The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Traci B. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Action - Interview a Local Leader #1
I had my first interview with my mentor for Ambassadors League. My Mentor is Alan Cropesy. He is a Senator of the 33rd District. He represents Clinton, Ionia, Isabelle and Montcalm counties. Along with his Senator position he was: state representative, vice chairman of the State Board of Canvassers, and chairman. His term will be over in 2010.
"What motivated him to seek his current position?" was one of the questions I asked him during this interview. He said the main thing was his Father. His father ran five times but never succeeded in a win. But still his father has some influence in the state. He lobbied for one room school houses.
"What training do you think is important to prepare for this Position as a Senator?" He had a college degree which is not needed but he feels like it made him better equipped for this job. Along with his College degree he has his Law Degree as well. This next thing is also not something you have to have but it is something that will take you a long way. Being able to be friendly and talk to people. Not all of people in politic are capable. But the more you can be friendly and talk to people the more people you will have listening to you. Then that will make them stand behind you.
"What is the greatest reward of this Job for you?" Even whether it is a win or lose. Just standing up for what you know is right thing. Of course we all know that we enjoy it much more when we pull off a win. But still having the feeling that you did not go along with the flow of everyone else but stand up for what you know God Stands for and what He wants you to fight for.
"What are some of the Big Challenges?" In the last questions Senator Alan Cropsey talked about standing firm in what you believe. But not all the people in politics do that. They are so worried about wanting other people to look up to them that they just go along with the flow. And it's hard for the righteous to win because people are so into wanting to be the bigger man on the floor.
"What role, if any, does your faith play in your profession?" For Senator Alan Cropsey his faith plays a "large roll." It motivates him more. He realizes that he can not do all on his own. God helps him more then anything. And because he knows that God is his help it reminds him not to become egotistic. Alan Cropsey said "God put me here in this job and he can take me out just as easily."
Senator Alan Cropsey has become very influential in office. He received many awards for his work in the Legislature, including a Defender of Freedom Award from the National Rifle Association in 1996 and Legislator of the Year Award from the Michigan Conservative Union in 1983. Still he gives everything back to God.
