Road repairs and taxes will be the topic Tuesday as Rocky Raczkowski, former majority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, shares his perspective at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.

The public is invited to the event sponsored by the Eastside Republican Club.

“We all realize that Michigan roads need attention, but want to know if the May 5 proposal offers the best funding approach,” said Ken Chadwell, ERC chairman.

“Maybe Rocky can point to some alternatives.”

The complex May 5 ballot question, officially dubbed “Proposal 15-1,” is aimed at amending the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% and “provide additional money for roads.”

Among other provisions are those dealing with aid for public schools, mass transit, vehicle registration fees, and the earned income tax credit.

Youngest Majority Leader 

In 1996, Raczkowski was elected the youngest State Representative in the Michigan legislature, and after his first term, was elected by his fellow-State Representatives as the youngest majority leader of any State’s House of Representatives.

Raczkowski has wide experience in business, as well as political, and military service. At the age of 17 and while still in high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry.

Following college graduation, Raczkowski was commissioned in the U.S. Army through the Officer Candidate School and served in combat during Operation Desert Shield.

Business Expertise

After returning to Michigan, Raczkowski launched his first business enterprise, providing printing, marketing and advertising, including services for political clients who later encouraged him to run for office.

In 2002, Raczkowski was term limited by a State constitutional amendment he supported and worked to pass. In 2010, he ran for Congress, and while unsuccessful, it was the third closest race in the nation.

Professionally, Raczkowski has served on corporate boards. As a turn-around expert, he led a national entertainment company from near bankruptcy to profitability without a single employee layoff. Currently, he serves as president of Imperium Logistics LLC, a manufacturing and defense logistics company.

Decorated Combat Veteran 

During his first combat duty assignment he served as team leader in an airborne special operations civil affairs unit. While participating in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa Raczkowski earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat operations.

He currently holds the Army Reserve rank of a Lt. Colonel.

Raczkowski earned a BA in political science and psychology, masters in business administration, and a juries doctorate earned while serving in the Michigan legislature.

He has been a radio and television guest commentator on political and national security topics.

Raczkowski and his wife, the former Amalia Kaddo of Grosse Pointe, have been married since 2010, and are parents of one daughter. They currently reside in Troy.

The Eastside Republican Club Forum is held on the third Tuesday of the month from September to June. Admission is free and the public is always welcome. Stay up-to-date and “like” the ERC on Facebook.