Berrien County Commissioner Dave Pagel announced he will run for 78th District state representative next year.

Sharon Tyler, who currently holds that post, has announced she won’t pursue re-election and will instead pursue the Berrien County clerk position, left vacant with the retirement of Louise Stine.

Pagel, a Berrien Springs resident, is the chairman of the county board and formerly served as president of the Berrien Springs school board for 14 years. He serves the 9th District, made up of Baroda, Bridgman, Lake Township, Oronoko Township and Weesaw Township.

“I intend to work to strengthen Michigan’s economy, to improve our educational system and to support family farms in the state,” Pagel said in a press release Thursday. “I believe in the careful stewardship of public funds and in keeping government as small and efficient as possible.”

As the founder of Dave Pagel Produce and Dave Pagel Farms, Pagel says he understands the struggles of small business owners right now. Under his leadership, Dave Pagel Produce has expanded several times recently, employing more workers and entering new markets.

Pagel said “the timing was right” to run for state representative.

“With my son Jeremy Graduating from Michigan State University and returning home to help run the family business, I know that he and my excellent employees will keep the business going strong,” he said.

Pagel is a lifelong Berrien County resident. He and his wife and four children live in Berrien Springs.

Pagel serves on the board of the Chapel Evangelical Free Church in St. Joseph and volunteers his time as a coach for youth sports teams.

He made the announcement of his candidacy at Thursday’s Berrien County Board meeting. Several of the commissioners expressed their support.

“Let me be the first to donate toward the campaign,” said Commissioner Deb Panozzo.