Austin for Michigan
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    • Starts With Education
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My Story

John Austin Make a Difference
I’ve made my life in Michigan raising our family, living the Michigan Dream, and my work has been about helping that dream come alive for others.

I was born and raised in the coalfields of West Virginia, son of a Presbyterian Minister who wanted to fight the War on Poverty.  I saw a lot of struggle and suffering, families without jobs, children without good schools or health care, a beautiful state wrecked and polluted by strip-mining of coal. Older, I went to school and went to work, learned about and saw the power of good political leadership to create jobs and help people have a chance at a decent life.

I met my wife-to-be Terese over 30 years ago here in Michigan - where we decided to make our lives and raise our family.  I saw a huge economic and racial divide between Detroit and its suburbs, where my wife was born and raised. I started out in Flint working to improve the schools and build paths to better life for young people --  and saw a lot of the same struggles that I grew up with in West Virginia.
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Since then I have worked tirelessly to make a difference on the things that matter to create economic opportunity and a shot at a better life for others. My professional and elected service has been all about improving Michigan, providing leadership in areas that help us transform our economy:  education, higher education, revitalizing our cities, welcoming immigrants, protecting the outdoors and environment, driving innovation and new business development, and creating the new “blue & green” economy of the future.

My credentials:
  • Harvard Kennedy School of Government – Master’s in Public Administration
  • Fenton Planning Commissioner
  • Chair, Genesee County Road Commission
  • President, Flint Roundtable
  • President, State Board of Education
  • Director, $100 million New Economy Initiative
  • Brookings Institution Nonresident Senior Fellow
  • Director, Michigan Economic Center
  • Lecturer on the Economy, University of Michigan

Paid for by Austin for Michigan Committee, 7187 Richmond Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
  • Home
  • My Story
  • My Vision
    • Starts With Education
    • Economy of the Future
    • The Most Welcoming State
    • Build Amazing Communities
    • Conservation Leader Once More
  • Get Involved
    • Contact Us
    • Vote for John
  • News
  • Donate