With only six days left in his campaign, Gary Peters, Democratic candidate for the United States Congress? 9th District, joined Michigan workers affiliated with the U.A.W. (United Auto Workers) in Lake Orion.
Peters met with workers at the U.A.W. Local 5960, 180 E. Silverbell Rd.on Oct. 28 to listen to their concerns.
During the roundtable discussion each worker was given the opportunity to explain to Peters some of the personal problems they face in today’s workplace.
Gloria Harsten-Spann, a retired school custodian, said, ‘I am concerned about privatization, especially in Pontiac. We are losing our jobs.?
Randi Dixon, an Administrative Assistant for Michael Dunn at General Motors, said, ‘My father worked for a company for 25 years and is a Vietnam Veteran. He was diagnosed with cancer and is too young for medicare and social security yet his company cancelled his insurance. Because he is young and disabled, he is being discriminated against. There are big cracks in our health care system right now,? said Dunn.
Peters took notes during the workers? comments.
At the end of the roundtable discussion, he addressed each concern with what he believes is a solution.
Peters maintains that his challenger, incumbent Republican Joseph Knollenberg, has no plan for healthcare, which he considers to be a critical issue.
‘Forty-seven million people are without healthcare in the United States,? said Peters. ‘People are one illness away from personal bankruptcy.?
Stopping the hemorrhage of losing jobs statewide, Peters said, is crucial.
‘Michigan is losing jobs daily. We need to give tax breaks to companies who keep jobs in America and don’t ship them overseas,? he said.
Peters said the money the United States is spending in Iraq could be put to better use.
‘We are spending ten billion dollars a month in Iraq. In 40 days we could take that money and make sure the children in the United States are receiving healthcare.?