State Representative Martin Griffin was elected in 2006 to represent the 64th District, which includes the city of Jackson, Concord, Hanover, Napoleon, Parma, Pulaski, Sandstone, Spring Arbor and Summit townships. Rep. Griffin was born and raised in Jackson and graduated from Lumen Christi High School and the University of Michigan.
Rep. Griffin served as mayor of Jackson from 1995 - 2006. During his tenure as mayor, Jackson prospered under a redevelopment plan that cleaned up the city, added new jobs, created a booming downtown and nurtured business.
As mayor, Rep. Griffin balanced the books every year while keeping taxes low. A shrewd budget planner, he has never raised taxes. While most cities struggle with their bottom line, Jackson remains financially sound and was not forced to lay off workers like other cities in Michigan.
Rep. Griffin has experience at all levels of government having served for 12 years as a staff member in the Michigan Legislature and five years with Congressman Carl Pursell at the federal level. His experience brings a depth of knowledge that will help forge partnerships and bring about creative solutions for the state of Michigan.
Rep. Griffin has been active in many community programs and organizations including: Chaired Jackson County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, member of the Economic Development Corporation of Jackson, member of the National Association of Realtors, member of the City of Jackson Planning Commission, Trustee of Ella Sharp Park Board, Downtown Kiwanis, Urban Core Mayors Group, Trustee for Police and Fire Pension Boards and on the Cascade Humane Society Capital Campaign.
Rep. Griffin's common-sense approach to issues is truly bi-partisan. He believes in good government that works for the people. He will continue to fight to keep taxes low and recruit and retain good paying jobs.