Berrien County Commissioner Dave Pagel will have some competition in his bid for the 78th District post.
Jack Arbanas, a political newcomer and Democrat, told the Star Wednesday that he will run for the office currently held by Sharon Tyler of Niles. Tyler has announced she will be running for county clerk. There is a two-term limit for state representative seats.
Arbanas, a Buchanan resident, said he “has a moral obligation to run.”
“I really thought the direction that the Republicans were taking the state was bad,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “I thought that I could be the person that could help change things.”
Arbanas, who has lived in the area for 47 years, is a professional pilot and the former owner of Marz Sweet Shop in Buchanan. He is also the chairman for the Teamsters Local 1108 Union and is involved in the Niles Optimist Club. He and his wife Jeanne originated the Cystic Fibrosis Fun Run in Buchanan.
Arbanas said public schools funding is one of his primary concerns at the state level.
A press conference making the official announcement will be held Monday at the South County Democratic Clubs’ monthly meeting at the Buchanan Moose Lodge.
Pagel, a Republican from Berrien Springs, is the chairman of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners and announced his candidacy last month.