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"I enjoy people and made a difference in Lapeer County and can do so in Lansing," Daley said. "I've spent more than 24 years in local government and I know how to balance a budget, and know how to deliver the maximum amount of service to taxpayers. Given Michigan's current economic situation, I believe those are valuable skills that will serve the people of Lapeer County well, should the voters decide to let me represent them in Lansing."

Daley, 50, is also chairman of the Lapeer County Emergency Medical Service. He is running for the 82nd seat as a Republican candidate. Rep. John Stahl (R-Arcadia Township) currently holds the seat. He is serving his third and final term in the seat that represents all of Lapeer County. Michigan term limit laws prevent Stahl from running for the office again.

Daley and his wife, Debbie, a teacher in the Lapeer Community Schools, have been married 29 years. They have three adult children.

Locally, Daley said he supports completion of the M-24 corridor project and continued improvements to M-53 in the county. He also supports renewable fuel initiatives that benefit the overall state economy and Michigan's farmers.

A lifelong farmer himself, Daley owns and operates a 240-acre centennial farm that was founded by his ancestors in 1881. "Anyone who can still make a living in farming has the ability to manage finances and that's a skill I think we can use in Lansing," he said.

Daley is currently active in the Lapeer County Farm Bureau and presently serves as an appointed member of the Agricultural Preservation Board of Lapeer County. He recognized that agriculture is the state's second-largest industry and would like to help protect the state's interest by serving on the House's standing Agricultural Committee and Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee. For many years, Daley has been involved in educating students with tours of his farm. He also serves as a dairy superintendent for 4-H at the Eastern Michigan Fair. "Working with young people is a natural expression of my deeply held commitment to the Pro-Life cause, which I support 100%," Daley said.

His experience in government dates back 24 years beginning with a seat on the Arcadia Township Planning Commission. He served four years as a trustee, seven years as treasurer, and has been township supervisor for 11 years.

In 2004, Daley was honored by his fellow supervisors with a Distinguished Service Award for his service to the township and county.

Dryden Township Supervisor Tina Papineau supports Daley in the state representative race, having worked with him for eight years in the Lapeer County Chapter of the Michigan Townships Association and the Lapeer County Township Supervisors Association. "In my experience, Kevin has done a great job in many areas and would be an outstanding leader for Lapeer County," Papineau said. "He knows how to balance a budget. He knows what the community residents and farmers want. He is an outstanding family man. Kevin Daley delivers the whole package that you don't always have in a candidate."

Daley is a member of the National Rifle Association; a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he has been parish council president, and current membership in the Knights of Columbus and Stewardship Commission.

Daley strongly favors a part-time legislature and limitations on health benefits for a legislature, a position he promoted long before making his decision to run for office. "I think it's ridiculous for a person to take a full-time life retirement and health package for a six-year job. We're one of only four states with a full-time legislature. If a part-time legislature works in 46 other sates, why wouldn't it work here," he said.

Daily's Campaign committee members are working on a Winter Blast fundraiser to be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Lapeer County Center Building. For ticket information, call (810) 724-1026.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.