An independent has announced his candidacy for Michigan House in the 38th District.
Jett Newton of St. Joseph is looking to unseat state Representative Joey Andrews, a Democrat. The 20-year-old Newton announced on Sunday that after having worked for Berrien County Democrats, he decided to leave the party to push a more working class agenda.
Newton told us about some of his policy priorities.
“I come from a working class background, and I seek to address working class issues,” Newton said. “But instead of just using the buzzword, I plan to put money in your hands by basically getting rid of your taxes, income taxes through a state rebate, and getting rid of property taxes in addition, and making auto insurance in the state free — for minimum insurance — through the state.”
Newton’s proposing a 19.7% flat state income tax. That would be coupled with a full rebate for all state and federal income taxes paid by those in the 10% or 12% income tax brackets. He’s also proposed a ban on homestead property taxes, a wealth tax of 1.5%, and limited reparations for the descendants of slaves.
If elected, Newton would only be one member of the state House, but he says lawmakers have shown an eagerness to adopt ideas proposed by independent candidates when they win.
“So it only takes one third party candidate succeeding on a platform for that platform to be appropriated by the powers that be.”
Newton says he left the Democrats over concerns about the influence of money in politics.
“I do not believe that it is possible for a Democrat or a Republican to actually address the issues for the working class right now because they are beholden to the very money that is causing the problems that hurt the working class.”
To be elected to the Michigan Legislature, a candidate must be 21 years of age by the filing deadline. Newton says he will be 21 by the filing deadline. He tells us he’s running now, while he’s young and working class, because in ten years he may not be, and he believes he brings a fresh perspective to the table.
Now that he’s announced his candidacy, Newton begins the task of collecting enough petition signatures to make the ballot.
