John LaMore has always said he’s not a typical politician.

But as a self-described “average guy,” he’s made a pretty good run as a Berrien County commissioner.

LaMore

The Niles Township resident, 59, has served four terms as 12th District commissioner but will not seek a fifth, he recently  announced.

LaMore, a former Niles Township fire chief, has always run on the “average guy” platform and has been true to his word. He hasn’t always pleased his constituents by his votes or opinions on policy, but he’s been true to what he believes is “best for most of the community,” he said.

LaMore came under fire from some of his constituents in 2010 for his support of the purchase of land in Benton Township to be the future home of a county campus. Other South County commissioners, John Klimek and Don Ryman, both voted against the measure, while LaMore was a no-show for the vote.

LaMore says he doesn’t regret his support of the land purchase.

“I still believe it was a good move,” he said. “Twenty years from now, it will be much easier for everyone in South County to get there, right off the bypass.”

He is also proud of the commission passing the county smoking ban in 2007, years before a statewide smokeout was enacted in 2010.

For LaMore, it was a long political career that almost wasn’t. He was planning on running for Niles Township clerk when, at the urging of long-time Cass County Commissioner Johnie Rodebush, he decided to run for Berrien County commissioner.
LaMore, who still will serve on several boards and volunteer with the Fort St. Joseph archaeological dig, is hoping to free  some time for himself.

“I’m doing 12, 15 meetings a week,” he said. “There are so many meetings, special meetings, events and trainings. Basically, it’s time.”

LaMore plans to spend his free time working on his genealogy projects and tinkering on his 1957 Chevy Nomad.

LaMore spent 25 years on the Niles Township Fire Department, including 12 as chief, and retired in 2002.

Nobody has filed to run for the 12th District seat yet. The filing deadline is May 15.