Principled
Results oriented, community minded, kind, devoted and family oriented are all words that friends use to describe Margaret O’Brien. In 2008, local non-profit Executive Director Fran Denny said, “Margaret will be an excellent legislator because she is smart, principled and compassionate. I have known her since she was a college student. Over these years, I have seen her bring her energy, insights and skills to many different roles.”
Margaret has brought these qualities to the community as a Portage City Councilwoman. Elected in 2003 as the top vote getter, Margaret brought energy, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. Challenging the status quo, Margaret fought to eliminate street special assessments. Working with the community, she successfully brought this to a ballot question, where voters overwhelmingly rejected street special assessments.
Fighting For Jobs
Job growth has been a priority of Margaret’s, and she has fought for local businesses creating jobs in our area. Steven Cummins of FEMA Corporation stated, “It was refreshing to find a political leader willing to take the time to understand our vision to grow in Michigan. She clearly understood the fundamental business challenges and opportunities. In addition, she appreciated the risk we were undertaking to grow in this state.” Brian Kaufman of Allegra Print & Imaging echoes these words stating, “Margaret is a strong advocate of the business community.” Margaret has worked hard to help local businesses create jobs, including working with businesses to redevelop Brownfield sites.
Transparency In Government
Margaret has long been an advocate of responsible government and fiscally conservative budgeting. Early in her first term, she pushed for transparency and was successful at getting the council agendas and packets online. More recently, she was successful at having the checkbook placed online. Her efforts were recognized when the Kalamazoo Citizens For Responsible Government recognized the City of Portage as one of two governmental units with 4 out of 4 stars for transparency. "The citizens of Portage deserve to know how their money is being used."
Leadership
Other community leaders recognize Margaret’s passion for serving her community and tackling tough issues. Margaret has been actively engaged with other local leaders looking at community wide issues. Schoolcraft Township Supervisor Don Ulsh endorses Margaret “because of her intellect, energy, and persistence in getting to the bottom of issues that affect our area. Margaret has the uncanny ability to see both sides of an issue and help those involved reach consensus.”
Margaret has been instrumental in finding other innovative ways to improve local government. She spearheaded the effort to create a youth advisory board to the Portage City Council to allow for a voice for youth. Margaret has also worked to improve customer service and assessment services at City Hall.
Strong Work Ethic
A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo County, Margaret grew up working on dairy farms- first in Pavilion Township, then in Texas Township. With her three brothers and parents, Margaret worked hard- instilling qualities that she is known for now as a public servant. Like many farm youths, she spent summers detasseling corn. “Those summers taught me that hard work is the key to success. Working in the hot sun, for long hours in less than ideal conditions, I learned that you finish whatever job you start no matter how hard it is.”
Volunteerism became an important part of Margaret’s life when she was in high school. When regularly attending to her Alzheimer’s afflicted Great Grandma in a nursing home, Margaret became aware of the other patients in the nursing home. Even after her Great Grandma’s death, Margaret continued visiting the nursing home to see those who had become her friends. “Visiting allowed me to learn the stories of many great citizens in our community. I treasure the stories they shared with me.”
Margaret graduated Mattawan High School in 1991 and went to Michigan State University. She attended MSU’s prestigious James Madison College, and paid her own way through college working two jobs. Margaret continued her community volunteerism, working with disabled athletes in the Cerebral Palsy/Les Autres Games, interning at an alternative high school, singing in the church choir and volunteering at other events. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 1996. “While I was proud to be the first in my family to graduate from college, I wish my mother could have shared it with me.” Margaret’s mother passed away from cancer during Margaret’s sophomore year of college.
Returning home to Kalamazoo, Margaret was hired at Catholic Family Services as a Crisis Worker at their ARK shelter for runaway, troubled and homeless teens. Margaret earned promotions and eventually managed their Caring Network pregnancy support program. She also managed the agency’s contracts and help secure new funding for programs helping those in need.
During this time, Margaret gave birth to her son, Tyjon. As a single mother, she provided for her son and her father who suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Margaret’s early lessons of working hard helped her as she juggled full time work and volunteerism along with caring for her family.
Family
In 2000, Margaret met Nick O’Brien playing on a softball team. A year later on St. Patrick's Day, they were married. Together, they have two children: Samantha and Tyjon. As a family they enjoy being outdoors, family time and being active.
Today, Margaret is a successful real estate agent who still loves serving her community. Margaret is active in many organizations and volunteers for a number of worthy causes. Below is just a small list of Margaret’s commitment to her community.
- Portage City Councilwoman
- Kalamazoo County Environmental Health Advisory Committee Chairwoman
- Kalamazoo Valley Family Church Member and Volunteer
- Kalamazoo County Republican Party Vice Chair
- Farm Bureau Member
- Michigan State Alumni
- HomeBuilders Association of Greater Kalamazoo Associate of the Year 2008 and Member
- Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
- Catholic Family Services Volunteer
- Junior Achievement Volunteer
- Girls on the Run and AYSO Coach
- Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® Member
- Ducks Unlimited Member
- Kalamazoo Child Abuse and Neglect Council
- Kalamazoo Infant Safe Sleep Coalition
- Chamber of Commerce Member
- Volunteer, Kalamazoo Rod & Gun Club Member
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