One of my favorite quotes comes from Albert Schweitzer, the notable 20th Century Philosopher who wrote, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." It has taken me until this point in my life to finally fully understand this quote. "Service" means so much more than just the willingness to help out; to fully understand service, you must realize that life is sometimes about human suffering, and "to serve", you must figure out the best way you as an individual can alleviate human suffering.

I try to make service a daily occupation, and try to eliminate suffering, when and where I see it, from an individual and highly personal standpoint. Although I dream big, I know we have to start small when trying to make this world a better place to live in. I have been blessed with the ability to put my personal philosophy into action through the automobile dealership I own and operate with my father on the northwest side of Chicago. Our company has been an anchor of the community for over thirty years, and we continue to grow and thrive, mostly due to our altruistic business practices. We have an impeccable record of being fair to our customers. Another way to look at what we do is that "actions speak louder than words", whether you're speaking as an employer, a salesman, or a friend.

One of many things that distinguish myself from my opponents is my companies standing policy to hire people who desperately need a second chance. We have hired homeless people, ex-gang members, and people on parole. We provide more than just a job...we give our employees philosophical and material tools to help get them back on their feet. Many of these individuals have gone on to: manage other companies, marry, start their own businesses and even join the armed services. Many of my opponents talk about changing people's lives but I have personally done just that...and I have done so by helping people with MY money, not the government's.

There is a lot in the news today about the national and statewide economic crisis. In my business, we start with nothing at the beginning of the week and turn it into something by week's end. We do this through frugality, hard work and sacrifice. Sometimes we work fourteen hour days. If we don't succeed, our bills go unpaid...it's that simple. I would bring this strong work ethic to Congress. I don't know how to do business any other way.

In my personal life, I've learned that time is one of the most valuable commodities we have, and donating your time can mean so much more than donating your money. I have been a Big Brother and kid's football and soccer coach. I have done youth motivational speaking. As a former professional wrestler, I have been extensively involved in charity shows and promotions. I've made people happy...I've tried to alleviate suffering.

I am a big believer in term limits; I believe that over a long period of time, power corrupts and the level20of service, while well-intentioned, becomes stale and counterproductive. For this reason, if elected, I promise to serve a maximum of two terms. In this time frame, I hope to accomplish the establishment of an anti-corruption coalition in Congress.

The American people have signaled that this is a new era in the history of our nation. The time of government ruled by the elite is over; the time for bi-partisan government by the citizen politician is here. If elected to Congress, I will serve the people, not from some ivory tower in an elitist, far-off place, but from right next to them...side by side, together, ending suffering where we see it, and making the State of Michigan and the United States of America a better place to live in...again.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jon Stewart