In response to the eloquent letter to the editor by Kelly Harrison

As the Democratic candidate for State Representative in your district, I understand what it feels like to be misunderstood or labeled. People in both parties have been called names and judged by stereotypes instead of their values and actions. No Republican, Democrat, or Independent deserves that. And in our rural communities, we share far more than we differ. We care about our families, our neighbors, and the future of Michigan.

To be clear, Democrats, me included, support a secure border. We agree that individuals who commit crimes and enter this country illegally should be removed. We also believe enforcement must follow the Constitution, respect due process, and uphold basic humanitarian protections. Democratic administrations, including President Obama’s, deported millions of undocumented immigrants and individuals with criminal records within established legal frameworks.

What we cannot support is enforcement that sweeps up American citizens, legal immigrants, or people following the process. When policies separate families, harm asylum seekers, or are used as political theater, people will speak out. That isn’t hatred, it’s accountability.

And we need our Republican neighbors to acknowledge two truths at once: President Trump is carrying out the approach many voted for, and some of the methods being used are causing real harm and violating constitutional rights.

We also agree that energy independence is essential but so are affordability and public health. Michigan families shouldn’t face shutoffs and rising rates while utilities enjoy guaranteed profits. A diverse energy mix that lowers costs and strengthens reliability benefits everyone. There is no reason our government should work so hard to prevent Americans from harnessing wind and solar power.

Government should be limited, but local control only works when communities have the resources to serve everyone, not just the wealthy or well‑connected. Since the Reagan era we have moved away from the free market into an era dominated by Big Pharma, Big Banks, Big Tech, Big Agriculture, utility monopolies, and insurance giants, Industries that have shaped the economy in ways that leave working families behind. Oversight is necessary to keep the playing field fair, not to punish success. Denying healthcare and food to the poor while providing tax cuts to the wealthy is unconscionable, especially when Clare County’s poverty rate is over 21% compared to Michigan’s 13%.

And finally: faith, family, and freedom belong to all of us. Those values guide many of us when we fight for safe schools, fair wages, accessible healthcare, and dignity for every person.

You’re right Kelly. It’s time to move past the political insults and see each other for who we truly are, neighbors.

Tracy Ruell
MI State Representative Candidate, District 100