Scripps announces candidacy for state representative.

Dan Scripps

NORTHPORT — Former State Representative Dan Scripps last week filed the paperwork as a candidate for State Representative in the 101^stDistrict, launching his bid to again represent the people of Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, and Mason counties in the Michigan House of Representatives. Scripps, an attorney who currently serves as president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, a non-profit organization focused on energy innovation. He previously served as State Representative for the 101^st District from 2009-2010. He was defeated in 2010 by current representative Ray Franz, whom Scripps defeated in 2008. Franz (R-Onekama) is serving his third and final term in the House.

“The people of Michigan deserve better than what we’re getting from our state government,” said Scripps. “With a legislature far more focused on playing games and blaming one another than working together to solve problems, it’s no wonder that our roads are crumbling, local schools are squeezed, and more and more families feel that no one is listening to them. It’s time again to have a representative that puts people first.”

During his time in the State House, Scripps chaired the House Banking and Financial Services Committee, where he worked on the state response to the worst housing and financial crisis since the Great Depression. Scripps was also active on energy, conservation, and election reform issues, and voted against every cut to education while also backing what he calls “common sense reforms”.

Since leaving the Legislature, Scripps said he has focused on energy issues, including helping to create the nation’s first “green bank” and working with advanced energy businesses in Michigan and across the country to attract investment, develop projects and create jobs in this rapidly growing industry.

“I’m running for State Representative to again give local families a voice in state government,” said Scripps. “For northwest Michigan to succeed in this economy, we need a Representative who listens to local people and leads on the issues most important to them. From creating good paying, year-round jobs to investing in our schools to protecting our Great Lakes to fixing our roads and building the infrastructure of the future, I look forward to again representing the people and priorities of northwest Michigan in the state capitol.”

Scripps plans to follow this announcement with a series of coffee hours and town hall meetings across the district, including stops in each of Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, and Mason counties.

“To be effective in representing local voices in Lansing, you need to listen to local voters in communities across this district,” Scripps said. “I look forward to speaking with local residents, listening to their concerns, and again representing their priorities.”