An Independent Leader Putting Oakland County First
"A thoughtful and effective legislator who placed the interests of his district ahead of partisan politics." - The Detroit News, 10/15/02
"Give U.S. Rep. Gary Peters credit for his independent record." - Royal Oak Tribune, 12/30/09
"[Gary] has shown that he can break away from the 'party-line'..." - The Oakland Press, 01/03/10
Gary Peters is a fifth generation Oakland County native, an accomplished businessman of 22 years and a former Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve. Since being sworn into office just last year, Gary Peters quickly became known as an independent voice, willing to take on powerful special interests and even members of his own party to do what is right for the families of Oakland County. He was one of just a handful of Democrats to support a freeze in government spending and to fight for a total ban on all pork-barrel earmarks. Peters successfully fought to stop Congress from giving itself a pay raise it didn't deserve. He wrote and passed legislation that requires Wall Street banks to pay back every penny they received from taxpayers and is fighting to recover the CEO bonuses that the banks paid out with taxpayer money.
Fighter for Small Businesses and Oakland County Jobs
"Peters campaigned on his fiscal acumen and promised to support small businesses... he is keeping those promises." - Macomb Daily, 12/29/09
"Gary Peters ... has shown a keen understanding of small business concerns." - Detroit Free Press, 06/21/10
Gary Peters believes that middle class families and small businesses – the true engine of job creation and growth – need a relentless advocate in their corner. That’s why Gary helped pass legislation to cut middle class taxes and is pushing the leadership of his own party to take money from the Wall Street bailout and instead use it to increase lending to small businesses so they can create jobs. Peters wrote and passed legislation to expand credits for small businesses and innovators in hard-hit states like Michigan and voted to cut taxes for small businesses to make it easier for them to hire new workers.
Creating the New Technology Jobs of the Future...
In addition to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, Peters understands that in order for Michigan to turn around, we must move quickly to seize opportunities in new, innovative high-tech industries that create good-paying jobs. He authored and passed legislation to help make Michigan a leader in advanced vehicle manufacturing and alternative energy production which will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save consumers money at the pump while creating Michigan jobs.
...and Protecting Michigan's Auto Industry
Gary spearheaded efforts to save and create thousands of auto industry jobs in Oakland County. He developed the “Make it in Michigan” initiative, which helped convince GM to build its newest vehicle here in Oakland County instead of China. His leadership helped protect two General Motors plants from permanent shutdown and helped save Chrysler from liquidation.
A Tradition of Service
"A sterling record of Navy service as a lieutenant commander and sharpshooter." - Detroit Free Press, 7/8/2007
The son of a WWII veteran, Gary Peters was 34 years old and a successful financial advisor living in Oakland County when he raised his right hand and took the oath of an officer in the US Navy Reserve. Gary went on to train as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, a logistics officer, and a sharpshooter, and earned the rank of Lieutenant commander. He served part of his reserve duty in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Gary again signed up to serve our country in the Reserve. During his twelve years of service, he received numerous awards and citations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Gary also served his community as a Michigan State Senator for two terms, a Rochester Hills City Councilman and as the Michigan State Lottery Commissioner. Peters’ experience helping families wisely manage their money and running a local business have given him the skills to help make government more fiscally responsible, reign in Wall Street recklessness and develop common sense solutions to help small businesses create jobs.
Education
A product of our Michigan Schools and Universities, Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A). in Political Science at Alma College (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Wayne State University Law School, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy with a specialization in the ethics of Development from Michigan State University. Gary was named the Griffin Chair of American Government at Central Michigan University where he taught seminars and organized forums, which focused on major public policy challenges facing Michigan. He has also taught Strategic Management and Business Policy at Oakland University in Rochester and was an instructor of Finance at Wayne State University.
Family and Community
Gary Peters was born and raised right here in Oakland County. His family settled in Rochester in the early 1800's and they have lived in Oakland County for five generations.Gary's father is a retired public school teacher and his mother worked in a local nursing home. He is married to Colleen Ochoa Peters, who works as a Philanthropic Services Officer for the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and shares Gary's passion for community service.The Peters have three children: Gary, Jr., Madeleine and Alana. Gary, Jr. is a graduate of Albion College and also received his M.A. in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He now works at Ernst and Young in Detroit. Madeleine and Alana attend Bloomfield Hills public schools.
