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Robinson, who is running as a candidate for State Representative of Eaton County in 2010, feels that creating new jobs should be a priority for state government in the next decade. It’s only through the creation of new jobs, he says, that we’ll see a permanent turnaround in our economy.
But saying that we need new jobs isn’t enough for this 51-year-old, public relations and communications professional from Vermontville. To discuss what kinds of jobs district voters want, he’s setting off on a hike across the county, knocking on doors and talking to residents about the kinds of careers he thinks can be created.
“We’ve heard it before,” says Robinson. “You can bet that every candidate in 2010 will be saying that we need new jobs. It’s another thing entirely to do something about it. And that’s what people are feeling right now. They want action. Less talk, less politics, and more action.”
So, what makes this family man from Vermontville think he can help create new jobs for people?
“It’s a unique combination of circumstances,” says Robinson. “I was hired by Random House Publishing in 2001 to write a book that tracked the history of free market employment and labor.” The book, titled How to Find a Job Using the Internet, recounted the development of employment dating back to before the Roman era.
“I’m not saying it’s the ultimate source for information on the topic, but if you study the basic movement of human employment throughout history, you can see patterns. If you know those patterns it’s easy to see where things are going.”
He, in fact, stated in his book eight years ago that ‘the industrial era will soon sputter to its resentful end.’ “But we weren’t being forced to deal with the problem like we are now,” he says. “So nobody really heard the message back then.”
Robinson has also operated independent businesses for most of his 30 year career, and says he knows the challenges involved. A lot of his business dealings have been with nonprofit organizations like Greater Lansing Housing Coalition, Elder Law of Michigan, Michigan Recreation and Park Association, and The National Association of College & University Food Services. He has also done public relations and communications work for several municipalities throughout the years.
“I’ve had the chance to research, study, and experience things from all angles – business, nonprofit, educational, and municipal... It’s complicated, but I believe we can combine these elements in a way that creates quality economic activity and doesn’t destroy our environment and open space.”
Working with a blue ribbon panel comprised of an urban planner, public policy expert, economist, and several communications specialists, jobs and economic growth will be the number one focus of the candidate’s bid for state representative. A comprehensive economic development strategy for Eaton County will be presented on his campaign Web site in the months ahead, but for now he walks and listens, going door to door to hear about the kinds of jobs people want.
“A lot of people are hurting now, but we have everything we need in Michigan and Eaton County to create a vibrant future for ourselves and our children,” says Robinson. “We’ve got the industrial and manufacturing complex of the Charlotte, Delta, and Lansing areas, and a strong agricultural base throughout the district. By unifying these interests we have an opportunity to create something special for our future, without sacrificing our environment and open spaces. It’s a matter of taking what feels like an impossible situation and finding the opportunity in it: Picking what we’re good at and going for it.”
Robinson’s journey across the county will start in Sunfield, Michigan on September 5, and take him east to Mulliken, through Grand Ledge and into the Delta and Lansing Township areas. He will then move south to Potterville, Dimondale, and Eaton Rapids, west through Charlotte, then south again to Olivet. His final swing will be west through Bellevue and then north to his home town of Vermontville. Hiking in segments, he will complete the trek before the August 2010 primary election. Campaign volunteers and supporters will accompany him throughout the walk.
The public can follow the journey on the campaign Website at district71.com/.
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press[.]district71.com 
