By Staff
LANSING – Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced Thursday she has filed paperwork forming a gubernatorial exploratory committee.
Land, the former Kent County clerk, who visited Dowagiac Oct. 24, 2008, to campaign for state Rep. Sharon Tyler, R-Niles, was elected Secretary of State in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.
"Our state is in dire need of strong leadership right now and I am eager to join the discussion of how to get it back on track."
As Secretary of State, Land has overseen numerous improvements to her department since taking office in 2003.
Increasing online services, modernizing branch offices and implementing comprehensive updates to the elections process are a few of her accomplishments.
"Michigan residents have been forced to tighten their belts in these tough economic times, but government should be setting the example of fiscal restraint. As Secretary of State, we have demonstrated time and again that there are ways to reduce costs while still delivering outstanding customer services. I will bring that fiscally conservative approach to all of state government," she said.
Land adds, "I was born and raised here and I love this state.
"Michigan has incredible resources, from our Great Lakes and abundant natural beauty to our world-class businesses and hard-working families. This is a state worth fighting for and I am up to the challenge. I look forward to building a strong team that is committed to finding creative solutions while focusing on the many assets we have as a state."