Jim Storey, now servin
g his second term on the Allegan County Board of Commissioners, has announced his candidacy for the suddenly vacant 80th Legislative District.
Storey joins Mary Whiteford as candidates in the Nov. 3 Republican Party primary election Nov. 3. Any other candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday to file. Republican and Democrat candidates may pay a filing fee of $100 each or turn in a nominating petition with at least 200 valid signatures (maximum 400 signatures).
The seat suddenly became open when State Rep. Cindy Gamrat was expelled last Friday morning for her role in an attempted coverup of an extra-marital affair with State Rep. Todd Courser, who resigned last Friday just before a House to expel him.
Storey represents Fillmore, Heath and Overisel townships and the City of Holland on the County Board, having first been elected in 2012. The ormer chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Holland Chamber of Commerce, he served for 19 years on local boards and commissions, including the West Michigan Airport Authority and the Holland Board of Public Works, the community’s electric, water, sewerage and broadband utility.
Storey was quoted as saying in his announcement, “Allegan County families deserve representation that will be a strong voice in Lansing. We need leadership that will fight for a sound transportation plan for Michigan, that will keep government in check, roll back burdensome regulations and tackle the unfunded mandates that cripple our localities. And leadership to bring much needed ethics reform to Lansing so the people can once again trust their elected officials to be their true representatives.”
He has been married to his wife, Diane, for 21 years and they have four children and three grandchildren.
Hopkins, Watson and Martin townships are included in the 80th District, which also includes most of Allegan County.
The special primary election for the partial term will be Nov. 3. The special general election will be March 3. The winner will serve at least until December 2016 and will be eligible to file for a full two-year term in the August 2016 primary.
