Republican Michael Majerek, 64, will represent Niles District 12 as Berrien County Commissioner, after he defeated Democratic incumbent John Klimek in Tuesday’s election.
“I’m ecstatic that I won,” Majerek said.
Majerek won 2,067 votes to Klimek’s 1,712, according to unofficial results on ElectionMagic.com.
He said he is most excited to be able to give Niles residents a voice.
“I look forward to having my opinion for the City of Niles represented in the county. We are the largest city and I think sometimes we are overlooked. I would like to get our southwestern piece of the pie acknowledged.”
Majerek said his years of experience working for multiple organizations in leadership roles will help him serve as commissioner. He said he is currently the president of Michiana Delivery Services, a transportation company.
In the past, he has served as president of the City of Niles Chamber of Commerce and treasurer for the Niles Downtown Development Authority, among other activities.
Majerek commended the Berrien County commissioners for working together, despite any difference in political beliefs.
“They are all good people up there,” Majerek said.
The role of the commissioners, he said, is to make the best decisions for residents.
“We watch over the people and hire people to do the best that they can,” Majerek said.
Majerek said he believes it is important as commissioner to be accessible to residents. He said anyone with questions or concerns can reach out to him at any time.