Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010

Being a career politician isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes life experience, community involvement and long-time local residency can be big factors in a legislator’s contributions not only to his or her office, but to the constituents’ best interests as well.

Rep. Matt Lori is seeking a second two-year term in the 59th District, and we believe he is deserving.

The Constantine Republican — whose district represents Cassopolis and Edwardsburg residents in Cass County — is a “regular guy” with more than 30 years on the job at the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as sheriff.

Encouraged by others who believed he would be a good lawmaker, Lori never saw himself becoming involved in politics, but has taken on the role with an even keel and down-to-earth manner.

His focus has been on health care, law enforcement, education and jobs. He is especially proud of his work in the legislature that focuses on transparency in government.

Lori has introduced numerous House bills, including those related to corrections, criminal procedure, family law and transportation.

If re-elected, Lori said he will listen to his constituents, who have been indicating they want the partisan bickering to end and the work to begin at the capitol.

Lori is again facing Carol Higgins, a Mendon Democrat and retired Marcellus teacher who owns a bed and breakfast.

Higgins has vowed to spend less than $1,000 on her campaign — an honorable but unrealistic goal — but getting your name and face out to the public costs some money. Higgins has not been very visible in Cass County this campaign, which makes us doubt her knowledge of and commitment to Cass, not just St. Joseph County.

Lori has our support in seeking a second two years in the House.