By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES - An old, historic building was used to launch a brand new campaign Sunday afternoon.
Around 50 people gathered in the Renaissance Center in downtown Niles in support of Judy Truesdell and her run for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.
The 60-year-old Truesdell will run as a Democrat in the 78th District, which has never been represented by a woman or a Democrat, Truesdell said.
Those who showed up in support of Truesdell included Niles city council member Daniel VandenHeede, Berrien County Circuit Court Judge John Donahue and the Executive Director of Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor Pat Moody.
Introducing Truesdell was Patricia Eycleshymer, a member of the Niles City Planning Commission and wife of former Niles Mayor Daniel Eycleshymer.
In her speech, Truesdell highlighted three main areas of focus for her campaign. She began by pointing out the amount of jobs in the region that have been lost to other states and countries.
Truesdell also pushed increasing opportunities for those students interested in the trades, such as carpentry and plumbing.
Environmental issues were also addressed by Truesdell, who said current legislation is turning Michigan into the “Great Waste State.”
The key issues were raised through conversations and focus groups with citizens, Truesdell.
Michigan's primary elections are on Tuesday, Aug. 8.