Letter to the Editor: Stauber's record speaks for itself

The most recent census has created an upheaval in election boundaries, leaving many of us scrambling to learn basic information on candidates in our newly aligned districts. To those who find themselves in Congressional District 8, where U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber is being challenged by Jen Schultz, I would like to share important information as a constituent who has been in the district for years.

Stauber has been the congressman for Grand Rapids and Iron Range cities for the past six years. His performance in office has been so dismal that the patently conservative newspaper in his hometown of Duluth has endorsed his Democratic challenger, Schultz. It was recently revealed that Stauber ranks in the top 11 percent of members of congress with the most missed votes. The man is not showing up for work.

By contrast, Schultz, a former state legislator from Duluth, was able to successfully pass legislation to advance access to affordable healthcare, reduce drug prices, and expand coverage for telehealth. She secured millions of dollars in bonding projects for the Essentia-St. Mary’s and St. Luke’s medical district. Schultz was able to successfully navigate divided government where no party had complete control. She put people above party politics to pass vital legislation.

The outcome of this particular contest is of particular concern to our small cities and townships as we desperately need help funding our firefighters and first reponders, our ground ambulance services, and dollars to keep our hospital doors open. Schultz has a passion for delivering affordable health care. Her father was a Vietnam War veteran as well as a fireman/EMT. A vote for Jen Schultz will be a vote for the people of Congressional District 8.

Mary Drewes, Grand Rapids