Flint, Mi –
Spring was in the air on Monday March 9, when Refinery Hair Co. in Flint hosted Genesee County Sheriff, and Governor hopeful Chris Swanson for an evening of community building and campaigning. The sun was shining, the gusts of wind had calmed to a breeze and by the time I arrived at Refinery, it was 70 degrees out.
I arrived early to set up and take in the space. I ended up with a few moments to wonder around before doors opened. Refinery’s interior design and modern industrial architecture, made for an eye-catching backdrop. Starlite Coney Island catered the evening and had just finished setting up as I made my way through. The faint smell of coney sauce was making me hungry as I continued through to check out the campaign signage. As I wondered I noticed the words repeated, through-out the building “Protect, Serve, Unify”.
The slogan caught my attention, and I paused to consider how personal experiences shape how we respond to messaging like that. As I went through the evening, I spent the time observing the room, noting how guests interacted with the campaign materials, sampled food, and engaged with one another.
By this time the doors were open, and the building began to fill. Volunteers were receiving signatures at reception, while others were ushering in guests and showing them to drinks and food. There was a positive energy, mingling, and Flint Style Coneydog’s. Many guests were seen viewing Swanson’s signage, outlining all of his views, plans, and stances. At that point I overheard the voice of Swanson coming from the back of the building and decided to fall back and see what he was up to.
I was fully aware of what Swanson was there to do, he was in the middle of a campaign and on the campaign trail. But I couldn’t help but respect the fact that he did actually talk to almost every single person in the building and had lengthy conversations with most. There was never a point when someone got cut off so he could talk to someone else. He never checked his watch; he never stepped away for a phone call. He joyfully and earnestly engaged. Everyone. The conversations ranged from policy to life in Flint, and various other topics.
As the conversations died down, it was time for him to make his pitch to the room. David Custer Refinery Co-Owner, and Swanson’s Campaign Manager opened the evening by welcoming everyone in and speaking to Swanson’s character. Swanson was quick to get started and opened with some jokes about himself. He poked fun at his social media usage, his hair, jeans, and larger than life personality. The self-awareness was nice. From then on, it was all policy.
He talked about his past, growing up in the area and how he spent his early years in education. He discussed G.H.O.S.T. and I.G.N.I.T.E. and all of the benefits both have brought to Flint. He shared success stories of graduates past and discussed a success story from the upcoming class. He went over each step of his 7-point Education plan. Which thankfully seems like a plan, and not the concept of one. He emphasized that decisions shouldn’t be driven by ego promising to surround himself with experienced professionals and listening to their expertise when making decisions that affect the state. He also discussed how protecting and serving didn’t only qualify one race or religion.
Throughout the rest of his speech he moved between stories from his career, policy ideas, and broader thoughts on leadership and service.
“The world is desperate for leadership that loves people”
“strong leadership is a tool, not a weapon”
The room stayed attentive as he spoke. Some nodded along while others listened quietly, taking in the details of what he was saying.
As his remarks wrapped up, the evening shifted back to conversation. Guests moved around the room, some discussing the speech while others returned to the food and drinks. A small crowd formed as people waited to speak with Swanson personally, shake his hand, or continue conversations that had started earlier in the night.
Watching the room, I thought again about the slogan “Protect, Serve, Unify.” Whether attendees came out of curiosity or to fully support, the event reflected something Flint does well: people showing up, talking to one another, and building community.
To learn more on Swanson’s stance on Education, Unions, ICE, and Data Centers, The Flint City Times also conducted a video interview with Swanson during the event. Watch the full interview here.
