Scio Township Trustee Christine Green announced today she officially has filed to run for Michigan’s state House seat representing the 52nd District.

She says creating jobs is her top priority.

“Our district is unique because we have many high tech and green energy businesses, along with an abundance of wonderful natural resources,” Green said. “What voters are telling me as I go door-to-door is that they want a legislator who will help small businesses thrive and grow."

Christine Green

Several candidates have lined up to run in the 52nd District race to replace Pam Byrnes. Click here for a complete list.

As a small business owner for more than 20 years, Green said she knows the struggles that Washtenaw County’s businesses face. She said businesses need creative, visionary support to develop 21st century jobs, and "jobs come first when laying the foundation for a strong economy.”

Green and her husband Phil have lived in Washtenaw County for many years, where they raised two children, and where Green has worked as a lawyer protecting the underdog in employment and civil rights issues. She has served on the Scio Township Board of Trustees since 2008, following several years on the Township Planning Committee.

Township Supervisor Spaulding Clark said Green has been invaluable in providing Scio Township with commonsense guidance.

“Her experience and knowledge are invaluable assets which allow her to reach far beyond party lines and political partisanship," Clark said. "There has been no issue that she has not shown a willingness and ability to address, and in facilitating needed solutions, Chris has the ability to bring people together for a common cause and a better future.”

Green said another cornerstone for a vibrant, healthy state is a strong education system that is reliably funded. The current funding system for education is unreliable and threatens Michigan's K-12 schools, community colleges and universities, she said.

“We need to fix the current, broken funding mechanisms if we are going to provide quality education for our Michigan kids," she said.

Green also spoke of environmental protection.

“If done properly, protecting our wonderful natural resources in Michigan can be a job creator, not a job deterrent,” Green said. “We need to bring fresh ideas from both sides of the political aisle to the forefront and mutually develop sound solutions for our beautiful state. We have the skilled employee base, the infrastructure and the abundant natural resources to make Michigan one of the most desirable states in the nation for workers, employers and families, and I intend to help our state reach its full potential.”

Green has served as a member of the Michigan Environmental Council Board of Trustees and the Scio Township Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. She also has worked as a board member for Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan.

She currently serves on the development committee for the SOS Community Crisis Center, which helps families in need in Washtenaw County.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.