Jerry Zandstra is the President of the Pro-Life Federation of Michigan, professor in Economics, and candidate for United States Senate in 2006.  He is currently working on several film projects that are bringing hundreds of jobs to West Michigan.  Rick Snyder is the former CEO of Gateway Computer, former Chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and founder of a prominent venture capital firm.  

Zandstra had the opportunity to have an online discussion with Rick Snyder this week to talk to him about his exploratory committee, economic development, and social issues.

When are you planning to announce your campaign officially?

I am going to spend the next few months talking with and listening to those hardest hit by the economy and developing solutions to Michigan's problems.

We have received several requests for media interviews but the campaign activities are going to have to wait until we make the final decision to run and have an opportunity talk with workers across the state.  You are one of the people working hard to bring jobs to Michigan in the emerging film industry so I thought it made sense to talk with you today.

I haven't decided yet which candidate I will support for Governor.  I am personally very fond of Pete Hoekstra, but I also find your potential candidacy appealing.  Why do you believe that you are the best candidate for Governor, say better than Hoekstra, Terri Land, or Mike Cox?

I don't know the other candidates well but I trust they are very fine people.  I just think that the voters of Michigan believe that the professional politicians have failed them.  They are hungry for leaders from the private sector with a strong and proven record of running successful businesses who will put forth bold solutions to solve Michigan's problems.

I will spend a significant amount of time over the next few months talking to people who have been hardest hit by the economy because there is nothing more important than turning around Michigan's economy.  I believe that I have the best experience in job creation, economic development, and can inspire people of all parties to work together to fix our state.  

It isn't going to be easy, but we have innovative ideas and a vision that we will put forth to create jobs, spark growth, and change the direction of Michigan's future for the better.

Can you tell me a little about your business experience and involvement with economic development?

I co-founded and became Chairman and CEO of Ardesta after a successful capital raise of $103 million in 2000.  Ardesta is one of the nation's largest investment firms focused on micro and nanotechnology companies.  It has eight companies spread across the U.S. focused on small tech products in fields ranging from life science to clean tech to communications. In 1997, I founded and led Avalon Investments, Inc., a venture capital company targeted at investments in technology-oriented ventures. Avalon was established as a $100 million fund targeting early stage technology investments.  From 1997 to 2000, it invested in 24 companies, including several that were based on technology transferred from universities.  

From 1991 to 1997, I served as Executive Vice President and then President and COO of Gateway, Inc. My responsibilities included overseeing all company operations and assisting in the strategic direction of the company.  During my tenure at Gateway, the company grew from a privately held $600 million company to a NYSE-traded organization with revenues in excess of $6 billion.  I served as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Gateway from 2005 to 2007.  In 2006, I served as interim CEO of Gateway.

I have been active in community affairs and have held leadership positions in a variety of charitable and economic development organizations. Currently, I serve as founding Chairman of Ann Arbor SPARK, the economic development organization for the Ann Arbor region.  In addition, I am active on the board of directors or advisory boards of several privately held companies and community and educational organizations, including The Henry Ford, The Nature Conservancy - Michigan Chapter, the New Economy Initiative, and The University of Michigan.  

I was also the first Chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

I know it is early in the process, but can you give us a glimpse of what your plans will be for economic development?

I intend to spend the next few months crisscrossing the state and meeting with people.  It wouldn't be appropriate to have that discussion prior to listening to the ideas and concerns of the people hardest hit by the economy.  

I am going to wait to release our ideas, but in a general sense it is safe to assume that our tax policies need to be revamped, that our structural deficit needs to be improved, and that our citizens need to be inspired by a vision of where we want to take the state.

What are your top priorities?

I am laser-focused on fixing our broken economy.  Other issues pale in comparison if you can't afford to pay your mortgage and keep your house.  

Michigan is last in growth.  Our kids have to move away to get jobs.  We need to fix the economy and we need to do it now.  Once the economy gets moving again then we can begin working on other important issues.

I agree with you that the economy is the number one issue in 2010 but as the President of the Pro-Life Federation of Michigan, I feel obligated to ask you a few questions about social issues.

Do you consider yourself conservative, moderate, or liberal?

I am an entrepreneur rather than a politician so I haven't had to label myself ideologically.  I am pro-business and pro-job growth but I am also pro-environment.  I don't think protecting our natural resources needs to conflict with job growth.  We can do both.

So I care deeply about the environment but I consider myself to be a conservative.  I am fundamentally for efficient and accountable government, lower taxes, and pro-growth tax policies.

Where are you on abortion?

I am a pro-life, pro-family Republican.  It is unfortunate there isn't consensus on this issue, but I understand the strong emotional argument on both sides. What there must be consensus on however is a commitment on the quality of life we offer Michigan children and to future generations: A great education; good and plentiful jobs; safe and vibrant communities; and a clean environment.

Where do you stand on gun control?

I support the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. We own two rifles and a shotgun which we use for recreational purposes.

What about gay marriage?

I believe that marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman and thus oppose gay marriage.  I also believe people have the right to enter into other types of agreements other than marriage.

Let's end with the economy.  Do you think it is a mistake for Cherry to run on the Granholm record?

I will leave the political analysis to the experts.  My expertise is in creating jobs and the Granholm record of tax increases and a lack of vision have led to job losses and a structural deficit.  We have to remember that the recession hit Michigan long before the national calamity as a result of the failed policies and lack of leadership in Lansing.  I have been talking to voters hardest hit by the economy and I don't think they want to continue down this path.  I think they want to hire someone with experience in creating jobs and economic development to turn this state around.

People across the state are going to be very interested in your campaign and thoughts on turning this state around.  How should I tell our readers to get in touch with you?

Please have them email me at hq@snyderforgovexploratory.com.

Thank you for time today Rick.  I am not sure who I am going to support in this race but I can tell you that you would be a tremendous asset for our state as Governor and I could easily end up voting for you.  We agree on most issues and fixing the economy is critical in 2010.  I wish you luck on the campaign trail.

Thanks Jerry.  I hope to earn your support.