Political Profile: Mike Niemeyer, Candidate for State Senate in District 38
GoLocalProv Political Team
Political Profile: Mike Niemeyer, Candidate for State Senate in District 38
1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe rising cost of living is the main conversation happening right now. Food and gas is getting more expensive, medical care is harder to get, and homes are unaffordable for an entire generation. People want to know if politicians will crack down on price gouging, encourage new housing construction, invest in alternatives to unreliable foreign fuel sources, and make healthcare more accessible - and I will.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
We need to invest in small businesses. This economy is top heavy with multinational corporations that rip off their customers, abuse their workers, and cheat on their taxes. Small businesses tend to play by the rules and get slammed by anti-competitive monopolies for their trouble. Giving the small businesses that define our local economy a leg up would do wonders.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
We are losing an entire generation to unaffordable housing. We need to crack down on the irresponsible speculation and restrictive zoning that brought us to this crisis.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
My daughter was born with a rare brain disease that left her suffering deadly seizures. The first year of her life saw a gap between what our insurance wouldn't pay and the long process of getting her help from Medicaid. During that year it cost us $20,000 to keep her alive and healthy. I decided to run for office to make sure no one else falls through the gaps like we did. My qualification: I'm an angry parent looking to change things.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My wife. Since our daughter's diagnosis, she has endured more suffering with more interminable grace than I thought possible in a person. She is my hero.
To read more about his campaign, go here.