by: WOODTV.com staff
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — For the first time in many years, Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District seat is truly up for grabs, and the race is one of the most closely watched in the country.
Candidates Peter Meijer, a Republican, and Hillary Scholten, a Democrat, tried to prove they are the best person to fill that seat and represent West Michigan in Congress in a live debate at WOOD TV8’s studio Thursday.
Although the candidates did throw a few barbs at one another (it would have been surprising if they hadn’t), their debate was civil and allowed each to explain to voters where they stand on important issues — notably health care, racial equity and how the federal government should respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
RACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Protests have been held around the country in 2020, including in Grand Rapids, calling for racial equity, particularly in regards to policing. Both candidates recognized the need for all sorts of programs to help people of color.
Candidate Peter Meijer said he wanted to fight mass incarceration to break cycles of poverty and improve educational opportunities. He also promoted the Trump administration’s Opportunity Zone program, which is meant to encourage investment in underserved areas. Critically, he said, law enfocement agencies must build trust with the communities they serve.
Commenting on the same issue, Hillary Scholten cited her career as a social worker in explaining her understanding of the issue. She said helping the homeless showed her the hold generational poverty can have on people. She said health care is key in combating inequities, as is having a livable minimum wage. She also said that “the message from the top matters,” saying leaders must not seed division.
Watch a replay of the Oct. 1, 2020, debate here: