Labor Day Decisions

Molly, Nick (13) , Megan (11), and I took a trip East over Labor Day for one last family summer weekend together before school started. With Nick and Megan in middle school and studying American History, we decided to take our trip to Philadelphia and Boston.

What a great time. We all really enjoyed the sights, history, and time together.

Walking through Independence Hall in Philadelphia, taking the walking tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail, and standing in the shadows of our Founding Fathers is truly awe inspiring. Although I’ve been there before, this visit as a Dad and exploring with our children was especially meaningful. Our entire family had time to reflect on how lucky we are that those brave and brilliant men we call Founding Fathers stood tall and risked it all to secure our freedom and establish our great country.

It also gave me time to reflect on the encouragement I’ve received to run for State Representative. Through recent actions, we’ve watched government at various levels restrict our freedom. In this last budget debacle we’ve seen a lack of leadership in the Michigan House, and a lack of fiscal constraint of our government. We’ve seen Lansing claim that they’re broke and have to raise our taxes while they build a shiny new State Police Headquarters.

The task of running and serving as a State Representative will require sacrifice for our family, and is not an easy decision to make. I have a business to run, we have our family to raise, and we have our current volunteer commitments to keep us plenty busy.

But, after being reminded of the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers, I realized the sacrifices we would make truly pale in comparison to theirs. I also realize that it is important that people with the right perspective on government step up and run for offices.

As a faithful family, we had been praying over the decision; asking God for direction and help to make this important decision.

Back at home and at the dinner table after returning from our Labor Day trip, Megan asked, “Dad, when are you going to run for State Representative?” That certainly led to heartfelt discussion over dinner. Megan, Nick, and Molly each individually encouraged me to run because they felt we could do the right things for Michigan and keep the vision of our Founding Fathers in our sights. As a family we decided we would campaign and serve together. We would look forward to community events, going door to door, and meeting voters. We felt I could bring the voice of families, small business operators, and job creators to Lansing.

As a small business owner I decided I could (and should) maintain my business so I can continue to understand how Lansing’s decisions affect keeping, attracting, and creating jobs. As a father, I decided we would balance our family lives with public service. And, as parents Molly & I can teach Nick and Megan that we all have a duty to our community. We can lead by example to demonstrate the importance of concern and action for our neighbors.

We need our state government to set common sense priorities. We need Michigan to turn around; we need to attract, keep, and create jobs for our families.

It was not an easy decision to make, but it is one that is made with firm resolve and solid faith: I will run for State Representative.

Our Founding Fathers’ significant sacrifices have made generations of lives better. I hope our much more moderate sacrifices can improve the lives of our children and grandchildren.