Last week during the Kentwood parade, I met a woman who was amazed that I was on the school board. I could understand, the folks in Kentwood don’t pay attention to what happens in Caledonia. But it wasn’t that. She was amazed that I was serving on a school board at all.
Amazed about the Caledonia school board? Honestly, I thought I was just stepping up to a task.
Eight years ago when I first began thinking about the school board, I began with a simple notion: how can I make this community better? After all, I grew up here. This is my home. I had the opportunity to help, so I took it.
That was what also had motivated me to serve on committees with the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. I wanted to share the gifts I’ve received. And this idea that we are to be a blessing to others also lies at the heart of my campaign for the State House.
And that’s one of the big differences in this campaign. Over the years, I’ve lead real organizations, shared my time and talent with others, shouldered the responsibility, and sought to improve our life together. That’s a record of public service very different from some who run for office with little record of leading or taking responsibility in their community.
It’s a hands-on public service. In Lansing, I’ll bring that same commitment to my tasks in the Legislature to make things better for our community and for our State.
