Mark Ouimet shows disregard for future with voting record

Here in the 52nd Michigan House District we see and hear a lot of advertising from Mark Ouimet, but we don't see or hear him openly defending his voting record. We also don't hear from him who his contributors are — don't big donors perhaps expect favors in return? Who and what might these be?

He has had tightly-controlled informational meetings that he calls "town halls," but has avoided answering these hard questions. Ouimet's voting record can be found at michiganvotes.org. Readers, take a few deep breaths, and then read as much as you can tolerate, including these gems, among many others:

HB 4480 — the pension tax on middle-income people, many of them already retired SB 1040 — the doubling of health premiums for some retirees HB 4361 — abolishing the Homestead Tax Credit

The above three bills are part of his attack on seniors. Other Michiganders also are paying the price for Mr. Ouimet's votes:

HB 5711 — the attack on women's rights and dignity HB 4470 — the denial of same-sex public employee benefits

He also voted to loosen gun restrictions, allow tasers in public places, and expand the time and types of fireworks that can be used and sold. All of these endanger public safety. Ouimet has mastered the art of political framing:

"spirit of compromise" means "we'll ram this bill through, because we can" "shared sacrifice" means "we'll target certain people in order to reward our friends and donors" "friend of educators" means "friend of those who want for-profit schools, not the students" "improved economy" means "I'd like to take credit for President Obama's auto bail-out"

A strong economy depends far more on demand than on tax cuts. Businesses that receive a short-term gain from Ouimet's votes should realize that, as a result, the new reality for Michigan's middle class — seniors in particular! — is much less spending for a time well into the future. How does that bring back our economy or create jobs in the long run? It doesn't. Ouimet continues to vote in a way that harms people and, yes, business too. Please, voters of the 52nd, we can do better than this. Jack and Angelika Lewis

Chelsea