Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder rolled into Niles Monday in his bright green and blue “Nerd Mobile” bus with a message that it’s time for a new era in Michigan.

The self-proclaimed “nerd” and former CEO of the Gateway computer company is facing Democratic candidate and current Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in the race for governor.

Speaking in front of dozens of supporters and local Republican politicians at the “Fix Michigan Center” in downtown Niles, Snyder said it was time to enter an “era of innovation.”

“We’ve been declining for a long time, really going off the cliff the last few years,” he said. “It’s about getting back to that essence that made us great before — innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Snyder mentioned three major ways of ushering in this “new era:” turning around the economy, restoring Michigan cities and creating an environment that encourages young people to stay in the state.

He mentioned his son, Jeff, is a recent college graduate looking for a job.

“It’s tough out there,” Snyder said. “Government isn’t to create jobs but to create an environment where jobs can flourish.”

He called for tax reform, including the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax — a comment that drew applause from the crowd.

Snyder also called for an end to bureaucracy and the implementation of “customer service government.”

“You the citizens are the customers,” he said. “We should be looking you right in the eyes and asking: how do we help you succeed? And how do we get out of your way?”

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton was one of many area Republican politicians on hand and called Snyder “the tiller of the boat” and a “great captain.”

The most recent Rasmussen Report poll shows Rick Snyder holds a 20-point lead over Democratic candidate Virg Bernero. Snyder earned 54 percent in the poll, while Bernero held 34 percent.