Buzz Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel 'Buzz' Thomas
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| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 4th district |
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| In office January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Jackie Vaughn III |
| Succeeded by | Virgil Smith Jr. |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 10th district |
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| In office January 1, 1997 – December 31, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Nelson W. Saunders |
| Succeeded by | Triette Reeves |
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| Born | January 28, 1969 |
| Political party | Democratic |
Samuel 'Buzz' Thomas (born January 28, 1969) is a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Michigan Senate, representing the 4th district from 2003 to 2010. This district is located entirely within the city of Detroit. Before that, he was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1997 to 2002.
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Buzz Thomas's Early Life and Education
Samuel 'Buzz' Thomas was born in Detroit in 1969. He went to Detroit Country Day School. Later, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
Before becoming a politician, Buzz Thomas worked in construction. He helped build and fix homes and other buildings in the Detroit area. He was a Construction Manager for different companies. He also worked for two U.S. Representatives, Barbara Rose Collins and Bob Carr. This experience helped him learn about government.
Buzz Thomas's Political Journey
Serving in the Michigan House of Representatives
In 1996, Buzz Thomas was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. This happened 104 years after his great-grand uncle, William Webb Ferguson, became the first African-American elected to the Michigan Legislature.
Buzz Thomas represented the 10th district. This area is in northwest Detroit. He served in the House for six years. In 2002, his fellow House members chose him as the House Democratic Leader. He was one of the youngest people to hold this job. He was also only the second African American to be a House leader.
Leading in the Michigan Senate
In 2002, he was elected to the Michigan Senate. He was re-elected in 2006. In 2007, his Senate colleagues also chose him for a leadership role. He became the Senate Democratic Floor Leader. Buzz Thomas is one of the few Michigan lawmakers to have led both the Michigan House and the Michigan Senate.
Recognitions and Awards
Senator Thomas received many awards for his work. The Detroit Free Press named him one of Michigan’s top "Key Technology Leaders." Savoy magazine called him one of four "Up-And-Coming Leaders." Real Detroit Magazine recognized him as the "Most Dedicated Detroiter" and "Best Local Politician."
Both The Detroit News and Hotline called him a "Rising Star." The Michigan Front Page described him as an "Under-40 Political 'Buzz' Saw." He also received awards from more than two dozen community groups and organizations.
Committee Work in the Senate
As a Senator, Buzz Thomas worked on important committees. He was the main Democrat on the Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee. This committee works on ways to help Michigan's economy grow. He also served on the Homeland Security and Emerging Technologies Committee. This committee focuses on keeping people safe and using new technologies. He was also part of the Energy Policy Committee, which deals with how Michigan gets and uses energy.
