Just got this email from former member of the Michigan State House of Representatives, Hoon-Yung Hopgood. Hopgood, the state's first Korean American elected to the House, is throwing his hat in the ring for the state's Senate. According to Wikipedia:

Hopgood was born in Incheon, South Korea, in 1974, and was adopted in 1976 by Diane Hopgood, former principal at Johnson Elementary in Taylor, and the late Rollie Hopgood, who was president of the Michigan Federation of Teachers and School Related Personnel. He received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Michigan in 1996. In 2002 he became an aide to former State Representative Ray Basham.

...

Hopgood was elected in 2002, and has become a leader on educational issues in the state. He was a member of the Children's Caucus, a board member of the Michigan Youth in Government, and a member of the House Democratic Task Force on Early Education and Care. He is on the Steering Committee for the Michigan Coalition on Civic Education, and was part of the Michigan delegation to the Congressional Conference on Civic Education in Washington, D.C.

Hopgood represented the 22nd District, which includes the cities of Taylor and Romulus. After serving three terms in the House of Representatives, Hopgood was term limited and was ineligible to serve again. 

I've had the pleasure of meeting Hoon-Yung a few times, most recently at the Midwest Asian American Student Union Conference in Ann Arbor last year where he gave a presentation on Obama and the grassroots. He wasn't sure what he was going to do at the time, but I guess he's now decided. He's a really nice guy so we'll be keeping an eye on him.

Here's the letter from his campaign:

Dear Friend,

 

I hope that this e-mail finds you well. I have some exciting news to share with you. I have had time to reflect on my future since being term-limited as a State Representative in December 2008. As you may know, politics is in my blood. Next year I plan to run for the Michigan State Senate! I would like to ask for your help and support.

 

Thle senate district is triple the size of my state rep. seat and the campaign might prove to be 3 times the challenge. While the current state senator, Ray Basham, is term-limited next year, I expect there to be plenty of challengers for this open seat. I would have the honor of serving the communities of Taylor, Romulus, Wyandotte, Southgate, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Ecorse, Wayne and Riverview. This represents about a quarter million people!

 

I don't have to tell you that times have been tough here in Michigan. With the global financial meltdown of 2008 and the continued contraction of the domestic auto industry, we have seen double-digit unemployment, lost homes and auto sector bankruptcies that have shook us to the very core. No doubt, Michigan has seen better economic times.

 

Despite all this, I am undaunted in my desire to return to our state legislature to tackle the tough issues that face Michigan. There is nothing I would rather be doing than working to expand opportunity and diversify our economy. And while I believe that Michigan stands poised to reinvent itself for the 21st Century, our working families have struggled and we must do better for our children.

 

Let's face it, not all solutions come from Lansing. That is why it is crucial that we get the right people into office. I have the experience, conviction, and grounding to perform in this tough environment. I am ready to face the challenge - but I need your help. I need to raise $2,500 before the end of the year.  Can you help me reach this goal?  Please consider donating $25, $50, or $100 or more today.

 

Your support would mean so much to me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hoon-Yung Hopgood

 

ps. contributions can be made out to:

Hoon-Yung Hopgood for State Senate

10815 Westlake

Taylor, MI  48180 

 

Contributions greater that $100 require donor's occupation, employer, and employer's address.

 

Dedicated to Downriver and Western Wayne

Hoon-Yung Hopgood for State Senate.

10815 Westlake Street· Taylor, Michigan 48180. 

hoonhop@hotmail.com • 313.510.4358