Rutherford discusses Cuba, politics in Pontiac visit

Posted on May 18, 2016

By Eric Stock/Cynthia Grau,WJEZ

PONTIAC – Former State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is back in his hometown promoting his latest venture – private tours of Cuba.

In a speech to the Pontiac Rotary Club on Tuesday, Rutherford says lifting the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba would warm relations with the Communist nation and give its people hope.

“To see billboards that show children of Cuba with the phrases such as ‘We don’t have nutrition and milk because the Americans won’t sell it to us,’ I think that has a greater harm to our larger public policy goals than selling medicine and food to an island,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford has several additional trips to Cuba planned for the future.

President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro agreed to restore diplomatic relations in December 2014, but the embargo would require congressional action.

He added that his political career is ‘recessed’ and wouldn’t rule out a return to politics.

“I am going to enjoy life for a while, I am going to do some travel,” Rutherford said. “As for as politics and government (are concerned), we shall see.”

His failed campaign for governor in 2014 was marred by a sexual harassment and lawsuit.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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