Tracy Ruell

Tracy Ruell was born in Big Rapids, Michigan. Ruell's career experience includes working in business. Ruell has been affiliated with the Big Rapids Rotary.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hard work is at the core of my story. I grew up on a farm in Big Rapids, where my family faced significant challenges after PBBs contaminated cattle feed supplement across Michigan, forcing us to shut down our farm and find a new path forward.

Throughout high school, I balanced being a student and a member of the cheer squad with financially supporting myself and contributing to my family. At 16, I started working at a local McDonald's, where my strong performance quickly led to promotions. Over the next 20+ years, I rose from Crew Member to Area General Manager, leading teams, opening new stores, and managing multiple restaurants.

I also worked for another big local employer, Meijer, where I provided critical leadership on operations and scheduling at the corporate offices. My career journey has been defined by rolling up my sleeves, enduring long commutes, and achieving results.

While building my career, I graduated from Ferris State University and grew my family. In 1996, I married my husband Rob, and together we raised two wonderful children, Lilly and Hunter, both proud graduates of our state’s public universities. Besides balancing my career and raising my children, I have provided operations support to my husband’s insulation business, International Insulation Fabricator's Inc., and donated my time with community organizations like Angels of Action and am a proud member of the Big Rapids Rotary.

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?

Building local economies is important: I support opportunities that lead to jobs for middle class wages and benefits.Protecting individual freedoms: I trust that people are capable of making their own health care choices alongside with their doctors. I will work to protect the rights of all and that includes the LGBTQ+ community.Championing Community Initiatives: I will work to better the lives of every member and believe that protecting the environment is key.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Protecting the environment, protecting individual rights, proper funding for a strong public education and supporting opportunities for jobs with middle class wages.

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

I look up to my grandmother, she is 95 and says that there is always something to be thankful for. I look up to my deceased grandfather who never graduated from high school and became a leader in the community. He was one of the founding members of our community's housing commission. I look up to my mother who at 70 years of age works 6 days a week in her gift shop and still finds a way to support her community in many initiatives. I look up to my father, who is the hardest working, kindest and funniest man I know. I looked up to Jack Batdorff who used to own the local newspaper and believed that everyone should have a voice. I looked up to the owner of the first company that I worked for Rick Steckley, he was the most generous man that I have ever met. I have been blessed to have many people in my life provide opportunity for this farm girl to go out in the world and learn.

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

The Republic by Plato

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

Fiscally responsible, trustworthy and transparent.

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

I believe in getting knowledge from as close to the source as I get, I believe in sharing that knowledge without an agenda. I am fiscally responsible in that I have helped to pull companies out of debt and at 45 owned my home without a mortgage. I have the courage to stand up for those that need their voices heard.

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

To share accurate information with their constituents in order for them to make educated opinions on policy and provide feedback to the elected officer as to how a policy should move forward.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I helped to provide opportunities for people to lift themselves up into the middle class while protecting the environment for future generations.

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

1979, During the energy crisis and there were long lines for Gas. Our farm had its own gas tank and pump. I remember my father concerned about not being able to get gas for the tractors. I was 7 years old.

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

McDonalds, 20+ years

What is your favorite book? Why?

Because it changes all the time, currently: Braving the Wilderness by Brene' Brown. I always appreciate her encouragement to step up, be vulnerable, get uncomfortable and do what you think is right. Even if that means you feel alone, the truth is you probably aren't.

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

Wonder Woman

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

There was a time in my life when I was so poor the only meal I ate was when I was working at McDonalds. I was young and it was due to debt. I decided then that being financially secure would be a priority.

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

They should partner together to do what is best for the citizens of the state. In Michigan our state has a large rural portion while most of the citizens live in the few large municipalities. There needs to be a balance in monies spent so that all of our state thrives. I believe this is where the legislature and Governor can work together and be a checks and balance to each other.

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

The environment and growing opportunities for middle class wages.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

If that was a prerequisite our state would miss out on the opportunity of hardworking and wise citizens with a great deal of life experience, running for candidacy.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, polarization is leading to stagnation. The best policy will always be built when people with opposing views design it.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, A mother of a child with a disease that if not treated often will take her life. She takes her child to New York because it is easier for her to get her treatment there. Here is he caveat, she is a nurse in Michigan with insurance. The cost of travel is straining their family and the issue is access to care.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I am funny but terrible at telling jokes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Democratic Rural Caucus

What committees interest you?

Appropriation committees

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

A government must be financially responsible and transparent about the monies it is spending and to whom. I don't believe in dark money PAC's where funds are provided to candidates and the electors do not have visibility to who is actually providing those funds.