“It is important to approach politics from a place of humility. Many people approach politics from a place of ego, and that is not what politics are about.”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in politics?
Representative Byrnes said that, growing up, her parents always talked to her about what was going on in the world. Her parents taught her to utilize critical thinking skills. The way she was raised taught her to think about the issues in the world and contributed to her career in politics. Representative Byrnes attended college at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Byrnes gained valuable experience interning in the Dearborn City Council office. Later on, she was elected to serve on the Dearborn City Council. Byrnes served two terms on the Council. Before Byrnes was elected to the Council, only 1 out of the 7 members were women. Byrnes remembers thinking that a 1 to 6 women to men ratio was not representative of the whole population of Dearborn, and this inspired her to run for election. Byrnes felt it important to do her part and represent the women of Dearborn on the City Council. Byrnes also wanted to be a proactive voice in government in the context of Donald Trump’s first term as President. Byrnes is currently serving her second term as a Michigan Representative.
What are the key issues you are focusing on or have focused on during your terms?
Currently, Representative Byrnes is focusing much of her energy on improving infrastructure. Byrnes is concentrating on rainwater management, which is an issue in her district, as well as road repairs and the expansion of green technology to accommodate electric cars. Byrnes is also focusing on providing resources for all students to succeed, whether in K-12 or a higher education program. During her time on the Dearborn City Council, Byrnes assisted in the removal of the statue of former Dearborn Mayor, Orville Hubbard. Hubbard encouraged segregation during his time as mayor. His statue served as a symbol of that racist policy. Byrnes is proud to have helped take down that reminder of racism from the now inclusive Dearborn community.
How do you feel your experience as a woman has shaped your perspective and approach?
Byrnes identifies as a progressive democrat and a feminist. She believes women can play a unique role in politics, thanks to the ability of women to “pass over the mic.” Politics are about public service, and not everything needs to be said. Women tend to have more of an innate sense of this concept. This has shaped Byrne’s approach toward politics as she focuses on the needs of her constituents.
What steps do you believe need to be taken to achieve gender equality in political representation?
Byrnes said that we need to get young girls thinking and talking about what they are passionate about. We need to talk to them about the issues in the world and encourage them to think critically. Byrnes believes that it is our responsibility to support other women. She emphasizes that we should not just offer words of support, but actually take action and help more girls and women become active in politics. We should raise other women up and offer real support.
What skills do you believe are essential for high school students aspiring to pursue a career in politics? What specific activities or organizations can they join to develop these skills?
Byrnes believes it is important for high school students to join clubs with like-minded students. She says this could be any kind of club, such as a feminist club or an LGBTQ+ club. Byrnes says that, when it comes to politics, it is important to know you are not going through it alone. Support from others can go a long way. Joining clubs and talking with people who have similar goals and interests helps foster inspiration and provides a support system. Byrnes also says that public speaking is an important skill to practice.
What advice would you give to young women in high school aspiring to enter politics?
Byrnes advised young women to practice public speaking. She confessed that she also experiences nerves when public speaking, but that it is not necessarily a bad thing. What is important is to practice. Byrnes suggested that young women could start small by talking in front of small groups, then by giving presentations to classes. The skill builds up over time, regardless of the nerves. Byrnes also emphasized the significance of humility when it comes to politics. She said it is important for young women, and really all people, to approach politics from a place of humility, rather than ego. Politics are about public service and listening to the needs of constituents.
Source
https://www.erinbyrnesmi.com/priorities