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Kathy Wiejaczka
Kathy Wiejaczka (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Michigan House of Representatives to represent District 101. Wiejaczka lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Wiejaczka completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
General election
Jack O'Malley defeated Kathy Wiejaczka in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 101 on November 6, 2018.
General election
General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 101
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jack O'Malley (R) | 57.7 | 28,249 |
 | Kathy Wiejaczka (D)  | 42.3 | 20,715 | |
| Total votes: 48,964 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Kathy Wiejaczka defeated Edward Hoogterp in the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 101 on August 7, 2018.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 101
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kathy Wiejaczka | 89.3 | 10,172 |
| Edward Hoogterp | 10.7 | 1,225 | ||
| Total votes: 11,397 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Jack O'Malley defeated Carolyn Cater in the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 101 on August 7, 2018.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 101
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jack O'Malley | 84.9 | 12,396 |
| Carolyn Cater | 15.1 | 2,212 | ||
| Total votes: 14,608 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kathy Wiejaczka completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wiejaczka's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1.Support affordable quality healthcare where everyone pays their fair share and prevent ruinous medical expenses that lead to bankruptcies including prescription drug pricing reform. As a registered nurse I have expertise in this area. 2.Improve and equitably fund public education to improve our standing from the bottom 10th in the country because public education is the bedrock of a successful democracy and levels the playing field for all children to succeed. I worked 14 years in the public schools as a special education school nurse and have seen firsthand the effects of budget cuts. 3. We need good paying jobs and a thriving economy along with environmental protections. I will stand up for workers rights and job skill training both in high school and apprenticeship programs that unions offer. Lawmakers have a duty to protect our environment and demand accountability from corporations that profit from our resources.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Healthcare: because I have seen firsthand people suffering the results of not seeing a health care provider and incurring lifetime bodily damage. This is a travesty. Many other patients incurred bankruptcies because of medical bills even though they had health insurance. In order to change this we must value the health of our people over the profits of health insurance companies. We are all only one accident or injury away from a medical bankruptcy.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to Mother Teresa, the Catholic nun who served the poor in India. Her demonstration of serving others before self has been a lifelong inspiration for me as a nurse. I love her quote, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
First of all I am not a politician but a nurse, a spiritual person who makes decisions based on the best for my patients, students, and community. The movie about Mr. Rogers encapsulates my beliefs in this life, to serve others, to find peace through unity and relationship building. This campaign represents hope, love, and service.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty and Trust are two virtues not often thought of in politics. I try to live up to these virtues everyday. My profession of nursing has earned for the past 19 years the Gallup poll distinction of being the most trusted and ethical profession. I am proud to carry these virtues forward as a possible future State Representative.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
The qualities I carry forward to being a successful legislator is my relationship and unity building, and very hard work ethic especially in the pursuit of helping others. I enjoy problem solving with diverse groups of people to move forward on tough issues. I remain calm under high intense crises throughout my life as a nurse and this will serve me well in Lansing. Teamwork is everything and leads to success in any setting, whether delivering babies or legislating.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibilities for someone in elected office is to serve the people, not just the people who voted for you, but ALL people. I will reach out to community leaders, and everyday folks by conducting monthly meet/greets at many different times of the day and on the weekend to maximize attendance. In order to be a successful representative you have to listen and ACT on the needs of your constituents. Quarterly newsletters to constituents and canvassing year round will afford me a pulse on the needs of this four county district.
What legacy would you like to leave?
A legacy of fairness, listening coupled with action, improve people's ability to afford to see a healthcare provider when necessary, and afford prescription medications. In addition I want to protect our Great Lakes from further harm and hold corporations accountable for any damage to our environment. A balance is needed in Lansing, one that does not exist right now. Finally, I want to stand up for public schools in regards to funding, support, and programming that will propel our state forward with highly skilled workers.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
John F. Kennedy's assassination. I was in third grade and it was a frightening time.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I worked for S.S. Kresge, a forerunner to Kmart Corporation as a clerk/cashier and eventually to check-out supervisor. I worked there throughout high school and college.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I spilled soda on my date's car seat. Embarrassing, but eventually I married him!
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas. As a family we have always made homemade Christmas cards or sometimes ornaments and mailed out to over 100 people. It's fun to reach out to folks and many of them tell us they love these special cards/ornaments because they are creative and one of a kind. Our kids were always involved in making them and even my Mom who lived with us for 24 years.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo because it is filled with love and acceptance.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Mary Poppins because she has a full grasp on her role in life, executes it perfectly with firm love and energy. In addition, I love her singing voice. Her wit and confidence are undeniable.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My husband, Kent. We have been married for 43 years and his dedication and support to me are evident everyday. He is smart, witty, and an extremely talented artist and musician. Life is never boring with him around. My second favorite thing in my house are our two English Lab dogs, mother and daughter.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
A struggle in my life is having enough time to do all the things I enjoy. My husband and I raised three wonderful kids and my Mom lived with us for 24 years until she passed away in 2012. We own a family run construction business for the past 32 years plus I have worked at the hospital as a registered nurse then I transitioned to working with special ed children. Most of my life I have worked two jobs, raised a family, helped my Mom, served at my church, and found some time to enjoy hiking, fishing, and biking.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
The most important differences between the two legislative branches in Michigan are the Senate has a much wider geographical area that they represent. My State House district covers 4 counties. Also, State Representatives only serve for two years and the Senate legislators serve for 4 years.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
No, I do not think it is important to have previous experience in government or politics. It is better to have a fresh perspective that is not encumbered with politics. As a nurse, some people have shared that they believe I know how to navigate to bring people together to achieve common goals.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Healthcare reform. Public education reform. Environmental protections. Access to high speed internet statewide where right now 37% of Michiganders lack this access. Grow our economy while still providing the above reforms. Balance in life is paramount to success.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
The ideal relationship between the governor and the legislative bodies must encompass respect, open communication, honesty, and transparency.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Absolutely. We must build relationships across all parties and ideals, it is the only way to accomplish goals that will lead to success in Michigan. As a nurse building relationships is my strength and life.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
I am in support of the independent redistricting reform that would take redistricting out of politicians hands and allow independent citizens to create districts with citizen input.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Yes, Health Policy, Ethics, Education, and Families, Children & Seniors committees.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Any legislator that works across the aisle to get the work done, one that doesn't blame but instead works hard to come to consensus for the needs of the state.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
No
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
Yes, I hear heartfelt stories everyday especially about healthcare travesties. The story about the senior who is a diabetic and can't afford her insulin anymore. The price increased from $50 a month to $235 a month and now she stated she'll have to titrate it. That is dangerous to her health. This is one example of our broken healthcare system and it must stop.
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See also
- State legislative elections, 2018
- Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2018
- Michigan House of Representatives
External links
Footnotes
