John Engler

John Engler

John Mathias Engler (born October 12, 1948 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan ) is an American politician. From 1991 to 2003 he was governor of the US state of Michigan .

Early years and political advancement

Engler, a Catholic, was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and grew up on his parents' farm. During his student days he was involved in the Republican Party and was temporarily chairman of the student group of Republicans at Michigan State University . After completing his agricultural studies in 1971, he was elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives. His campaign manager at the time was Richard "Dick" Posthumus, who later became his deputy ("Lieutenant Governor") as governor of Michigan. In 1979 he joined the State Senate of Michigan and a doctorate soon after to Dr. iur. In 1985 he became the Republican parliamentary group leader in the Michigan state senate, and in 1990 he was elected governor.

Michigan governor

John Engler took up his new position on January 1, 1991. After being re-elected in 1994 and 1998, he could serve until January 1, 2003. The main focus of his government was on education policy. To this end, the budget for elementary and secondary schools was increased by up to 80%. The standards in schools have also been raised. In addition, according to the National Governor Association, he provided tax breaks to create around 831,000 new jobs in the 1990s. The governor otherwise pursued an economical budgetary policy, he cut the bureaucracy in the administration and he reformed some parts of the administrative apparatus. At the end of his tenure, Michigan's administration, excluding the security organs, had been reduced by 23%. John Engler was also a member of several governors' associations.

Further life

As early as 1996, during his governor's tenure, Engler was under discussion as a Republican vice-presidential candidate. But the party decided in favor of Jack Kemp. In 2000, he was even briefly discussed as a Republican presidential candidate. However, Engler renounced a candidacy in favor of his friend George W. Bush very early on .

Engler is a second marriage to Michelle, a lawyer. He's got triplets with her. In 2001 Michelle Engler was appointed by President George W. Bush to the board of directors of the US government sponsored mortgage bank Freddie Mac .

Web links

• John Engler in the National Governor Association (English)