I’ve always believed the sentiment that no politician is perfect. I see any politician’s role as inherently flawed, due to associated responsibilities and authority, which can easily be corrupted. While I persist in this sentiment, I also believe there are political leaders that we can look toward to expect positive change.
Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is a political leader who I believe is trying to make a positive impact on the State. Whitmer has been governor since 2019, as she won against Republican Bill Schuette. I believe this was the best outcome for Michigan, due to her progressive policies that I see as benefiting many communities.
One example of Whitmer focusing on aiding Michiganders has been in her involvement in reproductive healthcare. In June 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court. Roe v. Wade protected the right to an abortion, which was declared unconstitutional. The case’s overturning devastated many people, but Whitmer’s response, in which she reaffirmed her support for reproductive justice, calmed me.
Whitmer’s response also proved she could stick to her campaign platform’s agenda. In 2023, Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act, which aimed to lower the cost of reproductive healthcare, and protect patients. I believe that access to birth control, abortion and any other kind of care during pregnancy is an important reproductive right that needs protection. Since then, Whitmer has signed even more bills to help expand reproductive freedom. Seeing Whitmer take these rights seriously is empowering to myself, and many with reproductive autonomy.
In addition to the issue of reproductive rights– as someone who is from Flint– another positive change I have seen from Whitmer regards the Flint water crisis that began in April 2014. The crisis had destructive effects on my community, and I noticed this as a child. My friends were being tested for lead, and though we didn’t understand what was really happening, we knew it was serious.
Despite 2014 being over a decade ago, residents of Flint still experience the crisis’ lasting effects. However, I believe Whitmer has made great strides to help improve the situation. In 2020, Whitmer signed a bipartisan Flint settlement bill to help improve the future of Flint. When addressing the crisis, I believe it was important that she made the future of Flint feel seen and worthy of making strides. While this may be the bare minimum to some people, I believe the way in which Whitmer went about it was nice to see from someone in government.
Lastly, I want to discuss Whitmer’s attention and accessibility within the general Michigan community. Showcased on her Instagram and many social platforms, Whitmer can be seen visiting many cities in the State, attending marches and other community events. I see these actions as important gubernatorial duties that communicate genuine care for the people she’s serving. Attending such events and making the rounds gives her the chance to see problems firsthand, make connections and bring more attention to issues or events by being present and broadcasting them.
While some might see her influence as standard for a politician, I believe in the importance of recognizing a commitment to one’s community. I think Whitmer has made great and important decisions to help change Michigan for the better and I hope we will continue to see the greatest from her until her term is up.