Candidates for the 59th District State Representative include Republican candidates John Bippus, Aaron Miller, Roger Rathburn and Bob Sills. Mike Moroz is running as an unopposed Democrat and will oppose the winner of the Republican primary race. The election is Aug. 5.

MIKE MOROZ (D)
Age: 52
Residence: 104 Oak St. Dowagiac
Education: Graduate Dowagiac Union High School 1980, Michigan State University
Professional Background: Prior to 1998 worked for Wightman Petrie as a CAD design draftsman designing municipal infrastructure.
Occupation: Small business owner since 1998, licensed painting contractor.
Political Experience: Ran for this seat in 2012.
Civic Involvement: President of the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County, charter member of the Michigan Main Street Program for Cassopolis, charter member of the committee to save the 1899 Cass County Courthouse.
What will be your top priority if elected to office? Creating good paying jobs. We can only do that if we: fix our roads and reinvest in Michigan’s infrastructure, educate and train a qualified workforce and repeal the divisive ‘Right-to-Work’ law which slows business growth and lowers wages.
Name three core values that define your political outlook: Fairness, Equality, Morality. Whatever I do as your representative, I want to do it so it is fair for everyone, regardless of background or socio-economic circumstances, equally applied under the law with a moral obligation not to cause harm to anyone.
What makes you the best candidate for the job? I am the best candidate because I am beholden to no one. I have no obligations to a party caucus, outside interests or big money. I am open minded with an independent spirit and will listen and act on behalf of the people, not march in lock-step with party bosses.
What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of? I am proud of having run for the State House in 2012 which has led me to this campaign. It has made me a better candidate and a better citizen having talked with so many citizens about the issues which affect them most.
How do you think you can impact Southwest Michigan’s future? I can impact southwest Michigan by returning the power of government back to the people. I will listen to the people and vote an informed conscience when in Lansing. The people’s voice is being drowned out by too much money in politics and outside interests.
What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it? Our biggest challenge is getting more people to vote and creating a fair system of electing our representatives. We must reform campaign finance, removing the large amounts of money in the system and fix the unfair practices of redistricting by one political party.
Other comments: It’s time for a more balanced government in Michigan. One party runs the entire State of Michigan and it’s time to return the power of government back to the people. Remember, you can vote a straight ticket, AND also vote for individual candidates of your choice. Please visit my website at www.MikeMorozforStateRep.com.

JOHN BIPPUS (R)
Age: 55
Residence: 11811 Anchor Lane, Three Rivers, MI
Education: Three Rivers High School, Glen Oaks Community College, Trade Training: Certified Auctioneers Institute, Graduate REALTORS Institute, Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate, Graduate Missouri Auction School.
Professional Background: Small business owner, Real Estate and Auction Firm
Occupation: Real Estate Advisor, Auctioneer & Broker
Political experience: Chair, St. Joseph Road Commission, Glen Oaks Board of Trustees, Former St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Former Three Rivers City Commissioner, President of Michigan Guardianship Association, Past Chair of St. Joseph Health Agency, Past Chair of St. Joseph County E911 Board of Directors.
Civic involvement: Three Rivers Rotary Club, Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce member, Rotary Club, Member of St. Joseph County Conservation Club.
What will be your top priority if elected to office? My priority will be protecting the interest and rights of the people of Cass & St. Joseph Counties. I will work to lessen the tax burden, promote job growth, safeguard our children’s future and defend our hometown values. We must work together to keep the American Dream alive.
Name three core values that define your political outlook: Three core values that define my political and personal outlook are honesty, integrity and service. These core values are ingrained into my daily life without fail. I demonstrate these values every day in the way I have served my community and run my business.
What makes you the best candidate for the job? I am passionate about our community and the people I wish to represent. I am the only candidate to have served in elected representative positions serving our community.
What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? I am most proud of having the opportunity to work with so many good people on numerous projects and fundraisers to improve the quality of life in the district. Such as conducting fundraising auctions for Christian education in Three Rivers and Sturgis, a sports complex in Cass County, and building a homeless shelter. Most recently being part of the improvements at the St Joseph Co. Road Commissions as they work to operate leaner with improved efficiencies and accountability. And of course the joy of serving on Glen Oaks Board as the school refocuses on student success and expanded opportunities to serve.
How do you think you can impact southwest Michigan’s future? Michigan must continue the course set by our Governor and retiring 59th District State Rep. Matt Lori. The work they have completed is commendable but not complete. I have the experience in both government and business to pick up where Representative Lori will have left off. Michigan must work to lower the cost and size of state government. We need a common sense approach that gets us to fewer laws and regulations, less bureaucracy, and lower taxes.
What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it? As I engage people throughout the district the number one concern on their minds me is education; expanding career and technical training, common core, local control, and funding. My first task will be to assemble a group of highly qualified citizens to serve on my education committee. This group will assist with prioritizing repairs to existing legislation and the initiation of new law focused on Student Success.
Other comments: You have an important undertaking in selecting your next state rep. In the event I am selected most worthy to serve you can be assured that I will serve all the people to the best of my ability. Thank you for participating in the process. God bless.

