Robert Dean (Michigan politician)

Infobox_State_Representative


imagesize = 150px
name= Robert Dean
width=
state_house=Michigan
state= Michigan
district= 75th
party= Democratic
term_start = 2007
preceded= Jerry Kooiman
succeeded= Incumbent
place of birth= Grand Rapids
religion = Church of God in Christ
spouse = Betty Dean

Robert Dean (born 1954) is a politician from the state of Michigan. He is an African-American member of the Michigan House of Representatives. His district is in the eastern portion of the city of Grand Rapids. He is a Democrat.

Early life

Dean graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1972. Dean worked for Interstate Brands Corporation in Grand Rapids, where he also was an American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations union member for nine years. In 1990 he was elected to the Grand Rapids Public School Board, where he served until 1997.

In 1999, Dean was elected City Commissioner where he served until 2006, when he resigned to run for the State House.

Political career

Dean filed to run for the 75th district in early 2006. Popular Rep. Jerry Kooiman did not run for re-election due to term-limits. Dean had little primary opposition. In the general election, Dean faced off against Republican Tim Doyle. It was one of the most closely watched races in Michigan. Dean won by only 1,500 votes. In the House, Dean sits on the Commerce, Education, Families and Children's Services, and Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committees.

Personal

In 1980, Dean founded the New Life Church of God in Christ, and has been its Pastor for the past 27 years. Dean has been married to Betty Dean for 32 years and has two children and two grandchildren

External links

* [http://075.housedems.com/ Robert Deans official House Democrats Website]
* [http://www.robertdean.org/ Robert Dean's Campaign Website]