Biography

    Welcome, friends of the 102nd District. In September 2009, I announced my candidacy for the 102nd District State House of Representatives. Over the next several months I welcome the opportunity to meet with each of you to discuss how I plan to make positive changes on behalf of this district. While I am asking for your support in this upcoming election, I do not expect you to give your support to any one candidate without knowing a little more about them. My family goes back five generations in the three counties that make up this district: Mecosta, Osceola and Wexford. I grew up on a dairy farm north of Tustin, graduated from Pine River High School in 1977, and enlisted in the United States Navy that same year.

    While in the U.S. Navy, I served with distinction. I held a top secret clearance and was involved with the Nuclear Personnel Reliability Program aboard the USS Dale. I also served as a direct liaison with the Chief of Naval Personnel for the Naval Training Center at Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, VA. During my four years of service I received the Battle “E” award, and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Pin. I also received three letters of citation, two letters of Commendation and two letters of Appreciation. In 1981, I was honorably discharged as a Second Class Petty Officer. My experience in the military taught me to strive for excellence, and most importantly, the true meaning of honor and loyalty. I carry these values with me every day, and will work diligently to bring those values to Lansing as I represent the residents of the great 102nd District.

    After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, my wife Deb and I returned to LeRoy where we settled and made our home. At that time, my father had just started “Langworthy’s”, a music wholesale company, and made me a full partner. Within a short period, we built a business that turned into a multi-million dollar company that employed eight people. In 1990, I partnered again to start “Lighthouse Music” in Cadillac, and then sold it in 1993. At the same time, I began scuba diving. As my passion for the sport grew, I continued my education and training. By 1995, I became one of the highest rated divers in the nation, as a PADI Course Director (Instructor-Trainer), also holding 54 different certifications. Later, I started “Divers Central” in Cadillac, which is now a Five-Star Instructor Development Center. Along with many other activities that I have participated in during my diving career, I have spent time with most dive rescue teams in northern Michigan, teaching public safety diving.

    In 1993, I began my political career with a two-year term on the Pine River School Board of Education. During that time I was elected vice-president and was instrumental in passing a school millage to eliminate several dilapidated buildings throughout the district and create a new middle school. While on the Pine River School Board of Education, I was elected to the Osceola County Board of Commissioners, after a vacancy created by former Speaker of the House, Rick Johnson, and was able to serve four terms.

    Over the years, I served on the following boards, authorities, and committees: President – West Central Michigan County Alliance; Chairman – Computer and Technology Committee; Vice Chairman – Finance Committee; Vice Chairman – Public Safety Committee; Vice Chairman – Buildings and Grounds Committee; Vice Chairman – West Michigan Regional Planning Commission; Area Agency on Aging; Chair – Osceola County Parks Commission; Environmental Conservation and Solid Waste Committee; Salary and Personnel Committee; Osceola Economic Alliance – Solid Waste Planning Commission; and the Michigan Association of Counties Human Services Committee.

    I am proud to have been actively involved with retaining the Meals on Wheels Program in Osceola County, as well as improving senior’s services and creating an EMS service ranked as one of the best in Northern Michigan. I fought hard to improve the working conditions of the Osceola County Courthouse, and through the expansion of the Osceola County Jail, I was able to turn a large taxpayer burden into a nearly self-supporting institution. Throughout all of these accomplishments, I strove to ensure that no tax raises were imposed on the hardworking residents of Osceola County to achieve these goals.

    Aside from my professional and political career, my wife and I have devoted our spare time and money to several different community organizations and projects. Most recently: Wexford County/City of Cadillac dive team, Osceola County dive team, groomed trails for snowmobiles, Rose Lake Youth Camp, umpiring little league games, and as a LeRoy Razzazaque Days volunteer. Currently I serve as the Chairman of the Osceola County Parks Commission. I am a life member of the NRA, member of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce, and the LeRoy Area Chamber of Commerce.

    My primary motivation in running for this seat is to serve the people of the 102nd District. My combination of professional and community experience make me uniquely qualified to tackle the tough issues facing the 102nd District. My wife and I have one son, Morris Langworthy III, a recent graduate of Central Michigan University.

    Over the next several months, my campaign and I will be contacting you directly to hear your concerns and to share with you some of the issues in Lansing. I hope to earn your confidence and vote on August 3, 2010.