Dowagiac native Mike Moroz will run for the open seat in the Michigan State House of Representatives, District 59, which includes most of Cass County and all of St. Joseph County.

Cass townships not included in District 59 are Howard, Milton, Ontwa and Silver Creek, which are part of the 78th District.

Moroz, 51, was born and raised in Dowagiac and resides in his 1877 restored home “Bock House” just off downtown. He attended Dowagiac Union High School and Michigan State University.

He has owned and operated Double M Painting Services, a division of Bock, Inc., as a licensed commercial and residential painter since 1998.

Mike is president of the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County, a non-profit organization whose mission is to tell the story of the UGRR in this area. The group is currently restoring the historic James E. Bonine House on Penn Road. and M-60 in Vandalia. He is also on the committee working to restore the 1899 courthouse in Cassopolis, and is a charter member of the Main Street Michigan group seeking to rehab downtown Cassopolis.

Moroz says his passion for rehabilitating historic buildings and restoration of downtown areas can benefit the 59th District.

“This district is rich with historic sites and buildings which provide great opportunities for cultural tourism destinations, bringing in tourist dollars and preserving our heritage,” Moroz said.

The Democrat candidate ran for this seat in 2012 and knows the commitment it takes to run for office.

“It’s a big responsibility and I take it seriously,” he said. “Our citizens need to know what their representative stands for, and that he will do what he says he will do. Not only am I a better candidate, I am a better citizen for having run before and spoken with so many residents of the 59th District about the issues that impact their daily lives.”

As for why Moroz is running now he says, “we need to bring balance back to Michigan’s legislature, and work collectively to improve the lives of hard working men and women in this state, by strengthening our public education system, creating jobs, repairing roads and infrastructure, and limiting the tax burden on middle and working class citizens.”

For more information on Moroz, his campaign and his stand on issues, go to his website www.mikemorozforstaterep.com. Mike can be reached by phone at 782-8056 or email at mike@mikemorozforstaterep.com.