Representative Scott VanSingel (R-Grant) was first elected in November 2016 to represent the people of the 100^th House District, which includes Lake, Oceana, and Newaygo counties.  Prior to his election, he worked in public accounting and owns a rental real estate company.  Representative VanSingel holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a Master Degree in Business from Cornerstone University.

1. What attracted you to running for the Legislature? 

I have always been interested in the political process and have admired our system of government in part because of the voice given to individual citizens, but also because of the foresight our founders had in understanding human nature and putting in place a system that limits the power of our leaders.From an early age I wanted to somehow be a part of this process.In recent years, I have watched this country drift away from many of the principles and ideas that made it great and I felt the call to be part of the solution, rather than to complain about the problem from the sidelines.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a Dem/GOP?  What attributes of your party do you most identify with? 

As a very young child, I did not fully understand the differences between the parties regarding fiscal issues; however, I saw a clear divide between the parties regarding moral issues, especially the Life issue.I understood at a very early age that human life is valuable and it is wrong to take innocent life. I have identified as a Republican as long as I can remember.As an adult, I still identify with the Republican Party because of their stance on social and moral issues, however, I also agree with the concepts of fiscal conservatism, personal freedoms (particularly the 2^nd amendment), the desire for a strong military, and the opposition to forcible redistribution of wealth.

3. What individuals from your community have shaped and prepared you to be a legislator? 

The biggest influence in recent years would be Rep. Jon Bumstead, my predecessor.We speak frequently about the day to day and behind the scenes work in Lansing as well as what makes an individual an effective Legislator.He has been a tremendous help in preparing me for the tasks ahead.Another individual is my uncle Don VanSingel who had served 20 years as a State Representative in my district.He has offered me advice and encouragement as well, especially when I was making up my mind whether or not to run.

4. What issues would you like to advocate for because of personal life experience? 

Having grown up on the family farm, agricultural issues will be towards the top of my list.There are many regulations, both State and Federal that make it difficult to run a successful farm.When your business already depends on the weather, adding additional risk and uncertainty through regulation makes it extremely difficult to grow and invest.In addition, as a Christian, I see other believers around the country being mocked, threatened, fined, and even arrested for professing and living out their faith, all in the name of “tolerance”.I want to make sure that Michigan is on the frontline in the battle to protect religious freedom.

5. Not having previously served as a public official, what are the greatest expectations you hope are achieved and what situations/scenarios do you hope to avoid? 

I would like to be able to say by the time I leave office that we addressed all of the campaign promises I ran on (pension reform, auto insurance reform, education reform, etc.) and that the culture when I leave is that of mutual respect for other lawmakers and their opinions and a long-term view of dealing with the State’s problems.I hope to avoid having any group of people feel that their voices were not heard and that their concerns were not considered.

6. How has your previous career, political or private sector, shaped the legislator you will be? 

The values of hard work, personal ambition, and setting long-term goals were taught to me growing up on the family farm.In my next career as an Accountant/Financial Analyst, the concepts of budgeting, long-term planning, and fiscal responsibility were a part of my daily life.I plan to use these skills and values to be one of the hardest working Representatives in Lansing as well as a long-term problem solver.

7. What one thing would you like to highlight that makes your district special? 

Our diverse agricultural industry is unique to the state.While the farms in the 100^th District produce corn, soybeans and wheat like many others in Michigan, they also produce carrots, onions, celery, parsnips, asparagus, apples, cherries and many other specialty crops. I have enjoyed the numerous farm tours I have been able to participate in and seeing the innovation of our local farmers.We also have world class natural resources and some of the best trout fishing in the eastern United States.

8. What are some of your favorite activities to participate in in your free time? 

I am an avid outdoorsman.I enjoy hunting, fishing, gardening, and cutting firewood.In recent years I have taken up distance running having participated in numerous 5k and 10k races.I have also participated in numerous mission trips to Honduras and have enjoyed traveling to other foreign countries as well.

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