Editor’s note: Michigan Farm Bureau has coordinated with the candidates for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and the gubernatorial race to provide their responses to four questions to help you learn more about the candidate, their background, and agriculture-related views. In the interest of fairness and objectivity, staff did not write or edit the candidates’ submissions. Each profile is presented as submitted by the candidates.
U.S. Senate Candidates: Mallory McMorrow, Mike Rogers, and Haley Stevens
Candidates for Governor: Jocelyn Benson, Mike Cox, Mike Duggan, John James, Perry Johnson, Aric Nesbitt, Ralph Rebandt, and Kim Thomas
Kim Thomas – Democratic Candidate for Governor
May 29 update: The Board of State Canvassers ruled that Kim Thomas did not receive enough valid signatures to qualify for the August 4 primary ballot.
In your words, tell us who you are and why you’re the ideal candidate for Michigan governor.
I am a Battle Creek resident, an educator, and a business owner who lives the realities of Michigan agriculture every day. My professional identity is defined by three pillars: I am a Math Teacher dedicated to our state's future generations, a former Federal Auditor for the Department of Defense with an expert eye for fiscal accountability, and the owner of Poochie& Fox Co, a venture capital research firm where our primary business is our farm. I don't just talk about "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" philosophy-I live it. My focus is on efficiency, hard work, and common-sense solutions. I am a candidate who understands that agriculture isn't just a sector of our economy, it is the backbone of our Michigan identity.
What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing Michigan residents today, and what specific policies would you pursue as governor to address it?
The most pressing issue is the widening gap between the rising costs of production and rural economic opportunity. Between property tax assessments that don't reflect agricultural reality and where our youth (my students) leave for other states, Michigan is at risk for losing its generational agricultural heritage. My plan is to audit the books and enact a formula for rural stability. Farmers are taxed on the highest and best of their land, rather than actual agricultural production. I would pursue a "True Use Audit Initiative" and reform the state assessing guidelines. I will also fight to preserve and expand the Qualified Agricultural Property Exemption to keep family farms in family hands. I will pursue policies that increase funding for FFA and 4H programs and create incentives for "New Farmer" mentorship programs that pair experienced producers with young entrepreneurs.
Michigan agriculture is a major driver of the state’s economy and rural communities. What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Michigan farmers today, and how would your administration help address it?
I would assess regulatory accountability specifically the vague or overreaching environmental regulations (like those involving runoff) often criminalize standard farm practices without providing clear, science-based guidance. I will implement a regulatory impact audit were new state regulation affecting agriculture must pass a "common sense math test" to ensure the cost of compliance doesn't outweigh the benefit to the public.
Michigan farmers depend on both a strong economy and healthy natural resources. How would you work to balance agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and regulatory certainty for landowners?
The true balance will occur with the elimination of "Triple Taxation on the Family Farm". This tax makes it impossible to pass a farm to the next generation. I understand the compounding burden on family-owned farms pass-through entities make up 98% of Michigan farms. Michigan property taxes are nearly 50% above national average on agricultural land. A good harvest year can push a family to a higher tax bracket, even if they are just catching up on debt from previous year. So, I look at the "Triple Tax" burden, and I see a formula that doesn't add up for Michigan's future. Producers are hit first by property taxes, second by income taxes and third by the "uncapping taxable value during succession that threatens the existence of generational farms. Just like I teach my students that a problem cannot be solved if variables are against you. As governor, I will pursue a "Succession Shield" policy to prevent tax uncapping for family-to-family farm transfers and audit our states assessing practices to ensure our property tax math finally treats farmers fairly.
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