MLC Capitol Spotlight: An Interview with Representative Darrin Camilleri

Representative Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2016.  He represents the 23^rd House District located in Wayne County, including Brownstown Township, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile Township, Huron Township, Trenton, and Woodhaven.  Representative Camilleri serves as an Assistant House Minority Leader and is a member of the following House committees: Commerce and Trade, Education Reform, and Energy Policy.

Prior to his election, Representative Camilleri was a high school social studies teacher in Detroit and chaired the social studies department.  He is a graduate of Kalamazoo College, where he was elected student body president.

1.    What attracted you to running for the Legislature?
The opportunity to serve and positively impact people’s lives Downriver attracted me to run for State Representative. Many working families do not feel like their voice is heard in Lansing, and I want to play a part in changing that.

2.    When did you first realize you wanted to be a Dem/GOP?  
When I was young, my grandfather always told me that Democrats are the party for the working man. He’s a UAW member and worked for Ford, and my father does, too. I had that influence growing up, so my family and I always aligned ourselves with the Democratic Party. Later, I solidified that belief during President Obama’s campaign focused on hope and inclusion, and I knew I wanted to be a member of a team that advocates for those who don’t always have a voice at the table of the power.

a.    What attributes of your party do you most identify with?
My father is an immigrant from Malta and my mother is of Mexican descent, so I have always found that Democrats represented our diverse values the most. Additionally, the benefits of union membership have helped so many families Downriver, including my own, achieve the American Dream. Seeing some politicians in Lansing work to undercut this important part of my family’s success was a powerful moment of reflection in shaping my own values.

3.    What individuals from your community have shaped and prepared you to be a legislator?
When I was in college, I worked in Congressman John Dingell’s office and on the campaigns of now State Senator David Knezek. Both of these public servants have served as examples and mentors to me and my work.

4.    What issues would you like to advocate for because of a personal life experience?
As a former high school teacher, education is definitely a priority for me. In particular, the underfunding of our schools is having a devastating impact on teachers and students. Hearing stories of students unable to take advanced placement classes because of budget cuts or of parents worried about a school’s lack of support for their child who might be falling behind reinforces the urgency of addressing education issues.

5.    Not having previously served as a public official, what are the greatest expectations you hope are achieved and what situations/scenarios do you hope to avoid?  
I hope we work towards making working families feel as though they are truly represented in Lansing. And something I hope to avoid is putting party over policy. We need to ensure that our public policies are the best solutions for people.

6.    How has your previous career, political or private sector, shaped the legislator you will be?
In my work as a teacher, I was constantly struck by the challenge of being an effective educator for all of my students–individuals with a diverse set of experiences as people and needs as learners. As a legislator, I will take the lessons I learned as a teacher to be an effective representative of the interests of all my constituents in Lansing.

7.    What one thing would you like to highlight that makes your district special?
In the 23rd District, we have beautiful natural landscapes, including the Huron River, Lake Erie, Humbug Marsh, and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

8.    What are some of your favorite activities to participate in on your free time?
In my free time, I’m an avid reader, pick-up basketball player, and bowler.

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