John Roth

John Roth was born in Clare, Michigan. He earned an associate degree from Northwest Michigan College in 1990. Roth's career experience includes working in the tourism industry and as a small business owner. He has also served with the Grand Traverse County Parks & Recreation Board.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Husband of 37 years to Karen and father to daughters Elise & Marin. Two term state representative for the 104th district. Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation commissioner for six years. Small business owner for twenty two years.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Promoting and protecting small businesses. They are the backbone of the Northern Michigan Economy. Reducing tax burdens and needless regulations.We need to make sure Northern Michigan has a part in the budget and our needs are addressed by working with our Northern Michigan Caucus.Keeping our youth in the state after high school or college. I talk with a lot of our students about whether they will stay in Michigan or not. A solid one third are planning on leaving the state. We need to engage with them on what kinds of things would they need to keep them home. Our state is losing the youth and getting older. We need these workers as this state sees this change.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Transportation, Health Care, Economic Development and Energy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The ability to listen to the people that comprise the district. Patience when things don't go your way or don't move as fast as you like.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My best quality is communications with my constituents. I engage with them in multiple ways. I make sure I am out in the district at every possible event.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Helping the people navigate state government with problems that may arise.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That Northern Michigan was my focus and I tried to make life better for those that live there.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The legislature is supposed to provide oversite and budgeting. The governor is supposed to propose policy and run the administration.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Population decline

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

yes some experience is needed to be ready to start working for the people.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

yes, you have to work with others to get bills passed through. 110 state house members and 56 are needed to pass anything through to the senate. The higher the number better the chance of it getting signed into law.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

not at this time

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

yes the governor should work with legislature on EPs.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Re-introduce several bills that won't make through this session.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

SBAM, NFIB, Right to Life, Farm Bureau, CTV, Freedom Fund, GLEP. NRA.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

It should be as open as possible.

John Roth did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

John Roth did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.