Primary election season is just around the corner and we will soon be seeing signs decorating yards everywhere. Please join me in voting for my friend Kim LaSata who is running to be the first woman elected from our area to the State Senate.

I have known Rep. Kim LaSata for more than 30 years. She has the energy, integrity and common sense to continue representing us proudly in Lansing. Prior to being elected as our first female state representative, Kim taught fifth grade for more than a decade. She wants to improve southwest Michigan not only for her four kids, but the hundreds of fifth graders she has taught over the years.

March is Reading Month in Michigan schools. I saw Kim’s energy first hand last March when she read to more than 52 classes all across her district, impacting several thousand students.

The 21st Senate District has a strong history of responsible, conservative leadership. Kim LaSata will be our conservative voice in Lansing. She has voted to reduce our income taxes, reform and reduce auto insurance rates, and repair our roads without increasing taxes. She serves on the Appropriations Committee and Chairs one of the largest general fund budgets — Higher Education. She has worked closely with our 15 public universities to keep tuition rates in check and make our students safer.

Kim is not a career politician. She is one of us. While earning her master’s degree she still found time to serve as President of the Capstone Center, Berrien County Guardianship Service and the Women’s Service League. I served on a board with her and know how dedicated she is to improving our area.

Please join me in voting for Kim LaSata to be our next state senator.

Mary Tatter

Watervliet