2012 Special Olympics Polar Plunge            Legislator of the Year announcement                 With my wife Diana, and sons Mitch & Nick

Jeff Farrington is the State Representative for Utica and northern Sterling Heights.  The State Rep race in 2010 was the first election he ever ran in and did so to help create an environment in Michigan that is condusive to job growth.  He also believes that it is important to keep our spending in line with revenue and he's proud to be part of a legislative body that finished the most recent budget ahead of schedule, with $1.5 billion in less spending.   

Here's a little background to help you get to know Jeff: 

My parents, Tom & Marie, raised my three sisters (Terry, Sandy & Lori) and I in Utica.  I've been a resident of Sterling Heights (where my mom still lives) and Utica for over 32 years, living in Michigan my entire life.  I graduated from Utica High School in 1983 and was a member of their championship baseball team as a pitcher and third baseman.  On the geeky side, I was also a high school national finalist in D.E.C.A. (the only Michigan student that year to earn a "finalist" ranking.)  

Over a ten year period I balanced family, work and school attending Macomb Community College, then earning a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree at Walsh College in 1988 and a Master's degree in 1993 from Walsh.  This experience demonstrated to me the importance of a good education and I want to make sure it's available for the next generation.  Along the way I married my high school sweetheart, Diana Corning.  Twenty six years later that wonderful story continues.  

My work career has not been one spent in politics.  I'm a business person by trade and proud of it.  I've spent a lifetime helping others find jobs as a professional in the staffing industry.  Much of my career was spent with a national staffing firm where I worked my way up from the bottom, eventually becoming a Vice President at the age of 36 with a knack for turning around poor performing operations.  Along the way I was awarded for top performance as an individual performer, and as as a leader.  

In 2004 I walked away from what most people would consider a dream job.  I was a VP with all the perks one hopes for when they take the career route I took, yet I turned in my "corporate shoes" and decided to follow the dream of starting and growing my own business.  That experience showed me how the state and federal governments can hinder or help the atmosphere of economic growth.  Eight years ago I co-founded a staffing company, Dynamic Recruiters, Inc. to assist in the direct hire recruiting and interim staffing of professionals. We grew at a fast rate during the first four years, but like many small businesses in this area we hit a rough patch in 2009.  Instead of throwing in the towel, we looked in the mirror and decided it was time to make tough decisions and adapt to the environment around us.  Those decisions paid off and we hit record sales in 2010 and 2011.  It's that attitude that I brought to the State government.  Stay within a new lower budget and transition to a new model for future success.  I've since sold the firm to focus my attention on being the best legislator I can be.

As a first term State Representative my peers elected me to the leadership team as an Assistant Majority Floor Leader.  The committees I serve on are; Tax, Commerce and Banking.  If it has to do with improving our state's job growth prospects - I'm in the thick of it.  Likewise, I sponsored legislation that reformed PA 312 (public safety arbitration) in such a way that it gained near-unanimous approval in the House of Representatives and the Governor signed it in to law in 2011.  This reform has been sought for 30 years so to get it passed I worked with all interested parties to achieve a result that will have lasting positive results in our communities.  Recently, the Small Business Association of Michigan awarded me with the Legislator of the Year honor.  This is a testiment to my focus on job growth in our state and I will continue with the same focus if re-elected.  
 
I am a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica, Kiwanis of Sterling Heights and the Walsh College's Communication Advisory Committee.   Other interests include coaching.  I have spent 15 years coaching youth baseball, basketball and soccer.

On a more personal side, I am the proud father of two sons.  One attends Michigan State and the other recently graduated from Western Michigan University.  The good news is that my older son found a job here in Michigan upon his graduation.  My family was a big part of my first campaign and I'm sure you'll see them out there with me during 2012.  My dad, who grew up in the mountains of Colorado had a true passion for the outdoors, history and our nation.  Those passions were passed down to me and are at the foundation of my desire to contribute to Michigan's turnaround.  Our family has spent a tremendous amount of time camping, as well as hiking the National Parks and enjoying the lakes of northern Michigan.  Our environment not only brings pleasure, but it is a resource that we can't allow to be ruined for short sighted gains.  

My goal is to bring Michigan back to a level of prosperity allowing families to stay together instead of having to leave the state to find good employment.  I hope this Bio provides insight to who I am and I look forward to meeting you as we work together for Michigan.