If your money was on Al Pscholka to take the reins from State Senator John Proos when Proos term comes to an end, you’ll have to find yourself another horse. Pscholka will not be in that race.
The retiring State Budget Director and former 79th District State Representative Al Pscholka has decided not to run for the open 21st District Michigan Senate seat currently held by John Proos.
Pscholka says simply, “Bottom line – quality of life for me and my family.” He adds, “I am pursuing an exciting opportunity here in Southwest Michigan where I can be close to my family, my friends, and the community I call home.”
Rather than speculate on who he thinks might run for Proos’ seat, Pscholka says simply, “We have a deep bench of people who are interested in the seat, and our region will be well served.”
Pscholka went on to express appreciation for the support he has received from Michigan’s Great Southwest constituents over the yhears, saying, “I want to thank the folks who have supported me at both the local and state level over the years. It was an honor to serve and make a difference in my community.”
Just this weekend a Democrat stepped forward to announce his candidacy for Proos seat.
Former Hagar Township Clerk Ian Haight threw his hat into the ring, identifying what he thinks are the key issues for local residents, saying, “Good-paying jobs, access to educational opportunities, and affordable healthcare are the concerns I hear people talk about repeatedly.” He adds, “Wages have not significantly increased for most people, even while the stock market has been booming. In education, repeated cuts by a Republican controlled state legislature have weakened public education and decreased Michigan’s ability to compete for new business.The ongoing debates about healthcare prove how important access to affordable, quality healthcare is to Americans.”
Haight says he is running because he wants to bring a practical and sensible approach to Lansing, noting, “You can’t come in with a lot of preconceived notions. The key is to gather and consider all the available information before reaching a conclusion and to be open-minded about new ideas and approaches.”
Proos was first elected to the State Senate in 2010 and is term limited from running again.
