Michael Brown

Michael Brown was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1983 to 1987. He earned a bachelor's degree from Siena Heights College in 1996. His career experience includes working as a state police captain. Brown was twice elected as a Berrien County commissioner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’ve spent my entire adult life serving this great nation. From my time in the Marine Corps to my thirty-four year career in law enforcement, I’ve dedicated myself to helping improve our communities and our country.

I’m running for Governor because our state is broken and going in the wrong direction. Businesses are closed. Jobs are lost. Crime is up. Our roads are a mess. I could go on and on.

We need principled, conservative leadership to solve these problems. My entire career I’ve brought teams together to identify problems and find solutions. That’s what I’ll do for Michigan.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Roads: I drive our roads regularly; in fact, I’ve logged over one million miles on Michigan roadways. We all know our roads are a disaster. The time for action is now. As Governor, I’ll work to identify and implement solutions that will not require raising taxes. For instance, the state currently collects over $1 billion in sales tax on gas purchases and none of it is used to maintain our roads. We can immediately dedicate this revenue toward fixing our roads as a first step. It will take some reshuffling of budget priorities, but we can make it happen without raising taxes. Every one of the eighty-three counties will have their own individual infrastructure plan. Also, every DNR managed boat launch in the top recreational ports will be impPublic Safety: Michigan ranks 13th nationally in violent crime. During my 34-years in law enforcement, I’ve seen the toll first-hand and have devoted decades to helping communities. We must not cave into the demands of the “defund the police” crowd. Continued funding of law enforcement will be a priority for me. I’ve already successfully advocated for body cameras for State Police Troopers and Sergeants. As Governor, I’ll also provide the needed leadership to revamp our law enforcement agencies to improve efficiency in policing. I’ll also provide scholarship opportunities at each regional police academy to assist the midsize and smaller agencies in Michigan and help them recruit the best and brightest into the law enforcement profession.Jobs & Workforce: As I travel the state, I can’t help but see the remnants of businesses that closed because of government-ordered shutdowns. Some estimates are that over 40% of Michigan small businesses have closed. Nearly 400,000 jobs were lost because of the draconian lockdown policies that destroyed businesses and the workforce. We’re also seeing major employers relocating to other states because of our government’s failed policies. As Governor I’ll cut onerous business taxes, eliminate burdensome regulations, and make Michigan the most business-friendly state in the Midwest. I will also support training programs that will allow rapid employee development into high demand industries outside of typical educational programs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Every community wants three things. Starting with a safe community, quality education and great economic opportunities. I have the most expertise in public safety, but I love agriculture and supporting Michigan's outdoor enthusiasts who love to hunt and fish in the fields and lakes of Michigan. I'm an avid outdoorsman, and have a farming background as well, so my passion comes from my experience.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire my best friend Tim Flynn’s commitment to his community. He served twenty-six years on the local school board and has lived in his community his whole life and is very connected. He also volunteers for numerous groups and citizens when they need assistance. Having moved around in my career with the State Police you see the impact that citizens make when they are committed to one community.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"An American Life" by President Ronald Reagan. I was inspired by President Reagan’s communication to the American people and his vision for America. That prompted me to join the Republican Party and seek office in my 20’s and win election to the County Board of Commissioners. President Reagan was for a strong national defense and opportunity for all citizens which is what I admired.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe as Governor the most important characteristics are honesty, compassion, self-awareness, and decisiveness.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have always had a great sense of what the citizens are thinking and identifying issues before they become crisis situations. I am very skilled at bringing high performing individuals and teams together and accomplishing the mission for the citizens. Also, I love doing any type of manual labor and believe all work is honorable.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Providing communication and leadership on improving the quality of life of Michigan's citizens. This core tenant will lead to crime free communities, economic prosperity, and quality educational opportunities.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As Governor, my passion and decisions were always guided by what is right for the citizens! When I am done serving, Michigan will be a safe and prosperous state that no one desires to leave.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I vividly remember the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut October 23, 1983 when I was in the Marine Corps. I was in the infantry, and we were training to deploy wherever needed upon the order of President Reagan.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I learned the value of hard work growing up in a farming community. When I was fourteen years old, I began working on the local farms picking apples, hauling brush, bailing hay, and milking cows. My strong work ethic today was formed in the early 5 am walks to the neighboring farm to milk the cows. I milked cows from age 14 to 18 before I went in the Marine Corps.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I like the Virgil Flower’s series of novels by author John Sandford. I love to read and last time I checked I had read over 400 novels from the local library.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

He is a real character but played by many others in movies – Daniel Boone.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Brantley Gilbert's "Kick it in the Sticks"

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have had some incredibly demanding jobs such as a narcotics team leader. I struggle with devoting as much time and thought to family relationships and time over the years.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

It means there is an immense amount of responsibility serving the citizens and also being an effective visionary leader to the State of Michigan employees where they are inspired to serve the citizens.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

There are three core responsibilities that are my priorities. My governing philosophy will be guided on having safe communities, quality educational opportunities, and economic opportunity for everyone regardless of community.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

The governor should provide the framework and lay out spending priorities to accomplish policy objectives improving the quality of life for citizens. These spending priorities should be fair to every citizen of the state and not targeted to special interests. The Governor should vigorously advocate for their priorities with the legislative branch but actually listen to the house and senate.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

The line-item veto should be used only when the amount of money or program is of no valuable service to the citizens.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

It should be approached as a partnership. The house and senate are close to the people and hear their daily concerns. As Governor you need to be able to listen to those concerns as you develop policy and budget priorities. I have had an open-door policy in many leadership positions and will continue to be accessible.

What do you love most about your state?

I love the natural resources of Michigan from the great lakes to the vibrant agriculture and timber industry. Michigan is a great place to live, and the diversity of people and communities make it a special place. My only years outside of Michigan were when I was in the Marine Corps.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Our greatest challenge is to have the economic and educational opportunities to prevent the best and brightest from leaving the state. Whether that is the young professionals, skilled trades workers, or retirees leaving because of tax policy Michigan needs to do a better job in retaining citizens. Also reducing gun violence and violent crime in communities will be a priority.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I don’t have one.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Governors should only use emergency powers with natural disasters and public safety threats to communities.

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