'Hard work' earns Northern Michigan legislators leadership positions

OTSEGO COUNTY — Recent leadership appointments in the Michigan Legislature will ensure Northern Michigan is represented well in the new legislative term, beginning Jan. 1.

A number of Republican senators and representatives were appointed to high-ranking positions in the Legislature last week following the Nov. 6 general election.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, was appointed chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Stamas was elected to his second term after defeating Joe Weir, D-Midland, last week for the 36th Senate District seat, representing Otsego, Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties.

Senate Majority Leader-elect Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, named Stamas the next chairman in part for his experience and leadership.

“Senator Stamas is a tremendously effective leader with a proven record of working with members on both sides of the aisle to get things done,” Shirkey said in a statement. “He will be an outstanding Appropriations chairman who will ensure our state budget priorities build on the achievements we have made since 2011 to improve our great state.”

Stamas said experience and ability to build relationships has gone a long way toward the appointments of the area’s legislators.

“I think it shows the strength of leadership from these individuals on top of the ability to build relationships throughout the state of Michigan,” Stamas told the Herald Times. “They went and knocked on doors, helped with fundraising, and demonstrated the ability to accomplish legislation that was balanced for all of Michigan.”

As chairman of appropriations, Stamas will be responsible for passing the state’s budget with the House and Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer, among other duties.

“I think the large priorities for us will continue to be demonstrating Michigan’s leadership in jobs, which to me includes continued investment in infrastructure and education, both K-12 and skilled trades and higher education,” Stamas said.

Rep. Triston Cole, R-Mancelona, was elected as the majority floor leader of the House and will be replacing Dan Lauwers, R-Yale. Cole, who defeated Melissa Fruge, D-Boyne City, last week, represents the 105th House District, comprised of Otsego, Antrim, Charlevoix, Montmorency and Oscoda counties.

“With nearly 20 years of leadership experience with many boards and committees at the local and state level, I am passionate about focusing on the safety and quality of life for Michigan families,” Cole said in a statement. “I want to thank my Michigan House colleagues for their support and am committed to helping our local communities across the state.”

Rep. Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, was selected last week to serve as Michigan’s next speaker of the House. At 30 years old, Chatfield will become the youngest speaker in the state’s history and the youngest speaker actively serving in the country, according to a press release.

“I am honored to have the support of my colleagues to lead the House next season,” Chatfield said in a statement. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for the past four years, and I’m looking forward to giving them an even greater voice at the Capitol in my new role as Speaker.”

Chatfield represents the 107th House District, which includes Emmet, Chippewa, Mackinac and parts of Cheboygan counties.

He will become the first speaker from Emmet County, and will replace current speaker Tom Leonard, who lost the bid for Michigan’s attorney general.

Stamas highlighted several other legislators from Northern Michigan who have been elected to leadership positions.

Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, was elected as Senate assistant majority leader. Schmidt represents the 37th Senate District, which includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Luce and Mackinac counties.

Rep. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, was elected as caucus chair in the House. He was first elected in 2016 to represent the 101st District, comprised of Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties.

Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, was elected as caucus dean for the Senate. McBroom represents the 38th Senate District, which includes Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The appointments signal that Northern Michigan may have increased influence in the consideration of policies and finances.

Stamas said this is a unique situation for Northern Michigan and that the elections serve as a testament to the hard work of each legislator and that hard work is noticed by their peers.

“They’re all elected by the fellow members from across the state, which shows a lot of hard work on these guys’ part because they had to travel the state to build these relationships.”