ROCHESTER, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – While the candidates for Michigan’s next governor held drastically different views on the half dozen policy issues discussed, there were a few moments of shared priorities during Tuesday night’s debate at Oakland University.  

Upholding the Results of Proposal 3  

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Like the first debate, the candidates were asked that if Proposal 3 were to pass or fail, would their administration take steps to undo or alter the effects on the state? Both agreed to uphold the results. 

Whitmer called Proposal 3 absolutely necessary to preserve the rights afforded by Roe v. Wade.  She also claimed that it would not remove the requirement of parental consent for a minor to get an abortion.  She did not clarify if she would take steps outside of her court injunction should Proposal 3 pass, but mentioned several times her desire to fight for women’s rights to reproductive health. 

Dixon disagreed that parental consent would not be removed.  She acknowledged that it would be the most radical abortion law in the country and the only places with similar laws are China and North Korea.  

Prioritizing Education School 

Both candidates agree that education is an important priority.  

“We are a bottom ten state, bringing education back has been a pillar of my campaign,” Dixon said.  

She later elaborated stating that there are cries across the state for greater parental control of what books are provided in schools and libraries as some say many books have been found to be pornographic.  Dixon also described that she would want to implement a statewide individualized tutoring program to help students increase testing scores after the pandemic scores.  

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“I made the biggest investment in K – 12 education,” Whitmer said, “Tripling literacy coaches, expanding tutors to get our kids back on track.” 

The governor did not say that she would reduce student access to the books in question during her next four years.  Furthermore she has mentioned the recent implementation of literacy coaches under her administration.  

Mutual Respect 

At perhaps the climax of the debate, when the two candidates exchanged several rounds back and forth regarding the no fault auto insurance, Chuck Stokes asked the 11th question which cut through the rising tensions: “What is something positive you can say about your opponent and the political party that she represents?”

“My opponent always talks about her daughters, and as a mom of girls, I think that is so important to come out and encourage your daughters and love your daughters,” Dixon began,  “She has also made sure that she’s fought for women and I love that about her. I think that we can continue that tradition and make sure we take care of women and make sure women are protected in this state – it’s so important.” 

Whitmer replied in similar fashion. 

“I know how hard it is to run for office and to raise kids. So my hat’s off to anyone willing to do it.  I think mom’s voices are important, obviously we have very different perspectives – all moms are not the same,” Whitmer said, “But I appreciate how difficult it is and applaud any woman who’s willing to put herself out there, at the same time balance all the different pressures that we working moms have.”  

Moderator Stokes asked if either would like a rebuttal which was met by the first genuine laugh of the debate from both parties. 

Information Infrastructure 

The candidates were asked how they would work to expand internet access and infrastructure particularly in the Upper Peninsula.  Both seemed inclined to continue increasing access to broadband access for Michiganders. 

“It’s critical that we work with our private sector to expand these projects across the state of Michigan and once we do that we will see the economic development that we so desperately need,” Dixon said. 

Dixon acknowledged how children in online school and farmers across the state suffered from a result of limited broadband access.  Dixon said that the tunnel that would hold Line 5 could be rigged to carry and expand broadband access. 

“We created the Office of Rural Development, specifically to increase broadband access,” Whitmer said, “23,000 homes have already been added online.” 

Future COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements   

In light of the recent recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the question was asked whether the next governor would take the recommendation and enforce COVID-19 vaccine mandates for children to return to in-person education in the fall of 2023.  Both candidates agreed not to follow the CDC’s recommendation.   

“I want to be very clear about this: this is a parent’s decision.  There will never be a mandate for the COVID-19 vaccine for children to go to school in a Dixon administration” Dixon said. 

She elaborated by criticizing the governor for forcing mandates on people through her “Vacc to Normal” policy which required that at least 70% of the Michigan population be vaccinated in order for the restrictions of the time to be lifted. 

Whitmer delivered her first public comments regarding her thoughts about the CDC recommendation. 

“Now I do not support requiring the COVID vaccine for children,” Whitmer said. 

She continued by voicing her pride in her administration’s quick decisions which saved thousands of lives.  

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The election is November 8.