Politics & Government
Saline's Mayor Driskell Considers State Run
Saline's longtime mayor said she's forming an exploratory committee to run as a Democratic Party candidate against Mark Ouimet to be State Representative for Michigan District 52.
Mayor Gretchen Driskell confirmed Thursday that she is considering running for the state house in the November election.
Driskell, Saline's longest-serving Mayor in her sixth term, said she is forming an exploratory committee to consider running for State Representative for Michigan District 52. The district is represented by Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Twp. Thursday, the Ouimet campaign annpunced it has $111,000 on hand for the 2012 election cycle.
If she runs, Driskell will do so as a Democratic Party candidate. There are no other declared Democratic Party candidates.
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"It's something I am considering. I was approached to run and I am seriously looking at it," said Driskell, who has been critical at times of the policies coming out of Lansing.
On several occasions, Driskell has criticized reductions in state revenue sharing to cities. She has also been vocal against plans to eliminate personal property tax unless the state guarantees replacement revenue. Driskell said is also concerned by the state's decision to cut per-pupil funding to public school districts.
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Driskell said she has informed city council members and the city manager of her decision to consider running for state office.
According to her biography on the city website, Driskell is currently serving locally on the Planning Commission, Business Development Assoc, Saline Area Fire District, Saline Sustainability Circle, Coalition for a Quality Community, Chair of PUPS (Healthy Task Force) and as Chair of the Economic Development Boards. She was instrumental in establishing our first historic district and the Saline Farmers Market. She also serves on the Washtenaw Area Transit Study, AnnArbor SPARK Executive Committee & Municipal Committee Chair, ViceChair at SEMCOG, SEMCOG Transportation Advisory Council, and board member of the National League of Cities. She is a former Vice President and board member of the Michigan Municipal League, MML Elected Officials Academy, and Chair/Boardmember of the MML Workers Compensation Fund.
Driskell has three children, Ryan, Matthew, and Marielle.
Driskell sells real estate for Swisher Commercial. She is an agent for Carol Anderson by Invitation fashion.
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