Michael Lyons

Candidate for 13th Congressional District Democrat www.michaellyons.org lyonslaw@alltel.net (330) 310-5926
Employment:
Mayor, Village of Richfield Law Director, City of Norton Formerly Assistant Prosecutor at the Medina County Prosecutor's Office and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office for a combined total of 11 1/2 years
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Cleveland StateUniversity Master's Degree in Political Science from Kent State University Law Degree from Case Western Reserve University
Community Involvement:
Medina County Bar Association Councilman in Richfield for 14 years Planning Commission in Richfield for 4 years Richfield Little League
Family:
Unmarried, no children Two brothers and mother still living.
Why would you like to be elected?
I decided to be a candidate in the Democratic Primary for the 13th Congressional District because we need a representative from the district who knows the issues faced by individuals, families and communities within the district. I believe most Americans are weary of the superficial process engaged in by our political leaders today. My effort as a congressman will be first and foremost to make government work for the people by bringing intellegence and innovation to the work of government. We need leaders who are deliberative when the exchange of ideas is needed and decisive when action is needed. Americans desire that reasonable men and women would provide leadership that moves us forward in a complicated world. I hope that I could contribute to that type of leadership.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Jobs and Economic Development - We need to develop a more cohesive regional approach to economic development and fight to be sure we are on a level playing field with competitors in the global market place. We also need to invest in the future of our region, in the education of the next generation and in the health of our citizens. Health care -- I think we need to take further steps toward a single payer universal coverage health system. This will not only reduce the administrative costs of health care in this country, but it will provide a more level playing field for manufacturers in our region that compete with companies in countries that provide universal coverage or no coverage at all. Education – We must continue to support young people who make the effort to acquire an education, and I will work to retain and establish programs to assist young people in that regard.
How do you think Internet technology will impact government services?
I think internet technology will provide a constant source of innovation in government. We already see the benefits of government information being made available to citizens on the internet. This will make the operation of government accessible, will alter the ability of citizens to participate, and will eventually alter the nature of services provided in way we can not now imagine.