38th District
Leadership we need in Lansing
Thoughtful | Listening Leader | Understanding of your needs | Respectful | Pragmatic
George Lucas is running for State Representative in the 38th district of the Michigan House of Representatives. Lucas will focus on economic issues and will work to improve the everyday lives of the people of Southwest Michigan. George will be a strong voice for the small cities, towns, and rural areas and the people of Southwest Michigan.
George Lucas has deep roots in our Southwest Michigan community. In the 1920’s, his grandparents bought property here. Before becoming a full-time resident, he spent his weekends and summers here. His parents met on a blind date in Harbert during World War II. As children, attending the Berrien County Youth Fair was the highlight of the summer for George and his brothers. You could say this area has had a profound impact on him.
George was born in the Roseland neighborhood on the far south side of Chicago in 1958 and grew up in the small midwestern town of Crete, Illinois. George is a 1976 graduate of Crete-Monee High School where he was a member of the Football, Wrestling and Track teams.
George’s father, Lawrence, was a dentist and his mother, Jean, was a school teacher. His parents worked hard and were independent in their thinking. He and his two brothers, Bill and Bob all agree that the greatest gifts their parents gave them were the skills to make their own decisions and to think for themselves.
George lives in Harbert, in Chikaming Township. He has a rescue dog, Gracie and enjoys playing golf, the beach and taking Gracie for walks in the many beaches, parks, and preserves in our area. He likes to read and supports many charities that focus on improving the quality of life in our area.
Lucas earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1980 from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana where he was an officer of Theta Chi Fraternity and lettered on the varsity wrestling team. Upon graduation from College, George worked in production planning, sales, management, and marketing for large and small companies (Container Corporation of America, Jewel Companies, ConAgra, Caravalli Coffees) in the Chicago area. His work took him to 48-states, often traveling to “small-town” America.
George became a fulltime Michigan resident in 1996 and has been a small businessman and active in his community. He earned his real estate license in 1999, and a broker’s license soon followed. George is a graduate of the Realtor Institute and is a Certified Residential Specialist. He also holds certifications in property valuation, e-marketing, negotiating and vacation property marketing.
George is the past president of Chikaming Open Lands and the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors. He is also a member of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, Southwestern Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lakeside Association, the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, the Michigan Maritime Museum, Great Lakes Coalition and he is a 28-year member of The Sons of the American Legion. The Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Flag Day Parade in Three Oaks are two of his favorite annual events. George was a member of the Board of Managers of MichRic, a regional multiple listing service, where he worked with people on a regional basis. George previously served on the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors for Michigan Realtors, with colleagues are from all over the State, similar to the Michigan Legislature. He currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee for the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors.
George has developed a reputation for being forthright in his dealings with others, being an excellent listener and giving his clients solid advice and honest opinions. He feels that many of the skills that made him a successful realtor will also make him a successful state representative. He has made a purpose of his life improving his community. His experience has provided him a unique understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the area. George, as are all realtors, is deeply involved in his community and regularly talks with people from all walks of life.
In 2013, George was honored as the Realtor of the Year for the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors. In 2015, George was recognized nationally by REALTOR Magazine as a runner-up for their Good Neighbor Award, recognizing his work with Chikaming Open Lands. Lucas is a member of the RE/MAX International Hall of Fame and has received their Lifetime Achievement Award.
George’s life experience has framed his legislative agenda. With input from his neighbors, he will work to advance these priorities in Lansing.
Over the years, George has watched the growth in tourism, the growth in the retiree population, and a decline in manufacturing in the area. He will focus on growing our year-round economy to supplement the seasonal businesses we have come to know and love. Ideally, this growth will be organic and a result of a tax structure and business environment that allows businesses to thrive.
George believes that Republicans are the party of Main Street America. There is pride in hard work and commitment to self-preservation. We need to encourage people to make their own way in this world and strengthen the middle class.
Farming is a critical piece of our economy in the 38th District. Farmers are continually faced with increasing equipment, labor, and supply costs. We must do what we can to ensure that family farms remain for generations to come.
Our natural resources are second to none. People move here from neighboring states and George has made a business out of helping them find their Michigan home. As the population grows, our natural resources must be protected so that they continue to attract visitors and residents to the area. George’s work with Chikaming Open Lands has awakened his passion to ensure clean air and clean water remain a priority.
Hand in hand with a strong economy are strong educational opportunities for our youth. This means adequate funding and expanded vocational opportunities so that students are prepared for any sector of the 21st Century economy. This also means providing students with access to appropriate services and giving teachers the support they need to properly educate their students. Teachers are burning out at an alarming rate, at a time when kids need to be back in the classroom more than ever.
Critical to giving kids the best opportunity to learn and businesses the best opportunity to thrive is access to high-speed internet. In the 21st century, this shouldn’t be controversial.
As a Realtor, George is well versed in private property rights issues. Your property should be your domain.
George unequivocally supports our men and women in blue.
George will fight tirelessly to defend our constitutional rights.
Affordable workforce housing is critical to fostering inclusive and thriving communities where individuals of all income levels have access to safe and stable homes, enabling them to live close to their places of employment and enjoy a decent quality of life.
