The House District 78 race is heating up as a third Republican has announced his bid for the party’s nomination.
Baroda resident Brian Savage is pursuing the seat currently held by Niles’ Sharon Tyler, who is not seeking a third term in November.
Savage moved from Illinois to Michigan five years ago to work as a food and beverage manager at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo.
He first began volunteering at age 12 for his school.
“I’ve always been passionate about public service,” Savage said.
A reserve deputy for the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and the son of two police officers, Savage has championed higher education and individual rights in Lansing and Washington, D.C. He has served as the board chairman of the OutCenter in Benton Harbor and on the state board of community colleges in Illinois.
Savage believes the biggest challenge he will face if elected is “bringing businesses back.” He plans to address the issue by “attracting and retaining businesses and young professionals in the area” as well as reinvesting in schools and police and fire departments.
At the capitol, Savage would like to give serious consideration to the Right to Work legislation, which would prohibit unions from making workers join a union or pay union dues. He also wants to reinstate revenue sharing municipalities have lost.
Savage noted that in the last session, 585 bills and resolutions were discussed regarding state agencies, but only 65 were discussed related to economic development.
“This campaign is about real results for people in the district,” Savage said.
Others seeking the Republican Party’s nod include David Mann — an Andrews University student and the youngest-ever Niles City Council member — and Dave Pagel — a Berrien County commissioner.
and founder of Dave Pagel Produce and Dave Pagel Farms.
Buchanan resident Jack Arbanas, a professional pilot and the former owner of Marz Sweet Shop, is the lone Democrat seeking the party’s nomination.
For more information about Savage, visit www.savagefor78th.com or facebook.com/savagefor78th.