Connie Binsfeld is no stranger to politics.
The Marine City resident has served as a Leelanau County commissioner, a state senator, a state representative and lieutenant governor. She retired nearly two years ago from her eight-year tenure as Gov. John Engler’s sidekick.
Now, she’s seeking another eight-year term - a seat on the MSU Board of Trustees.
“I’ve always been interested in Michigan State University and when I served in the Legislature, I had a lot of contact with them,” Binsfeld said. “I think I have developed good people skills. I would like to be an addition to their prestige.
“I think I could work well with the board.”
Binsfeld, a Republican, is seeking one of the two seats up for grabs in the Nov. 7 general election. Trustees at MSU serve eight-year, unpaid tenures. The university’s governing body is responsible for setting the budget and implementing policy.
She hopes her experience in state government and her work with the public can help garner support to triumph next month.
“I have something to lend to the board since no one on the board has had that type of experience in networking with the Legislature,” she said.
Although she lives near Traverse City, Binsfeld said she wouldn’t mind making the trip to campus whenever necessary to meet with students.
State Sen. George McManus Jr., a Traverse City Republican and 1952 MSU graduate, said he was one of the people who encouraged Binsfeld to seek a seat on the governing board.
“She likes the political scene, and she likes to be involved in things,” he said. “And I just feel that the MSU trusteeship would give her plenty of work to do and things to do for the next eight years.”
McManus, who has known Binsfeld for about 30 years, called her a leader among women in politics.
“She’s the only woman in the state of Michigan that’s covered them all,” he said. “She’s one of the first women in the area to move on up in politics so she’s a good candidate for the board.”
And McManus said Binsfeld stands a good chance at winning the seat - not only because of her name recognition but because she is a nice person and a family woman.
“I don’t think you’ll find anybody friendlier than Connie Binsfeld,” McManus said. “She’s greatly loved by many people in this state.
“I think students would love her.”
Aside from politics, the former school teacher said her family of five adult children are also a big part of her life. And her time in the public only heightens her attraction to MSU, she said.
“I am interested in the education, especially families and children,” she said. “I’m very proud of the academic standards MSU has.”
Since her retirement from elected office, Binsfeld said she has been active in several volunteer activities, including serving on hospital boards and charity boards, such as the United Way.
And with her candidacy, she brings an agenda. Enhancing study abroad programs is one of Binsfeld’s priorities, she said. MSU’s study abroad program was recently named the nation’s largest.
“I’m highly supportive of the opportunity that students have at MSU for international study,” Binsfeld said. “I’m anxious to serve on the board and find out more information about the university and help guide its future.”
And many think she could be the best candidate to accomplish such a feat.
Dan Gustafson, the chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumous, said Binsfeld has the ability and the contacts to effect change at MSU - especially when talking of closing the funding gap.
The Board of Trustees more than a week ago accepted the year’s allocations. But the funding still pales in comparison to fellow research institutions such as Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. Gustafson said he thinks Binsfeld can help change that.
“She clearly understands the key issues relating to financing the university systems,” said Gustafson, who worked with Binsfeld while she was serving in the state House. “She has the right contacts and knows the right people in the legislative process. Of all the candidates running, she could probably do the most to increase MSU’s funding in relation to other universities.”
Other candidates seeking a board seat are Republican Scott Romney, an incumbent and a Detroit-based attorney, and Democrats Cal Rapson and Dorothy Gonzales. Rapson is a regional director for the UAW in Flint. Gonzales, an incumbent, is seeking her second term.
Pamela E. Spencer can be reached at spencerp@msu.edu.
