Portage City Councilwoman Margaret O’Brien will announce her candidacy for the Michigan House of Representatives on St. Patrick’s Day-Monday, March 17th-at McGinnis Landing restaurant in Oshtemo. The event will be held from 5:30-6:30 PM with the official announcement at 6:00 PM. Press is welcome to attend.

O’Brien will be running as a Republican in the 61st District for the seat presently held by Jack Hoogendyk who is serving his final term.

O’Brien, a Realtor® with RE/MAX Advantage in Portage, is a life-long resident of Kalamazoo County and a graduate of Mattawan High School. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College and was a Michigan Political Leadership Program Fellow. Margaret and her husband Nick have two children, son Tyjon and daughter Samantha.

O’Brien was first elected to the Portage City Council in 2003 and has championed numerous causes during her tenure. O’Brien was the lone councilmember to fight against street special assessments, which were eliminated by the voters in a 2006 ballot question. She also worked with community leaders to pass an ordinance remediating homes contaminated by methamphetamine and was able to secure state and local funding for the program. Most recently, O’Brien has assisted business owners with taxation issues and worked to involve youth in the board/committee structures in the City of Portage.

Kalamazoo County Treasurer Mary Balkema is endorsing O’Brien, “I have worked with Margaret over the last 5 years and have found her to be bright, articulate and in tune with the people who have elected her. She is able to build consensus and support for issues. She is a hard worker who takes time to understand the issues and that is why I am endorsing Margaret O’Brien for State Rep for the 61st district.”

O’Brien wants to take her track record to Lansing stating, "I am running for State Representative because I believe in Getting the Job Done. We have seen the chaos and poor policy that is coming out of Lansing. During my five years on the Portage City Council, I have worked with our community and tackled tough issues. I want to take my skills to Lansing so we can turn our state around."

O’Brien has a distinguished record of public service to Kalamazoo County and will work hard to represent the 61st District with an emphasis on tax reform, common sense spending, and creating a new climate for Michigan business growth and job creation.

For more information, please contact Margaret O’Brien at margaret@margaretobrien.com or by phone at 269-377-4294. You may also visit her website www.margaretobrien.com. Please contact Margaret O’Brien for video clips from the event or pre-recorded radio clips.

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