Michele Berry

What is your position on smoke-free Michigan or smoke-free Oakland County (depending on office sought)?

A Smoke-Free Michigan/Oakland County will benefit all residents. Gathering in public places, workplaces restaurants where we can be exposed to second hand smoke and its harmful effects becomes out of the control of individual choice. Since we have exposed the health risks in smoking each person must take responsibility for their actions and where and whom they effect.

What is your position on the medical marijuana ballot initiative?

The usage of marijuana for cancer, AIDS and other extremely sick patients has a strong point, over synthetic drugs of which have many side effects or no effect at all to benefit the patient. I do advocate herbal remedies over pharmaceutical drugs which are produced not to cure but in most cases to sustain illness. Herbal drugs such as Gota Kola regenerate tissue and help the body. PassionFlower is used to relax instead of tranquilzers. Although marijuana is not in the category of Herbal Remedies neither is Aloe Vera, which kills Human Papilloma Virus/Planters Wart over any pharmaceutical remedy or procedure. Why do we not have information, cross-referencing, and regulation on Herbal Remedies? Highly Regulated usage of marijuana may benefit those in need increasing their quality of life. The sick patient or family should not be growing marijuana but the drug should be grown under regulated circumstances and dispensed as a prescription creating a highly regulated market.

How would you address the issue of underage drinking?

Alcohol is a very addictive and destructive drug especially when used at an early age. I will support the Attorney General Action to Prevent & Reduce Underage Drinking. I will support after school and summer programs with volunteers to occupy idle time. I will support our local schools year round on drug prevention especially during football games, graduation, and Prom night.

What is your position on using liquor license revenue as a way to generate additional revenue for the state and local municipalities?

If it curbs the applications for licenses great, but to generate revenue from businesses that will eventually sell to minors and cause lifelong problems and possibly death…I say no.

What have you done to support substance abuse prevention in your community?

I have set an example that you can have fun without alcohol and or drugs. When parties occur with the young people, Parent Patrols are set up to monitor the event. Contacting of officials when necessary. Volunteer.