A lifelong resident of the Downriver district, Clemente is the former co-owner and manager of Clemente’s Bar, Restaurant and Bowling Alley. The family-owned business started by his parents - Joseph and Rose Clemente - closed its doors in 2010 after being in business for more than 60 years.

Clemente, a Certified Public Accountant, worked as an accountant and auditor at the firm Coopers & Lybrand before joining the Legislature.

With his small business background and financial expertise, Clemente is committed to making Michigan the No. 1 spot in the country for small businesses and entrepreneurs to set up shop, grow and create jobs for our workers. As State Representative, Clemente is fighting to-

•Encourage innovation and keep our businesses competitive to create new, good-paying jobs.

•Streamline state government and cut wasteful spending to inject much-needed fiscal responsibility in Lansing.

•Reform how the state funds our schools to ensure that Michigan’s children receive the quality education they need to compete in the 21st century global economy.

•Support worker retraining and continuing education programs for our unemployed and under-employed workers in order to attract new businesses to Michigan.

Clemente lives in Lincoln Park with his wife, Cara. They have three children — Joseph, Nathan and Emma.