our troops are in jeopardy.
And to make sure that our response time and what we do to protect
not only protect our businesses and our families abroad but also to
protect our allies and our young men and women in uniform. And
weve been lacking in that the last eight years.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Just another question related to foreign policy but
bringing it home. We have Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center
here. And there are four training bases as part of their national guard.
There are always threats of closing any or all of these.
Would you protect the Alpena site relative to the other three? Mr.
Casperson. Im sorry Mr. Casperson.

Casperson: Sure. Yes. Thats a prime example of the dysfunction thats going on in
Washington right now because as they look at ways to cut government
theyre taking a look at our military. And theyre cutting the military. I
think militarys a priority. Theres other ways we could do this and
other budgets we should be looking at.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

I would protect it because of the logic involved. Sometimes defense

has to make some difficult cuts but lets take a look at the

characteristics. We have the largest air space over Lake Huron. We

have a large munitions area that can pretty much take any type of
ordinance thats available within the US Military.
And with our largest training range east of the Mississippi its
invaluable.
Tim:

Okay. Thank you. Mr. Bergman.

Bergman:

The government puts up satellite bases around the world. And the
bottom line is we put them there so we can reach out and touch people
who want to harm us. But out here in Alpena we have extensive
borders that need to be secured. So, our base here is subject to growth
and more involvement as we secure our borders for the future.

Tim:

Okay. Thank you. We move now to closing statements. You each have
30 seconds. Mr. Bergman well start with you.

Bergman:

Well, thanks for being here tonight all of you out there in the nether
world. On August 2nd the voters must make a choice. First of all ask
yourself is our party system working. Then depending on what you say
to that question do you vote for a familiar name and hope that they
can do the job or someone who might be a new name but already has
extensive experience both international and national.
Maybe even a Marine core general. Said a different way. Who do you
think will really fight for you in Congress? Im Jack Bergman. On August
2nd I ask for your vote. God bless America.

Tim:

Thank you. Mr. Casperson.

Casperson: Thank you. Thanks for putting us together and to all the listeners. I
have been born and raised in northern Michigan. My family been born,
been raised here. I am, it is part of the fabric of who I am. My life
experience in a small business brings the experience that I bring to the
legislature.
And thats what I would bring to Washington and bring some common
sense back to this district and help people get Washington to listen to
us. And Im asking for your support on August 2 nd. Thank you.
Tim:

Thank you. Mr. Allen.

Allen:

Thank you very much both the community college your involvement
and WBKB. For 50 years our family has run a small mens clothing
store in Traverse City very similar to Stevens mens wear in downtown
Alpena. I understand the challenges that the 190,000 small businesses
of Michigan face on a regular basis, struggling to be able to compete.
We have to move our region forward. You can find out more about me
at JasonAllen.com. And I would appreciate your vote on August 2 nd.

Tim:

Thank you gentlemen. On behalf of WBKB thank you for your interest
in tonights forum. The last [57:26] for the August primary was July 5 th.
To vote in the November election you must be registered to vote by
October 11th. Visit your local Secretary of State office and register to
vote.
Your vote helps determine who represents us in our representative
system of government. Thank you and goodnight.