Former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard will visit Bloomfield Township Thursday to talk about democracy in America.

Blanchard, a former congressman and U.S. diplomat to Canada, will speak to members of League of Women Voters Oakland Area, but the event is open to the public.

The Pleasant Ridge resident was born in Detroit and grew up in Ferndale. He’ll talk about his various roles in government and discuss democracy in America.

Blanchard maintains his law license and remains active with several diplomatic, civic and non-profit organizations. He was ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1996, Michigan’s governor from 1983 to 1991, and a congressman representing Michigan’s 18th District from 1975 to 1983.

He’s considered an expert on U.S.-Canada relations. In 1998, Blanchard wrote “Behind the E

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