Background
Obuchowski, Michael John was born on February 4, 1952 in Bellows Falls, Vermont, United States.
Obuchowski, Michael John was born on February 4, 1952 in Bellows Falls, Vermont, United States.
He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1970 and attended Harvard University for two years.
Obuchowski served as Speaker from 1995 to 2001. A Democrat, in 1972 Obuchowski was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives. He also began a full-time career as Assistant to the President of Basketville, a Putney business specializing in handmade baskets and other woven products for national and international retailers.
Obuchowski was elected every two years through 2010, and held office until resigning in January, 2011 to join the administration of Peter Shumlin as Commissioner of the Department of Buildings and General Services. At 38 years, his tenure is the longest in the history of the Vermont House. During Obuchowski's career he served as Chairman of the House Committees on Education, Energy, Commerce, Ways and Means, and Appropriations.
In addition, he served as Chairman of the Vermont General Assembly's Joint Energy, Transportation Oversight, Telecommunications Study, and Fiscal Committees. In 1995 Obuchowski was named Speaker of the House, succeeding Ralph G. Wright, who had been defeated for reelection to his House seat. He served until 2001, when Republicans gained enough seats to become the majority party in the House.
Obuchowski was considered for appointment to the vacant Treasurer's position, and ultimately accepted appointment as Buildings and General Services Commissioner. Obuchowski is married to attorney and lobbyist Clare Buckley, and they are the parents of twins Jack and Nora.
Member of Bellows Falls, Our Town Group, Grafton Mus of Natural Hist, Bellow Falls Terriers Booster Club, Abenaqui Rod & Gun Club, Abenaqui Rod & Gun Club, Polish-Am Club, Arts Council Windham Company, Bellows Falls Hist Society, Friends the Vermont State House, Bellows Falls High School. Alumni Association, Ekls.