Elected to the Michigan House in 2004, Ed Clemente has extensive experience in local, county and state government.
Key legislation
- Fighting high energy costs and dependence on foreign oil. Clemente authored a resolution calling for the creation of a coalition to develop a long-term energy strategy for the state of Michigan.
- Creating jobs. Clemente authored a bill to increase grants given by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority. These grants go to job providers who create and retain substantial amounts of jobs in Michigan. This bill will lead to the creation of up to 1,500 good-paying jobs.
- Police and homeland security. Clemente sponsored legislation to streamline information sharing between the FBI and the Michigan State Police and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
Before serving in the House
- President, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, 1999. The chamber serves 21 Downriver communities.
- Helped start the Downriver Summit .
- Founding organizer of Cruisin' Downriver.
- Every year, Clemente organizes a regional business exposition.
- Served on the White House Conference on Small Businesses during the Clinton Administration.
- Clemente's long association with small businesses began early, when he worked in his family restaurant, Clemente's, on Fort Street in Lincoln Park.
- Teacher.
- Trustee, Wayne County Community College.
- Interim city administrator, Rockwood.
- Legislative aide to then-Wayne County Commissioner Bill O'Neil.
Education
- Bachelor's in public administration from Ferris State University.
- Bachelor's in education from Michigan State University.
- Fellowship, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
- Fellowship, the Michigan Political Leadership Program.
Personal
- Crain's Detroit Business has listed Clemente as one of the 400 most influential under-40 members of the business community in metro Detroit.
- Clemente is an avid athlete. He is a runner and a rugby player. Clemente has traveled extensively around the world with his rugby club.