Connie Binsfeld | |
|---|---|
 Binsfeld in 1977 | |
| 60th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 1999 | |
| Governor | John Engler |
| Preceded by | Martha Griffiths |
| Succeeded by | Dick Posthumus |
| Member of theMichigan Senate from the36th district | |
| In office January 1, 1983 – December 31, 1990 | |
| Preceded by | John Engler |
| Succeeded by | John Pridnia |
| Member of theMichigan House of Representatives from the104th district | |
| In office January 1, 1975 – December 31, 1982 | |
| Preceded by | Michael A. Dively |
| Succeeded by | Thomas G. Power |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Connie Berube (1924-04-18)April 18, 1924 Munising, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 12, 2014(2014-01-12) (aged 89) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | John Binsfeld |
| Children | 5 |
Connie Berube Binsfeld (April 18, 1924 – January 12, 2014) was an AmericanRepublican politician from the U.S. State ofMichigan. She served as the 60thlieutenant governor of Michigan. Starting as an advocate for the environment in planning for theSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, she also was known for protecting interests of women and children. She was the first woman to hold leadership posts in Michigan's House, Senate and executive branch, where she served four terms in the House, two in the Senate, and two as Lieutenant Governor.
BornConnie Berube inMunising, Michigan, in 1924,[1] she attended local schools. After graduating from high school, Berube went toSiena Heights College.[2] After she married in the 1940s, she and her husband settled near Detroit and had a family. She later taught high school history and politics.
Binsfeld became involved in local politics inLeelanau County, Michigan, where she and her family moved toGlen Lake from Detroit in 1968. She headed a citizens' council to participate in planning for theSleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. She served 10 years on the Great Lakes Commission.[3]
Recognized for her speaking and leadership, Binsfeld was first elected to political office as county commissioner forLeelanau County, Michigan. In 1974, she was elected to the first of four successive terms in theMichigan House of Representatives. She would later serve two terms in theMichigan Senate. As a member of theLegislature, she was known for sponsoring some of the strongest legislation to addressdomestic violence, and was known as an advocate for women and children. She continued her interest in the environment. At the time of her death, Gov.Rick Snyder noted the importance of her sponsoring the Sand Dunes Protection Act and introducing the 1983 Quality of Life Bonding Bill for cleanup of areas.[3]
In 1990, Binsfeld was selected to be the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidateJohn Engler. She took office as the state's lieutenant governor in 1991 and served until early 1999. As lieutenant governor, she headed the Binsfeld Children's Commission. Its investigation of issues related to adoption and the child welfare system produced 197 proposed reforms, including for adoption and other laws. The state legislature passed 20 laws drafted by Binsfeld and her staff to make policy to implement these recommendations.
Binsfeld died at age 89 inGlen Lake,Michigan, on January 12, 2014, in hospice.[4]
She was married to John Binsfeld. They had five children together: John, Greg, Susan, Paul and Mike.
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Republican nominee forLieutenant Governor of Michigan 1990,1994 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Lieutenant Governor of Michigan 1991–1999 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
