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Ben Stahl, son of current State Rep. John Stahl (R-North Branch) is expected to officially file as a candidate for the 82nd District in the House of Representatives this week. As of Monday morning, the Lapeer County Clerk's office said Ben had not yet filed for the seat.

John was elected to three two-year terms as state representative. He cannot seek re-election due to term limits, so the seat will become vacant and Ben hopes to get elected to it.

When Ben files, he will join a crowded field of five Republican candidates including Gary Howell, Randy St. Laurent, Paul St. Louis, Kevin Daley, and Todd Courser. Democrats who have filed for the seat include Bill Marquardt and Bernard Anthony Jocuns Jr.

"I think the main reason I want to run is the other candidates aren't addressing the Michigan economy," Ben said. "We need someone that will be there in Lansing when we call, not just a lawmaker like so many lawyers who run for office," Ben said. "Why don't we get someone who will do their job and cut the Michigan budget by billions, not a gimmick of $1 per person. I think this another slick campaign to get Gary Howell elected, especially seeing that he chairs this part-time legislator drive for Lapeer County."

He has been a resident of Lapeer County for 14 years and has a work background in real estate sales and construction. Currently, Ben's proudly working at Lapeer Industries building armored vehicles like the international MRAW anti-mine vehicle for our U.S. Army and other military forces.

Ben has been a member of or supported the following organizations: Calvary Bible Church of Lapeer, WMPC, 4-H, National Rifle Association, Lapeer Right to Life, LACADA, Lapeer Sportsman Club, and the Family Literacy Center.

In addition, he is chairman of LUTAR government affairs and was Active Citizen of the Year for 2004.

Politically, he's worked on campaign committees for his father, Sen. Jud Gilbert (R-Algonac), U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-Harrison Twp.), past governor candidate and was a member of the executive committee for the Lapeer County Republican Party.

"I have watched and experienced the rise and fall of Lapeer County along with the great state of Michigan," he said. "The other candidates seem more concerned with working part-time as a representative so that they can keep their other higher paying jobs and talk about saving a small amount of money for the state compared with the billions that are flying out the door millions by millions."

Ben further questioned why Howell, and House candidates Kevin Daley and Randy St. Laurent are pushing for the seat only to have it be part-time. "I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work full-time no what the voters decide," he said. "We should be working overtime to fix this mess in Michigan."

Ben also wants to see a cut in Michigan gas taxes. He'd also like to see a decrease in state spending, but an increase in revenue to fix state roads. He also favors more revenue sharing for counties around the state.

"Most of all, I want to say that what we need is good old fashioned values in Michigan again," he said. "I will respect the right and voice of each voter as each person counts...We need to roll up our sleeves and get to work to getting this state working again. No more empty campaign promises or gimmicks. Let's get to work and fix this mess."

Ben said he differs politically from his father and doesn't feel he's trying to ride his coat tails into the elected position. "My dad's proven he can win," Ben said. "I think I'm more laid back. I'm hard driving when it come to getting the job done. I'm more for state rights. Each state should have more of a say over its destiny.

"I do not see a candidate out there talking about what we need to turn the state around. For any doubters, only time with my commitment will show them."

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