"A thoughtful and effective legislator who placed the interests of his district ahead of partisan politics." - The Detroit News, 10/15/02
"Give U.S. Rep. Gary Peters credit for his independent record." - Royal Oak Tribune, 12/30/09
"[Gary] has shown that he can break away from the 'party-line'..." - The Oakland Press, 01/03/10
Gary Peters is a fifth generation Oakland County native, an accomplished businessman of 22 years and a former Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve. Since being sworn into office just last year, Gary Peters quickly became known as an independent voice, willing to take on powerful special interests and even members of his own party to do what is right for the families of Oakland County. He was one of just a handful of Democrats to support a freeze in government spending and to fight for a total ban on all pork-barrel earmarks. Peters successfully fought to stop Congress from giving itself a pay raise it didn't deserve. He wrote and passed legislation that requires Wall Street banks to pay back every penny they received from taxpayers and is fighting to recover the CEO bonuses that the banks paid out with taxpayer money.
Fighter for Small Businesses and Oakland County Jobs
"Peters campaigned on his fiscal acumen and promised to support small businesses... he is keeping those promises." - Macomb Daily, 12/29/09
"Gary Peters ... has shown a keen understanding of small business concerns." - Detroit Free Press, 06/21/10
Gary Peters believes that middle class families and small businesses – the true engine of job creation and growth – need a relentless advocate in their corner. That’s why Gary helped pass legislation to cut middle class taxes and is pushing the leadership of his own party to take money from the Wall Street bailout and instead use it to increase lending to small businesses so they can create jobs. Peters wrote and passed legislation to expand credits for small businesses and innovators in hard-hit states like Michigan and voted to cut taxes for small businesses to make it easier for them to hire new workers.
Creating the New Technology Jobs of the Future...
In addition to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, Peters understands that in order for Michigan to turn around, we must move quickly to seize opportunities in new, innovative high-tech industries that create good-paying jobs. He authored and passed legislation to help make Michigan a leader in advanced vehicle manufacturing and alternative energy production which will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save consumers money at the pump while creating Michigan jobs.
...and Protecting Michigan's Auto Industry
Gary spearheaded efforts to save and create thousands of auto industry jobs in Oakland County. He developed the “Make it in Michigan” initiative, which helped convince GM to build its newest vehicle here in Oakland County instead of China. His leadership helped protect two General Motors plants from permanent shutdown and helped save Chrysler from liquidation.
A Tradition of Service
"A sterling record of Navy service as a lieutenant commander and sharpshooter." - Detroit Free Press, 7/8/2007
The son of a WWII veteran, Gary Peters was 34 years old and a successful financial advisor living in Oakland County when he raised his right hand and took the oath of an officer in the US Navy Reserve. Gary went on to train as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, a logistics officer, and a sharpshooter, and earned the rank of Lieutenant commander. He served part of his reserve duty in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Gary again signed up to serve our country in the Reserve. During his twelve years of service, he received numerous awards and citations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Gary also served his community as a Michigan State Senator for two terms, a Rochester Hills City Councilman and as the Michigan State Lottery Commissioner. Peters’ experience helping families wisely manage their money and running a local business have given him the skills to help make government more fiscally responsible, reign in Wall Street recklessness and develop common sense solutions to help small businesses create jobs.
Education
A product of our Michigan Schools and Universities, Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A). in Political Science at Alma College (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Wayne State University Law School, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy with a specialization in the ethics of Development from Michigan State University. Gary was named the Griffin Chair of American Government at Central Michigan University where he taught seminars and organized forums, which focused on major public policy challenges facing Michigan. He has also taught Strategic Management and Business Policy at Oakland University in Rochester and was an instructor of Finance at Wayne State University.
Family and Community
Gary Peters was born and raised right here in Oakland County. His family settled in Rochester in the early 1800's and they have lived in Oakland County for five generations.Gary's father is a retired public school teacher and his mother worked in a local nursing home. He is married to Colleen Ochoa Peters, who works as a Philanthropic Services Officer for the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and shares Gary's passion for community service.The Peters have three children: Gary, Jr., Madeleine and Alana. Gary, Jr. is a graduate of Albion College and also received his M.A. in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He now works at Ernst and Young in Detroit. Madeleine and Alana attend Bloomfield Hills public schools.
