Public service is important to me.  For the past 11 years I have been Mayor of Harper Woods. As mayor I donate my mayoral wages to a college scholarship fund that has helped dozens of promising high school students. Prior to that I was a school board member for 14 years serving as President and Vice President. Professionally, I have been a public school educator for over 40 years.

The economy and job loss is my No. 1 priority.  I will work to: diversify our economic base; support incentives to bring high-growth businesses to Michigan; lower the cost of business in our state by reducing the tax burden on small businesses; expand the 21st Century Jobs Fund to cover more industries; and restore and grow property values and lower the number of foreclosures.
 
I will increase investment in our schools, infrastructure, and our environment, especially our Great Lakes.  We need innovative ways of financing these investments.  Better roads, top-notch schools, and a clean environment will improve the lives of our citizens and attract new businesses to our state.
 
We can get things done.  Many folks in Lansing continue to place politics over good government while our citizens suffer.  I have a history of building coalitions that has produced results in my community.