My Background
Fifty-nine years ago I was born in a loving family in Brighton, Michigan. My dad was a farmer and mom was a farm wife. I was the second child in my family, with an older brother and younger sister.
Because of my farm, family and Christian values, strong work ethic, broad business experiences and most importantly the willingness to work with all the citizens in Clinton, Ionia, Montcalm and Isabella Counties, I can make our community a better place for all to live. - Michael Trebesh
Young Farmer
My parents operated a family farm in my early years. On our farm we planted wheat, corn and cultivated five acres of blue berries. My parents taught us the basic farm values of hard work, honesty, practical way of solving problems, self sufficiency and self discipline. My parents always provided us with basic necessities. However, if there was anything additional we wanted, we had to earn and pay for it ourselves through growing a garden, managing a paper route or mowing lawns for neighbors. I can still remember at the age of eight, I sold thirty five dollars of pumpkins. I felt so rich and satisfied because I was able to complete the whole process, plowing, cultivating and harvesting.
Entrepreneur
Just like other kids I had hobbies such as stamps, coins and trading cards. I also loved candies, cartoons and comic books. My parents suggested a paper route to support my hobbies and other kids stuff. I signed up as paper boy at the age of ten. Delivering newspapers taught me the basics of the free market economy and provided additional business opportunities such as mowing lawns, cleaning roof gutters and other little tasks I could do for neighbors.
On the farm we had five thousand chickens and several cows. Each child had certain responsibilities such as feeding the chickens and cows, picking up eggs, cleaning coops and stalls. Before school started each morning, one of my jobs was to gather eggs. I can still remember, on cold winter mornings after my paper route, reaching my cold hand under warm chickens in search of their bounty. I also remember the chickens not being very happy with my ice cold hand.
Sportsman
Farm life gave my brother and me respect for nature and good sportsmanship. We both hunted during the appropriate seasons. I liked nothing better than rushing home on a fine October afternoon from school. I would finish my chores very efficiently in order to go hunt a couple of hours. My two dogs Brownie & Spookie, enjoyed the hunting season as much as I did. They always met me at the farm gate and encouraged me to finish my chores as soon as possible.
Serving God and His People
Eight years of parochial school at Saint Patrick made a difference in my life. I am always appreciative that my parents were willing to pay addition money each year for three of us to go to parochial school. Sometimes, I thought the sisters were harsh. But when I look back, I feel a sincere gratitude and respect for their care. The loving sisters gave much time and effort to teach us about God’s great love and generosity as well as right from wrong. During those years at Saint Patrick, I enjoyed being an altar boy. It gave me a sense of responsibility to God and his people. The values taught at St. Patrick continue to encourage me to serve God and his people.
I believe my dad shaped my strong work ethic and parochial school gave me strong Christian values. My mom and my wife taught me how to love. My mom was a loving, generous and selfless person. She always put her interest second after other people. She generously gave of herself to her family and community. Like my mom, my wife is also a very kind, generous and caring person. These two important women in my life consistently encourage me to be a better human being. Their continuous support and inspiration help me move forward each and everyday.
Making Our Community a Better Place
Things changed a lot during the last several decades. Brighton is no longer a small town; my parents retired from farming and I started my business career and teaching career after graduating from Michigan State University. After thirty plus years’ of giving as a teacher and achieving many career highlights, I decide it is best to end my career with public service. After serious consideration, I am seeking the 33rd District State Senate position in the year of 2010. Because of my farm, family and Christian values, strong work ethic, broad business experiences and most importantly the willingness to work with all the citizens in Clinton, Ionia, Montcalm and Isabella Counties, I can make our community a better place for all to live.
My dear fellow citizens, please join me in this mission and I am looking forward to working with you!
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