Tillsonburg’s Jim Casha will be following the results of the U.S. election on Nov. 5 more closely than most Canadians because he’s actually a candidate in one of the most hotly contended races, Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.
The 69-year-old retired engineer has been living in Ontario since marrying his wife – Roxanne Casha – almost three decades ago. But has been trying to alert American politicians and policy-makers to an issue he believes is heavily contributing to the ongoing spate of school shootings throughout the U.S.
“As an activist in the Detroit area years ago, I was trying to bring to the attention of legislators and the governor the need to address pre-natal alcohol,” Casha said, explaining his passion for the topic of fetal alcohol syndrome grew from his own family situation because his adopted siblings were affected.
Since learning about a connection between the birth defect and some mass school shooters, Casha has been urging leaders to protect unborn children from alcohol abuse. “Prevention is the only solution.”
So, the displaced American decided to run for a spot in the Michigan House of Representatives, preparing to change his address to his mother’s home as necessary, when he learned of a technical loophole.
“On my way to register at the county clerk’s, I was reading the rules and it said you have to reside in the state when elected but it didn’t say you have to live in Michigan while running for election,” he said.
At the county clerk’s office they insisted Casha couldn’t run but, a phone call to the state found he was correct and he is now an independent Green Party candidate.
While he’s doubtful he’ll earn enough votes to get the job, especially because his Republican and Democratic opponents are spending money lavishly, he’s busy attending conventions and rallies, getting the word out about the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Whether it’s Democrat or Republican events, Casha attends many Michigan events and passes out his cards. He says getting the attention of Robert F. Kennedy, who has espoused a wellness campaign for kids, would be ideal.
He’s tried to get the book The Fatal Link, by Jody Allen Crowe, into the politicians’ hands as it lays out a theory that the bulk of school shooters in 30 years were likely exposed to alcohol in utero.
He hounded the Detroit News to pick up the cause and wants to do more. “I think I can make an impact here and bring it to national attention.”
But, he admits, winning in Michigan would mess up his pleasant Canadian life.
“I just found out I’m now qualified for this new reduced dental plan and I thought ‘Canada’s a great country’ so I’m staying for now,” he said. “I’m not that dumb.”