Key Conversation with State Representative Tristan Cole
This article appeared in the January 2020 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
Q: Tell us about your background and how that helps you to be an effective voice for your constituents, including the manufacturing employers in your district?
Representative Cole: I have always enjoyed serving others and representing my community. I served on the board of the Antrim County Farm Bureau for 12 years, two of those years as president. I also served two years on the Michigan Farm Bureau’s State Policy Development Committee and Antrim County Republican Party chairman. I have nearly 20 years of executive experience as a member of many diverse boards and committees at the local, regional and state level. Today, I serve as the Majority Floor Leader of the Michigan House of Representatives and Representative of the 105th House District. These various positions have enabled me to connect with significant manufacturers and witness the important role they play throughout the district. The manufacturing industry provides a great deal of careers and essential resources to the community.
Q: What are the priority issues and challenges the Legislature should work on in 2020 and why?
Representative Cole:If I had to select my top three, they would be:
- Clarify the role of the Administrative Rules process and ensure adequate checks and balances are properly placed in the democratic process. These checks and balances also provide the public with greater transparency for its elected officials.
- Ensure there are proper and efficient methods of drug testing. With the legalization of marijuana and an increase in alcohol and opioid dependency in recent years, citizens and businesses deserve to have adequate resources to protect employees from potential abuse. This is particularly important in the manufacturing field to make sure workers are safe whether they are operating an electric screwdriver or heavy machinery.
- Provide increased access to aggregate materials. Road repair and long-term infrastructure are hot topic issues and increased access to road-
building materials can lower the cost and pave the way for increased road repair at a decreased cost to the state and its taxpayers.
Q: Michigan has created a nation-leading 205,000 new manufacturing jobs since June 2009. What needs to happen for Michigan manufacturing to continue to be an attractive career option for jobseekers?
Representative Cole:First, monitoring regulatory control and keeping new rules to a minimum will continue to allow more people to have a sustainable career in manufacturing. Expand and strengthen available routes for those interested in manufacturing careers. Also, keeping parents informed about these viable career options in manufacturing will lead to more growth and sustainability in the industry.
Q: What is your long-term vision for Michigan?
Representative Cole:For Michigan’s long-term, I would like to see continued steady growth and connectivity for our rural communities. We have made some great progress in the past but still have more work to do. It is also very important to work towards keeping Michigan a top destination state for recreation.