I was born and raised in Montrose, Mi. I graduated from Hill-McCloy High School with Honors, in 1973. While growing up our family farmed about 500 acres around Montrose. I then attended Lake Superior State College for a year, went to Florida and worked with my brother, installing irrigation systems on golf courses.

My mother, Pearl Thorsby, was the Clerk in Montrose Twp for a couple terms, my father, Fearon Thorsby worked for Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. I started working for the newly formed police department in Montrose Twp.

In 1978 I started full time at the City of Mt.Morris.  I held positions of Investigator and Sergeant, after a couple of years as a Patrolman. I received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from CS Mott Community College, with Honors. In 1990, I was appointed Chief of Police. I attended numerous administrative and management level courses, including budgeting, union negotiating, internal investigations, hiring and discipline. During this time I worked with various City Managers, developing the budget for the police department, creating policy and issuing Traffic Control Orders for the City of Mt.Morris.  I retired from Mt.Morris in 2006, after 28 years, 16 years as Chief of Police.

After retirement, I taught a Criminal Justice class at Mt.Morris High School, for Juniors and Seniors, for five years. The school had obtained funding from the State and once the funding expired, my contract ended.

I have continued my membership in the Kiwanis Club of Mt.Morris and currently hold the position of Treasurer.

Here’s a photo of me, when I was appointed Chief of Police (1990).

So, why should you vote for me? Let me tell you a little bit about me …

My wife and I have lived in Flushing Twp for 17 years, we  have several children that have attended school in Flushing, one is currently attending college at SVSU and one that is in second grade. Two other children have graduated and live in Montrose. I graduated high school with Honors, from Hill-McCoy in Montrose.

I retired from Mt.Morris City Police Department after 28 years as a police officer, the last 16 as Chief of Police. I have an Associates Degree with Honors,  in Criminal Justice from CS Mott Community College.  I have also attended Central Michigan University and Lake Superior State University. During my time as police chief, I attended many administrative and management level training programs, such as the Leadership Training at Central Michigan University. Also I learned much about developing budgets and the operation of local governments.

During my time as Chief of Police I was a member of the Genesee County Association of Chiefs of Police, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and President.  I also served as chairman of the 911 Policy Committee, an advisory committee made up of police and fire chiefs.

After retiring I taught a criminal justice class for the Mt.Morris High School, juniors and seniors. That was a lot of fun and I learned even greater respect for our fabulous school teachers!

I am a member, since 1992, of the Kiwanis Club of Mt.Morris, where I currently serve as club treasurer. This is a great organization, I only wish Flushing still had a Kiwanis Club. I still belong to the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

I have a Lifetime membership with the NRA, an Endowment member. I believe in and support our 2nd amendment rights.

I am running as a Republican, but I have to say, I am not a Tea Party candidate.  I have never felt that we would be better off, if we dismantled our local government or slashed our police departments.

It is time, actually long overdue, for change in Flushing Twp! Currently, our local government is dysfunctional.  There is constant fighting and bickering at the board meetings (2nd Thursday of the Month, 7:00 pm).  Many audience members are taking cheap shots at the board members.  Even some board members and the Supervisor are joining in, fighting and name calling! This has to stop.  This is NOT how our government is suppose to work.  Employees are filing grievances or complaining directly to the board  describing the uncomfortable working conditions they must endure.

This is not right! Our employees are our greatest resource, without them, nothing gets done.  The employees, whether assistant clerks, assistant treasurers or police officers, they represent the Township and should be treated with respect.  Isn’t that how you want them to treat you?