To the editor:

Every two years, the citizens of this community have the opportunity to choose who will represent us in the Michigan Legislature.

This year, more than ever, it is important to elect or re-elect those who will serve, not themselves, but all our citizens and our local institutions.

I have chaired the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) since its founding in 1964.

Today, SMC is widely recognized as one of this nation’s top community colleges.

One of several important reasons for this success is that for the past 48 years we have had state representatives and senators who have been strong advocates in the Legislature for the local people and institutions they represent, including SMC.

One outstanding supporter is Rep. Matt Lori, who has been a strong advocate for legislation which would allow community colleges to grant baccalaureate degrees in nursing. We hope this legislation will be successful next session.

We are constantly fighting big government bureaucrats on local control issues. Matt Lori is a local control advocate.

We fight annually for our fair share of state funding.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Lori is always there for us.

In a broader picture, Rep. Lori also chairs the House Community Health Appropriation Committee. Matt was successful this legislative session in getting Cass County added to the Healthy Kids Dental program. This will provide good dental care to hundreds, if not thousands, of kids in our community needing this care.

Recently, Rep. Lori was honored by the Michigan Association of Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency for his exceptional leadership in substance abuse, treatment and recovery activities.

Except for space limitations, I could add many more examples of Rep. Lori’s leadership that benefited this community.

Rep. Lori has always represented a small part of Cass County during his four years in Lansing.

Because of redistricting, he will now represent most of the eastern part of Cass County, from Dowagiac east.

Matt Lori is a courteous and non-confrontational gentleman. He has great integrity. He is highly respected in the Legislature on both sides of the aisle.

Matt was sheriff of St. Joseph County, Mich., for 20 years. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has been married to his wife, Linda, a retired school teacher, for 35 years. Together they raised two sons, Luke and Ezra.

Matt Lori is not a career politician.

Because of term limits he can serve in the House of Representatives only one more two-year term.

In the interest of good government and great service to our community, let’s take advantage of Matt Lori’s four years of experience and leadership in the Legislature.

Please join me in voting for Matt Lori as our 59th House District representative on Nov. 6.

Dr. Fred L. Mathews

Dowagiac