Representative Tom Barrett was first elected to serve the 71st District in the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2014.  After graduating public high school, Rep. Barrett joined the U.S. Army and has continued his service for over 15 years. He is currently serving in the Michigan Army National Guard as a helicopter pilot trained on several different aircraft.  He holds the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.  He has served overseas in South Korea, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and Iraq and is a veteran of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been awarded multiple Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals and other decorations.  After returning home from Iraq, Rep. Barrett was hired as an analyst by the Michigan Department of Treasury and worked at the operations center in Dimondale.  Rep. Barrett earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.  He currently resides in Potterville with his wife and two children.

1. What got you into politics?

My great grandfather, Louis Rabaut, was a congressman from Michigan, first elected in the 1930’s. He is best known for sponsoring the original legislation that added “Under God” to our nation’s pledge of allegiance. This is something that my family is very proud of, and so I grew up in a family that has always been interested in politics. I learned a lot from my dad, who would often volunteer on different political campaigns. When I was sworn into office my dad and my wife were my two guests on the house floor with me.

2. Which committee do you enjoy serving on the most? 

I chair the Military and Veteran’s affairs committee, so it is my favorite committee to serve on. I enjoy the ability to influence public policy in a positive way for our veterans.

3. What has been one issue that you’ve worked on thus far that has made the biggest impact?

I’m most proud of two of my bills that have helped our veterans. The first protects child custody rights of those serving overseas on deployment. The second protects the rights of disabled veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war to grant them access to public places when they are accompanied by a service dog that assists them to reintegrate into public life.

4. Do you feel that your previous career (political or non-political) has influenced the votes that you made?

Absolutely. I am the only member of the legislature still serving in the military, and I am the only Iraq war veteran in the Michigan House of Representatives. My military service definitely guides my decision making in the legislature. I also worked as an analyst in the State Treasurer’s office before serving in office, so I use that experience whenever possible.

5. What has been your favorite part about being in the legislature?

I enjoy the history of our state and the honor that comes with serving my constituents, our state, and our veterans.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an elected official?

This is a time intensive job. In addition to serving in office I also serve as a helicopter pilot part time in the Army, where I have obligations I have to meet. I also have two toddlers at home and my family life is very important to me.

7. What is one thing that makes your district special?

We have great people in Eaton County, and we are really a microcosm of the whole state. We have manufacturing; small, medium, and large business; agriculture; state government; areas more rural and others more urban.

In addition, in Potterville, where I live, we are home to Joe’s Gizzard City, which was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive In’s and Dives” and every year we have Gizzardfest in town.

8. What are some of your favorite activities to participate in on your free time?

In my free time I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family. My wife, Ashley, and I like to take our two children, Patrick (3) and Eleanora (1) to new places in our state to experience new things. We also have a membership at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing which our kids really enjoy and is still close to home for us. I also enjoy reading as much as possible, both books and current events.

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