Casandra Ulbrich Announces Bid for State Senate

by: A-Hillz4ever

Sat Mar 06, 2010 at 18:51:52 PM EST

Offers “New Leadership, New Results” for Michigan’s 12th District
Respected State Board of Education Member Represents
Voice of Reason, Reform and Revitalization

Rochester Hills, MI – Casandra Ulbrich, longtime advocate for education and a member of the State Board of Education, announced her Democratic candidacy for the State Senate seat in Oakland County’s highly coveted 12th District.

“I’m running for the State Senate because Michigan is at a pivotal point, and I believe new leadership can guide our state into an era of new results and renewed prosperity,” said Ulbrich. “I can no longer watch partisan bickering flourish while our state withers on the vine.
“The State Board of Education is a partisan board, and yet works as a cohesive group for the benefit of Michigan’s students. I’ll bring that same philosophy to the State Senate. We can restore the voice of all Michigan citizens if we elect public servants who are less concerned about their own political future, and more concerned about the collective future of our state.”

Ulbrich’s campaign platform underscores three critical issues facing the state:

• Revitalizing Michigan’s economy and restoring jobs and prosperity
• Reshaping education and responding to the needs of a 21st century workforce
• Rethinking government and reforming Michigan’s tax structure

Ulbrich is receiving support from local leaders, including Oakland County Treasurer, Andy Meisner. “Casandra Ulbrich will bring legislative leadership to Lansing that will make Oakland County proud, and her experience in education will be key to Michigan moving to a knowledge-based economy,” said Meisner.

Ulbrich has served on the State Board of Education since January, 2007, where she has worked across party lines to enact tough policies to improve and enhance public education in Michigan. She also serves on the National Association of State Boards of Education Government Affairs Committee, which advises Congress on National Education policy. In addition, Ulbrich has worked in higher education for the past
nine years, currently serving as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Wayne State University. Prior to joining WSU in 2001, Ulbrich was a Press Secretary to former House Democratic Whip David Bonior. As a State Senator, Ulbrich will focus on creating jobs and strengthening public education in Michigan.
“Job creation must be our first priority,” said Ulbrich. “This includes attracting new and high paying jobs, retaining talented workers and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.”
The first in her family to attend college, Ulbrich earned an Associates Degree from St. Clair County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and a Masters Degree in Communication from Wayne State University. She is currently completing a PhD in Communication, also from Wayne State University.

“I know first hand the benefits of education,” said Ulbrich. “A quality education is the foundation of a lifetime of success, it’s an investment that has guaranteed returns. The state needs to invest in early childhood education, and ensure that higher education is affordable and accessible.”
Casandra Ulbrich and her husband, David Williams, live in Rochester Hills.

The 12th District includes Addison Twp., Auburn Hills, Independence Twp., Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Oakland Twp., Orion Twp., Oxford Twp., Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sylvan Lake, and Clarkston.