James is no Michael Taylor

Unlike Mayor Michael Taylor, John James will not stand up for Michigan

I’m disappointed by Republican leadership at all levels. That’s why Mayor Taylor’s column (“Trump administration bungled pandemic response,” June 19 Macomb Daily) really stood out. Taylor is a Republican who puts his Sterling Heights constituents above personal and political gains. He offered a truthful, clear-eyed assessment of President Trump’s “bungled pandemic response” following Vice President Pence’s visit to Sterling Heights.

Taylor is brave enough to say what everyone knows is true. For weeks President Trump “dragged his feet” on procuring PPE, testing and support to essential workers. Trump was too busy pitting states against each other for PPE and medical equipment, posing for photos with a bible, bullying on Twitter, spreading conspiracy theories, and planning a rally with thousands of people in the midst of a pandemic. Taylor isn’t afraid to be a Republican that stands up to his party’s President and do what’s right for Michigan by focusing on “uniting our nation, healing our wounds, protecting the vulnerable, and safely reengaging our workforce.”

Not all Republicans are as admirable as Taylor, primarily Republican candidate John James. James’ silence is a huge disappointment as is his participation in Pence’s photo op. Macomb has almost 7,000 cases of COVID-19, over 860 deaths. James has not called out Trump for his disastrous pandemic response, instead joins Mike Pence for lunch in a packed restaurant, all while neither wears a mask. James’ actions show me he will not be an independent voice in Washington, James is running to serve Trump not Michigan. Kristina Lodovisi

Warren