WHY I’M RUNNING FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Just six short years ago, Michigan was thriving. Today, we see a much different reality…
“Michigan Economy Nearing Life Support” – FoxNews.com, 4/3/2009
“Michigan Jobless Rate…Highest Since ‘83” – Detroit News, 6/18/2009
“Michigan Again has Highest Jobless Rate, Again” – New York Times, 11/20/2009
Over the past decade, Michigan’s economy has shed upwards of 800,000 jobs and the state is expected to hit the one million mark by the end of 2010. Businesses throughout Michigan continue to struggle, and many people are losing their jobs, their homes, and worst of all, losing confidence that Michigan is on the right track toward recovery.
Michigan is at a critical crossroad. Decisions we make today will affect our families for generations to come. Now more than ever, our district, our region, and our state need strong, focused leadership to help Michigan reclaim its position as the region’s powerhouse. That’s why I’m running to be our next state Representative.
I grew up, started my professional career, and raised my family right here in Washtenaw County. Five generations of my family have made this great county their home. I want our next generation, our children and grandchildren, to have those same opportunities to grow and prosper here in Washtenaw County, should they so choose.
Unfortunately, today, most of our young adults…our talent…are being forced to look elsewhere for those opportunities. And the only answers proposed in Lansing seem to be to raise taxes on our families and place more regulations on job providers. As a businessman, I know first-hand that those tactics quickly bring economic development to a screeching halt.
We must shift our focus in Lansing, and I can think of no better example than what we’ve done right here in our own backyard.
Ann Arbor. Chelsea. Dexter. Manchester. Saline. Whitmore Lake.
Those communities, OUR communities, are continually looked upon as renowned leaders in the very industries that will get our state back to work: entrepreneurism, agriscience, alternative energy, bio-technology, and tourism. I currently serve on the Ann Arbor SPARK (economic development) board – an organization that proudly promotes our region as the “address of innovation.” I couldn’t agree more – and I want our state to regain that status.
In the coming months, I’ll share with you my record of accomplishment for Washtenaw County and the vision I have for our future…my plan to get Michigan back to work. Stay tuned – and please join us on the campaign trail!
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