By Natalie Blythe
VIEW Managing Editor

GOODRICH — Michael J. Thorp, 52, officially announced his candidacy for state representative for the 51st District May 6 at Cranberries Café.

Thorp, a Goodrich Democrat, has been in the radio and television industry for 30 years and was the host and producer of ABC’s Newsmaker program. He currently is working on The Huckleberry Radio Hour project for Crossroads Village.

Politically, he served on the Goodrich School Board for 16 years as both president and vice president. He currently is a director of the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Thorp and his wife Ginny have two daughters, Ella, 17, and Libby, 25.

He said that he has been approached by local business people, politicians and other citizens to run for higher office. A press release notes Thorp “wants to be in a position where he is no longer just reporting the news but is able to affect the outcome of it.”

“Something has to give. People are suffering and long-term goals are not being generated or met. If we don’t start looking down the road to 2020 instead of the next election, nothing will change,” he said.

“I have been encouraged to run for this office by both Democrats and Republicans in my district,” Thorp said. “I am a Democrat, but I have the support of ‘people.’ That is how I view my district, as people, not by their party affiliation.”

The 51st District includes Grand Blanc, Mundy, Argentine, Atlas and Fenton townships, Grand Blanc, Linden and Fenton cities and the Village of Goodrich.

Thorp will host a fundraiser May 14 at Brick Street Bar and Grill in Grand Blanc. Details: 810-636-2464.

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