LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) will attend the governor’s State of the State event tonight with acclaimed guests — former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and retired Detroit firefighter, arson investigator, Pittsfield Township resident and dedicated Ann Arbor Public Schools employee, Steven Stone. In anticipation of the event, Brabec issued the following statement:
“I am really grateful to have my two guests accompanying me tonight at this annual event. These remarkable individuals impact many lives in my communities and their unique talents are commendable.
“Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, my guest on the floor, is teaching a class called ‘When Policy Met Politics: How Real Change Is Made’ at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy this winter. With his experience as former New York mayor, his knowledge, skill and understanding of politics is surely worth sharing, and I’m glad Michigan students have the opportunity to learn from him. With the governor’s speech tonight, I’m happy we can all share in reflecting on all the positive changes that we have made in Michigan. I look forward to the announcement of more meaningful movement forward, and I’ll continue to focus on the needs of my constituents, like making Michiganders’ mental health my top priority.
“Steven Stone is also my guest, who will join in the gallery. He has worked as a Detroit firefighter, arson investigator, as well as with students in Ann Arbor Public Schools and has lived in my district for many years. The sacrifices and dedication that he has made cannot be matched. I’ve known Steve for almost 20 years. He has supported me and has been an active and irreplaceable community member. I can’t thank him enough for his unwavering support and his dedication to our district — thank you.”