By Staff
BERRIEN SPRINGS - Bill Baber, R-Berrien Springs, lifelong Berrien County resident and small business owner, Tuesday announced his candidacy for the Michigan House of Representatives 78th District seat.
Baber will again challenge state Rep. Neal Nitz, R-Baroda, in the Aug. 8 primary election.
Baber has been a small business owner in southwest Michigan for more than 30 years.
Baber owns and operates Baber's Lakeshore Marathon, the Wash Station Car Wash and Lakeshore Towing Service, all located in Stevensville.
Baber says his business experience makes him uniquely qualified to help balance the state budget and to grow southwest Michigan's economy.
Baber said his top priorities will be:
Restoring quality constituent service to Berrien and Cass County residents.
Supporting locally-owned small businesses and family farms.
Working to lower taxes and regulatory expenses to make Michigan competitive with other states.
Insuring schools stay locally controlled and properly funded.
Supporting legislation that will curb out-of-state trash to insure that Michigan does not become the “Midwest's trash heap.”
Fighting for legislation that will stabilize gas prices.
Supporting alternative fuel production in southwest Michigan to boost the agriculture industry and create good-paying jobs.
Baber, who also challenged Nitz in 2004, said this time his campaign will be stronger.
During the 2004 campaign, Baber was endorsed by The Herald Palladium, which said, “There's little question that Bill Baber has the life experience, the knowledge and the drive to handle Michigan's 78th District House seat. a Baber would bring an energy to the position that Nitz hasn't displayed.”
Baber, born and raised in Berrien Springs, graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army from 1972-75.
Baber is a former president of The Greater Berrien Springs Park and Recreation Board, has worked on several school planning committees and coached numerous youth sports teams.
He is treasurer of Country Acres Homeowners Association. Baber and his wife Sue have five adult children, all of whom attended Berrien public schools, and one grandchild.
Michigan's 78th House District is comprised of portions of Berrien and Cass counties, including Baroda, Berrien Springs, Berrien Twp., Bertrand, Buchanan, Buchanan Twp., Chikaming, Dowagiac, Galien, Howard Twp., New Buffalo, New Buffalo Twp., Niles, Oronoko, Silver Creek Twp., Pipestone, Three Oaks, and Wayne and Weesaw townships.