(Green Party candidate for the 5th District US House of Representatives)

I'm Harley Mikkelson; I was born in Minnesota but have lived in Michigan since I was six years old. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. I served in the U. S. Army and spent one year in South Vietnam. I recently retired after working for the State of Michigan for over 26 years. While working for the State of Michigan I worked for the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Education, and the Family Independence Agency. I was an active AFSME and UAW member; I have held several union offices. Besides working for the State of Michigan I have worked on several farms, in a factory, for Michigan Bell Telephone, and for the U.S. Post Office.

I have not run for political office before but have been active in politics. I was active with the Democratic Party and attended their state convention in the past. I became disappointed with the Democratic party and supported the Green Party and Ralph Nader in 2000. I am running for Congress because I have the environment, working people, democracy, and world peace as my top priorities. I believe it is vital that we conserve and recycle our resources, provide basic necessities for our citizens, and rebuild our cities and towns. I will not put special interests above what is best for all.

PLATFORM

I am running for Congress to help pass laws that do the following:

• Make corporations responsible to their workers, customers, and to the communities where they exist.
• Promote fair trade between communities, states, and countries.
• Provide the basic necessities for everyone.
• Make our democracy work better.
• Work for world peace through understanding and cooperation.
• Make a healthy world environment the highest priority.

I believe the Green Party can become a viable third party. We need to appeal to Republicans in their slavery abolishing Abraham Lincoln and trust busting Teddy Roosevelt traditions. We also need to appeal to Democrats in the democratic Thomas Jefferson and New Deal Franklin Roosevelt traditions. We need to make voters understand that we are not out to steal Democratic votes and elect Republicans. The Green Party needs to become a viable party in order to force the Democratic and Republican parties to talk about issues. I am tired of seeing television campaigns where candidates avoid issues and just try to convince voter they are nice guys. I am not running for office for myself; I am running because I want to make this a better world for our children, grandchildren, and future generations. I believe our party is right on the issues; we can win if we get our message out.

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Page last updated 22 Aug 2002