AARON MILLER (R)
Age: 27
Residence: 27788 Banker Street Rd.; Sturgis, MI 49091 (Sherman Township)
Education: Sturgis High School, 2006; Western Michigan University, 2010 (BA in Secondary Education; Social Studies/Math); Bethel College, 2014 (M.Ed. in School Administration)
Occupation: Teacher, Middlebury Community Schools; Middlebury, IN
Political Experience: Executive Board Member of the WMU College Republicans, 2008-2009; Current Member, St. Joseph Republican Party
Civic Involvement: Member, Grace Christian Fellowship, Sturgis
What will be your top priority if elected to office? My top priority if elected to office will be responding to voters over everyone or everything else.
Name three core values that define your political outlook: My three values that define my political outlook are God, family, and personal responsibility.
What makes you the best candidate for the job? I am the best candidate simply because I’m a regular guy. I’m not running to gain power or some other political position. I’m running because I’ve had a passion about government since I was a boy and I would be the best listener and hardest worker for our district.
What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? I am most proud of the fact that I have obtained a Master’s degree at 26 years old and have grown into the teacher I always envisioned myself becoming.
How do you think you can impact southwest Michigan’s future? Southwest Michigan needs someone with energy and passion, someone who can increase government transparency and include people in the legislative process more than ever before. People have less trust for politicians now because they don’t listen. I will listen.

ROGER RATHBURN (R)
Age: 51
Residence: Three Rivers, Michigan
Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University
Professional Background: Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of Schools
Occupation: Educator
Political Experience: I am not a career politician
Civic Involvement: Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors – 12 years; Camp Wakeshma Board of Directors -12 years; Rotarian – 12 years; Elk’s – 12 years; Lions Club — 4 years
What will be your top priority if elected to office? Voting for and/or representing the constituents of the 59th district and not special interest groups with catchy names like “American’s for Prosperity” that try to control local politics by funding candidates that will vote in line with their agenda.
Name three core values that define your political outlook: Politics is all about leadership. True leadership can only be accomplished through 1. Building relationships, 2. Being collaborative and 3. Listening.
What makes you the best candidate for the job? Proven public service with an established track record of leadership. I have no personal agenda and I am not a career politician. I was a successful coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. I will make a difference in Lansing by being a great legislator.
What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? For 13 years as Superintendent of Schools I have successfully led a large school district with 7 board members, 375 employees, 7 labor groups, 2,700 students, their parents and a community with high expectations.
How do you think you can impact southwest Michigan’s future? By listening to the businesses and constituents of the 59th district and being their voice in Lansing.
What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it? Apathy. Having spent the last six months going door-to-door it is clear that our communities are disappointed with our government. People closest to the point of impact make the best decisions because they are the most knowledgeable. We can fix things by listening more to our people.
Other comments: I have grown and developed throughout my life based on my experiences. I had different thoughts and views when I was 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50. Speaking with so many constituents over the past few months allowed me to grow even further as a person. I was listening. Thanks!

BOB SILLS (R)
Age: 67
Residence: 13294 Spence Road, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093
Education: Western Michigan University – Bachelor of Business
Professional Background: Veteran – United States Army; General Telephone & Electronics (GTE) 28+ years
Occupation: Owner – Trends and Technology, Inc. for over 20 years. — a Business-to-Business Solutions provider of telecommunications systems, voice over IP, and fiber optics.
Political experience: From 2011 to 2013 Bob was employed by the Michigan Senate for the office of Senator Bruce Caswell. Past Chairman — St. Joseph County Republican Party St. Joseph County Republican Party Executive Committee; Cass County Republican Party member; Past member 6th District Executive Committee; Michigan Republican Party – State Committee on Issues
Civic involvement: Three Rivers DDA – Economic Restructuring Committee; Michigan Main Street – Steering Committee
What will be your top priority if elected to office? Jobs need to be the state’s number one priority. Business growth broadens the tax base without raising taxes. Most other issues, like roads or education, demand funds that require raising taxes. Michigan’s taxes are high enough. We just need smarter spending.
Name three core values that define your political outlook: Integrity, honesty and the ability to listen with the conviction to act upon that input. Those are the necessary values that have made Bob Sills a trusted name throughout Southwest Michigan.
What makes you the best candidate for the job? I want to be a part of the pro-growth agenda that is taking place in Michigan today to promote business expansion and job growth. I believe I have the right combination of business and government experience that is essential to building a better Michigan.
What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? I was awarded the 2011 Mackinaw Conference Outstanding Republican Leadership Award for St. Joseph County. Trusted enough to be employed by the Michigan Senate: my work for Senator Bruce Caswell speaks volumes about serving our citizens.
How do you think you can impact southwest Michigan’s future? I have the professional business and necessary government expertise that we need to make Michigan a better place to live. These changes will only happen with strong leadership – the essential ingredient to success.