A year from now, state Rep. Matt Lori will be term-limited and John Bippus of Three Rivers will be bidding to be Dowagiac’s next voice in Lansing.

He recently announced he is seeking the Republican primary in August 2014.

Bippus, 54, and his wife, Sharon, live on Kaiser Lake in Fabius Township, near the Cass County line.

The president of real estate auction firm BippusUSA.com chairs the St. Joseph County Road Commission, serves on the Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees and is the former chairman of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners.

“One year from now,” Bippus said, “the voters of the 59th District will decide primary candidates for the general election to replace term-limited state Rep. Matt Lori. I have been talking to people all across Cass and St. Joseph counties, listening carefully to their concerns and letting them know I will be an honest, effective and responsive representatives of all the people of the 59th District.”

Bippus said jobs, schools, roads and public safety make everyone’s top 10 list of key issues.

“People are also concerned about government overreach and issues of privacy and personal liberty,” Bippus said.

“My family and I have launched a number of successful businesses in this district. I know how to start a business and create jobs. I understand the hard work required to grow and sustain small business, and I can help the people of this district and the State of Michigan on a path of job growth and economic recovery. Job creation will be my top priority.”

Another important focus for the candidate will be educating Michigan’s youth.

“Because of my community college involvement and my wife’s profession as a public school teacher, I do understand the vital importance of educating and inspiring young minds,” Bippus said. “I will work closely with district educators to make sure our schools are a legislative priority.”

At the state level, Bippus is president of the Michigan Guardianship Association.

He is the author of a book called “The Secret of Your Success.”