SD37 Incumbent Jason Allen (R-Traverse City)

by: matt

Sun Aug 28, 2005 at 01:00:00 AM EDT

Campaign Website

Biography:

Jason Allen was elected to Michigan’s 37th State Senate District in November 2002, representing Grand Traverse, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Chippewa and Mackinac counties.   Senator Allen is the Chair of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, Vice Chair of the Economic Development, Small Business and Regulatory Reform Committee and a member of the Government Operations Committee.

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Allen served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 104th District from 1999 through 2002.  The 104th House District consisted of Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties.  As the Chair of the House Education Committee in 1999-2000, his leadership was essential in creating the Michigan Merit Scholarship Awards and sheparding the Detroit school rescue package through the House.  In May of 2000, the Michigan Manufacturers Association named Allen Advocate of the Year.

Senator Allen is a lifelong resident of Traverse City.  He graduated from Traverse City High School and continued his education at Northwestern Michigan College.  He completed his education at Miami University of Ohio, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Fashion Merchandising.  After graduation, Jason returned to Traverse City to work with his father in the family menswear business.  He is currently the Vice President of Sales at the Captain’s Quarters.

Allen entered the National Guard and received basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky.  He returned home from the Guard to successfully run for the Grand Traverse County Board of Commission, representing Traverse City and part of East Bay Township.  During his tenure on the board, Allen was an advocate for neighborhood support and improvement.

While serving on the County Board, Allen served on the Great Lakes Community Health Board from 1991 to 1998, most recently as a treasurer, overseeing a $12 million budget.  In 1997, he was elected Chair of the Northwestern Michigan Council of Governments, a 10-county multi-jurisdictional agency dedicated to law enforcement, planning and economic development.

Senator Allen is dedicated to community activities.  He is a member of the Central United Methodist Church, the Traverse City Rotary Club, and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.  Allen is an Eagle Scout and remains active in scouting, serving on the Scenic Trails Council Executive Board and teaching merit badge classes.  He spearheaded the successful Grand Traverse Medical Care Facility millage in 1996.  He is also a member of the Michigan Conservation Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Whitetails, the Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Legion.

Allen has been active in Republican politics since high school.  He is a veteran campaigner and has assisted on many school board, city and statewide elections.  He has been a Republican precinct delegate for many years, served on the Grand Traverse Executive Committee and was the Northern Michigan Chair for George W. Bush in 2000.

Senator Allen’s family includes his wife, Suzanne, and their two daughters, Meredith and Amanda.  They own a home on Washington Street in Traverse City. (Republican Caucus)