Goodrich-Longtime school board trustee and former WJRT TV-12 morning anchor Michael J. Thorp announced Tuesday he’ll run for state representative for the 51st District.
About two dozen people were present at Cranberries Cafe for the announcement. Thorp, 52, will seek to replace current State Representative David Robinson (R- Grand Blanc), who must step down due to term limits.
‘It’s time for me to put up or shut up,? Thorp said, referring to his criticism of Lansing’s decisions in the past.
Thorp, who has been on Goodrich’s school board for 16 years, said he has witnessed the legislature letting the people down for too long.
‘I decided to run because we need someone to say what they think is the truth when they go to Lansing,? Thorp said.
Thorp said he is aware of the issues, in part, because of his experience with news and media.
He spent 35 years working radio and television, constantly listening and learning about the issues of the area, he said.
‘It has taught me to listen to more than one side of any issue and I’ve learned the questions that have to be asked,? Thorp added.
He believes education is the most important issue in Michigan.
‘Not just K through 12, but we need to train and retrain workers in Michigan for jobs that may not even exist yet,? he said.
Thorp is concerned about the future and said the government needs to look beyond term cycles to make a difference down the road.