My Michigan vision isn't much different than the view we see now.  I'm proud to be a resident in a state rich in natural resources, culture, diversity, history, and opportunity.  My family has lived here for as long as we can trace back, and I plan on ensuring that our future generations live and grow experiencing all that our great state has to offer.  Leaving this state is not an option for me.For as far back as I can remember I have spent my summer vacations up north where my family has ties back to the logging days.  I can drive down Main Street and point out where my grandfather lived as a child, see were my uncle's home used to be, remember where our friend owned a resort many years ago, and visit historic cemeteries were generations of my ancestors were laid to rest.  Summers spent up north will always be a part of my life and my future children's lives.

Back home in Metro Detroit I spend my days happy in the knowledge that I live and work in a culturally diverse area where I know that I will come in contact people who have a wide variety of different backgrounds.  I get to experience an amazing array of cultural influences on a daily basis.  Each encounter is an opportunity to learn something about another country, another culture, another language, or another custom.

Michiganders are a strong, smart, and resilient group of people.  Our ancestors built the car industry and we are proud of that heritage.  Like the cars that they built then and we build now, residents of Michigan come in all colors, shapes, sizes, speeds, and style.  We go through our periods of economic hardship and when it appears like we're close to being in trouble.  Sometimes we face hardships that appear worse than surrounding areas.  However there is no doubt in my mind that we will always persevere though those hardships and come out stronger and redesigned to fit in with the ever changing economic climate.

I am proud to say that I am from Michigan, and know that I will always be able to say that.  Michigan will always be my home.  There is no doubt in my mind that no matter what we are faced with in the future, we will pull through like we have always done.  My vision for Michigan is one that is strong, vibrant, and full of promise; just like we always have been.