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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
Democrat Christopher Crain and Republican Jaxon Deur will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election for Michigan’s 101st House of Representatives District.
The 101st District includes parts of Oceana, Mason and Lake counties and all of Newaygo and Wexford counties. The district includes the eastern townships of Mason County — Sheridan, Branch and Logan — and Oceana County — Colfax and Leavitt.
Mason County Press and Oceana County Press reached out to both candidates and asked them to provide information about themselves, identify what they believe are the key issues facing the district and explain their policy plans to address those issues.
Their responses, presented alphabetically by last name, follow.
Christopher Crain
Christopher Crain
Christopher Crain, 57, is a longtime Wexford County resident, and his family has deep roots in the community dating back to the 19th century. A U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, former college instructor with a Ph.D. in anthropology and community advocate, he has dedicated his life to promoting equality, human rights and responsible public policy. Drawing on experiences in military service, academia and local government, he works to address social inequality and strengthen communities through grassroots advocacy, housing initiatives and public service.
He has actively participated in local government, attending public sessions and advocating for others on community issues. That participation led to his appointment to his township’s planning commission. He has also worked with grassroots organizations that provide aid and advice to people struggling in the region and across Michigan, addressing issues related to housing security, availability and rent stability.
Crain identifies education, housing and health care as key issues, along with politicians’ failures to serve constituents.
Politicians’ failures to serve constituents
“The biggest issue facing Michiganders in Michigan’s 101st State House District, and those in the larger 2nd Congressional District, is the failure of politicians in Lansing and Washington, D.C., to properly serve their constituents. Both the Democratic and Republican national and state parties no longer focus on the people’s daily struggles but work only for the benefit of wealthy donors and the special interest groups with which they align. This needs to end — Michiganders can no longer accept representation that promotes policies based on rhetoric, but balanced, responsible solutions that effectively resolve present issues and those in the future. While party leadership shakes their fists at each other, people still deal with daily concerns and expenses.
“According to the latest Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed Report (ALICE) from the United Way Foundation, over 40% of Michigan households struggle to cover basic living costs, including housing, child care, food, health care, transportation and necessary technology. In the counties in the 101st District, that figure is 42%. It is a chronic condition resulting from business-as-usual governing in Lansing.”
Education
“Education, and more importantly, primary education, is foundational to future success. Michigan’s scores in this arena have become a five-alarm fire, and we need solutions to put the conflagration out. In office, I will fight for the resources and curriculum flexibility local school districts need to lower student-to-instructor ratios and expand multiyear student cohorts to ensure the best educational opportunities for their classrooms.”
Housing
“Housing is a fundamental necessity not just for maintaining an ample local and regional workforce but also as a human right. We need more affordable housing statewide.
“Around 50% of households struggle with housing costs, and this must change. I will fight to rescind the state preemption against local rent stability/control and pass the Tenant Empowerment Package and Renters Bill of Rights legislation presently under review. Housing revitalization should be a major part of this endeavor. We should not concentrate just on new housing projects. I will push to strengthen the Michigan Saves Loan Loss Reserve Funding to stabilize the market for smaller loans under $100,000 for individual home unit revitalization projects.”
Health care
“Michiganders continue to face not only rising health care costs but also a decrease in provider availability. Since Medicare for All would take nearly a decade to implement, and training and recruiting medical providers is generational, our elected officials need to take a stand and address these trends effectively. First, we must improve access to Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements so our small businesses can recruit, maintain and expand their employee pools to immediately make lower-cost programs available. We must also mandate the standardization of the claims process to cut administrative costs, and Michigan must take a serious look at the service improvements and long-term cost-saving benefits of creating its own health care marketplace.”
Jaxon Deur
Jaxon Deur
Jaxon Deur was born and raised in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight science from Western Michigan University, graduating magna cum laude and earning a spot on the dean’s list. He holds a commercial multi-engine pilot license and has been involved in aviation for many years.
Professionally, he has worked in Michigan’s agriculture industry for five years, working directly with farmers, processors, growers and agricultural businesses across the state and country. He also owns and operates a small marketing business focused on helping local businesses with their marketing and communications.
Deur is actively involved in his community and has served as a Republican precinct delegate in Newaygo County and on the Newaygo County Tax Allocation Board and White Cloud Airport Authority. He is also a member of the Fremont Lions Club. He has been involved in local community organizations and activities throughout the area.
He comes from a family with deep roots in the Fremont community. His great-grandfather was an apple grower and processor for Gerber Products, where his family began building its roots in the area.
Deur identifies local control, affordability and agriculture as key issues.
Local control
“Local control is critical to ensuring that decisions affecting our communities are made with the voices of local residents and leaders at the table. I will work to amend PA 233 to restore and protect meaningful local control over large-scale solar and wind projects. I will also work closely with townships, cities and counties to understand their concerns and make sure their voices are heard in Lansing.”
Affordability
“Affordability is a major concern for families, farmers and small businesses. I will support efforts to reduce unnecessary regulations and unfunded mandates that drive up costs and make it harder to operate a business or afford to live in Michigan. The government should live within its means and avoid passing unnecessary costs down to local governments, businesses and taxpayers.”
Agriculture
“Agriculture is foundational to our district and Michigan’s economy. I will work to protect farmers from unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure they have the freedom and resources needed to continue producing food and creating jobs. I will also advocate for policies that support rural infrastructure, agricultural businesses and the next generation of farmers.
“Above all, I believe effective representation requires being present and communicating with the people we serve. I plan to be in Lansing when legislative business requires it but spend significant time back in the district attending township, city and county meetings and listening to constituents. My goal is to serve as a bridge between local communities and state government, making sure the needs of the 101st District are represented directly in Lansing.”
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