PRESS RELEASE
March 11, 2008
Janis Burgess of Menominee, Michigan, today officially announced
her candidacy for State Representative for the 108th District, which
includes Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties.
“I’m running to be a strong voice for the 108th District and all
of the U.P.,” Burgess said. “I’ve built a career fighting for people.
I know how to stand up to the establishment, and how to get things
done. I will make sure that we are heard and that our concerns receive
the respect and attention that they deserve. Sending our jobs and
our education dollars to downstate communities is not acceptable
and can no longer be tolerated. I’ve been actively campaigning for
this seat for the past year and am pleased to make this official
announcement today.”
Burgess is proud of the broad based support she has received from
across the district, including Susan Anthony, Linda Miller Atkinson,
Delta County Commissioner Darrel Bengry, Gary Benjamin, Gary Bjorkquist,
Dickinson County Sheriff Don Charlevoix, Mark Cini, Richard and
Jo Ann Clark, Delta County Commissioner Tom Elegeert, Dr. John and
Mrs. Cathy Groeneveld, Diana Ketola, Menominee Mayor George and
Mrs. Pat Krah, Linda Murto, Nancy Nyquist, Ross Parcels, Gabrielle
Salfai-Hipke, Bill and Jill Schwanz, Estelle Smyth, Bill Swartz,
Bill Verette, and many others.
“There is no more beautiful place to live than our Upper Peninsula,”
according to Burgess, “and with that privilege comes responsibility.
We must cultivate sustainable jobs that will last and pay livable
wages, and demand equality in educational funding and opportunities,
to enable our communities to thrive. I will work tirelessly to help
bring the kinds of jobs to our area that will support families,
while fighting to keep the jobs that we have. With me, the district
gets a strong, experienced, consistent advocate.”
The first in her family to go to college, Burgess recognizes the
value of education. “Education equals opportunity. If provided the
tools, each student has the chance to shape his or her own future
through college, technical or vocational training, job retraining
or career change assistance. I believe that we continue to be students
all of our lives. Opportunities to grow continue to present themselves,
so I see education as a life-long process.”
The third of six children, Burgess was raised in a working class
family in the Upper Peninsula’s Chippewa County. “My dad worked
in the woods and |
fixed cars. My mom was a waitress and cleaned motels. They had
no money to spare, but gave me the encouragement and taught me
the work ethic I needed to put myself through Michigan State University
and Wayne State University Law School. I definitely appreciate
the sacrifices necessary to follow your dreams.”
Burgess became a lawyer in 1979 and practiced in the Detroit area
for ten years before returning home to the U.P. She is admitted
to practice in all state courts in Michigan and Wisconsin, Federal
courts in Michigan, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and
the U.S. Supreme Court. Her further qualifications for the position
of state representative include governmental experience as the
City of Menominee’s Attorney, a full time staff position from
1989 to 1999, before returning to private practice. Burgess served
twelve years as the Chair of the Menominee County Democrats and
is in her fourteenth year as a member of the Michigan Democratic
Party’s State Central Committee.
Burgess is known for her years of service to her community and
her profession which include:
* Eight years on the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications
Committee (interviewing and recommending to the Governor candidates
for judicial appointment).
* Eighteen years as an Attorney Discipline Board Hearing Panel
Member (hearing and deciding grievances filed against attorneys).
* 2005 Governor’s Appointee to the Joint International Bridge
Authority (overseeing operations of the International Bridge between
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario).
* 2007 Mayor’s Appointee to the City of Menominee Police and Fire
Pension Board.
* Volunteer for Menominee County 4H Dare to Dream Riders (therapeutic
riding program).
* Member of Holy Spirit Church and choir member at Resurrection
Parish.
“I’ve been representing people for 29 years – one client at a
time. I’m eager to represent the people of the 108th District
in Lansing as a strong voice and a tireless advocate for the U.P.
and our way of life.”
Janis Burgess can be contacted at:
Janis Burgess for State Rep.
1704 14th Avenue
Menominee MI 49858
(906) 864-2351
janis@burgess108.com
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