Southwest Michigan has been blessed over the years to have many fine people step up and run for elected office. This year is another one of those years. Congratulations to the men and women who have put their name on the ballot and have volunteered to lead.

In the State Senate race for the 21st District, we are fortunate to have someone who combines agriculture, small business, local elected official experience and state elected experience. That someone is Dave Pagel.

As my husband and I were both farmers and friends of Dave’s parents, and have known the Pagel family for over 66 years, I have watched Dave Pagel in many roles through the years.

As a man of Christian family values, Dave and his wife, Sue, have raised four outstanding children.

As a successful businessman, Dave has operated a family company for four decades that has employed dozens of Berrien County folks.  When Berrien Springs schools were in trouble, Dave volunteered to lead and the district is now one of the fastest growing and most innovative districts in Michigan.

The Berrien County Commission named Dave chairman for both of his terms in office as he calmly helped lead the County Board during the recession.

In the State House, he has served admirably and served his entire six-year term. He has been a big part of making Michigan the comeback state, a place where our children can now find jobs and raise their families.

All of that experience and accomplishment in business and government means that Dave Pagel has the right background for the State Senate. Dave has and uses common sense. Dave has significantly more elected experience than the other candidates. With the difficult choices Michigan will face in the coming years, we need Dave Pagel’s tested leadership skills representing us.

Please join me and my friends on Aug.7 and Pick Pagel!

Barb Radewald

St. Joseph