Representative Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 2016.  He represents the 101^st House District, which includes the counties of Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, and Mason.

Representative VanderWall is the owner of Turf Care Mole Man in Ludington.  He’s served on the boards of Old Kent Bank, Mason County Growth Alliance Board, Northern Michigan Counties Association, and the Mason County Housing Board.  Additionally, he served as commissioner and chairman of the Mason County Board of Commissioners.  Representative VanderWall attended Grand Rapids Junior College.  He and his wife, Diane, have been married for thirty-two years and have three children.

1. What attracted you to running for Legislature?

Feeling that you can make a real difference for the people in your district. I also felt it was very important to make sure that Michigan continued our strong come back and forward thinking for the future.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a Dem/GOP?

It started very early when I was in high school at East Kentwood. We had a government teacher that challenged us to experience the political options and we would have open discussions on both sides. I would then go home and my family and I would discuss the issues around the dinner table. We had some great family talks since my parents were educators (republican) about our county and beliefs and this is how I formed my opinion.

a. What attributes of your party do you most identify with?

I would say that I identify most with the structure of free enterprise and with hard work you can have the American dream!

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

Great question, I truly have so many that it would be hard to mention them all so here are a couple that helped shape me.

Tom Posma is a small business owner and a long time Mason County Commissioner. I first talked to Tom about running to be a commissioner over 10 years ago and he sat me down and we talked about what it meant to run for office and what and why I felt I would make a better commissioner than the person who held that seat currently. Tom and I had some great discussions that shaped me and helped me when I did decide to run. We didn't always agree on issues, however we were honest with each other on issues we differ in opinion and I feel it has made our decisions on our county board better. I also want to say that Tom and I met before my wife and I announced our candidacy for State Representative to talk about my future and if he felt I would make a good Representative.

Fabian Knizacky our County Administrator. Fabian and I have had a great relationship and we have talked about so much, however he really taught me the workings of the financial side of county government and how important it is to work in tandem with other entities for the better of the people. We challenged each other on the issues and I feel he has helped me more than he knows and I truly respect him for the time he has spent with me on so many of the issues.

Milan (Budde) Reed. Budde is the owner of Ludington Beverage Company. When I moved to Ludington in 1983 Budde was one of the first people to welcome me to town. I was recently promoted and took over as store director at Eberhard foods. Budde taught me that giving back is a vital part of being part of a community and it is your duty if you want to see your community and yourself succeed. I have taken his words and actions to heart and used them to form my ties to the community. I also talked to Budde before I ran to hear what he felt about me running for office.

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

I truly want to see us work hard to reintroduce the trades in our school systems. I feel that we need to make sure these work options are offered at our community colleges so that multiple school districts can use them. This will also reduce cost and make it more affordable to implement. I was a product of college not always fitting everyone.  I was in my second year of college and also working for a local grocery store and I just did not know what I wanted to do as far as a career when the owner LV Eberhard asked me to enter a new management training program that he started which would train and teach hard working people the skills of being a store manager. LV spent a lot of time with me personally and developed me into a store director and future district supervisor. I then went on to do the same in another food chain before I purchased my own business.

5. What do you anticipate being the biggest difference serving as a legislator compared with your experience as a local official?

Serving 4 counties and all the residents and in the big picture the entire state. I have the awesome responsibility to make sure that I speak for all the people of the 101st and not just a couple townships. I look at this as one of the greatest challenges along with making sure that I am approachable and available to everyone all the time. I can't say how much I have learned during my run for office and now I have the chance to learn and serve the great people here in the 101st. I also want to say the prettiest district in the state, however I may be just a bit bias

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

As a small business owner and former county commissioner it has given me the tools to be an effective legislator. I have had the experiences of owning a business and experiencing firsthand the challenges of being an owner and employer for 8 families. As a commissioner I learned that it is about everyone and you can't come in with hidden agendas and expect to succeed.

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

This is not a fair question! However, I will answer it as the beauty of nature. IE Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan, small inland lakes, orchards in full bloom in the spring, wildlife such as fish, bear, turkeys and deer, quaint small towns and last of all the great people who live here.

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

I love to enjoy the outdoors. My wife and I are avid outdoor enthusiasts. We love to take motorcycle rides on our Harley Davidson. In the fall we love to enjoy the woods, hunting for birds or deer and in the winter we can’t wait to hop on our Skidoos and run down a snow covered trail enjoying the beauty God has provided us all to enjoy.

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