Steven Kwasny, an Eastern Michigan University student majoring in political science with plans to graduate in spring of 2017, made a big announcement this past Tuesday April 12, 2016. Steven Kwasny announced his running for state representative for the 53rd District in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The 53rd District size has a population of 92,000 with 50,000 of these constituents being comprised of University of Michigan Students. Kwasny believes that if he is elected he can relate to this large student population within his district. As a student himself, he feels he is more likely to be more aware of the unique concerns, issues and life of these student constituents.
Kwasny is running as a democratic candidate and has begun his campaign with the aim of strongly representing the democratic platform and democratic beliefs. Another important platform of his campaign is that he has publicly committed to not accepting any campaign donations.
Kwasny explained that by not taking money there are no outside interests involved. According to him, when outside interests become involved, most often through financial support, it is not uncommon for deceit, lies, and corruption to follow. He also shared that to the best of his knowledge, he is the first candidate in Michigan to approach a campaign without any money.
The theme of money in politics will be a continuing focus for Kwasny as his campaign continues. He shared that a goal of his is to reduce the contribution level given to campaigns. If this is done it would potentially reduce the monetary importance and influence that has become such a large part of campaigns.
Kwasny stated that “an accurate representative does not require taking money.” He warned that money can and often does buy influence and that is not what campaigns and our political system are meant to be.
Kwasny will be very active in Washtenaw County, with an emphasis on his 53rd District in Ann Arbor continuously leading to the primaries held in August.
