Representative Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2016, representing the 79^th House District in Berrien County.

Prior to her election to the House, Representative LaSata was a fifth-grade teacher at Lake Michigan Catholic Schools.  She’s served as past president of Berrien County Guardianship Services, the Women’s’ Service League, Capstone Center, and vice-chair of Child and Family Services.  Representative LaSata earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master’s degree in literacy studies from Western Michigan University.  She resides in Bainbridge Township with her husband, Charlie, and four children.

1. What attracted you to running for the Legislature? 

After having had the opportunity to chair several not-for-profit organizations in our community, I learned that one person can truly make a difference. It’s my hope that with the help of my colleagues, I can make a positive difference for the State of Michigan.

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

In 1980, my high school history teacher encouraged me to make phone calls for President Reagan. The involvement sparked a passion and in the thirty years since, I have worked for numerous Republican candidates throughout the State of Michigan.

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

I most identify with personal responsibly, self-reliance, and fiscal conservatism.

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

The first campaign that I took an active role in was in 1991, when my soon-to-be husband, Charlie LaSata, was running for Saint Joseph City Commission. Having had a front row seat to his public service, along with that of other great area public servants like Congressmen Fred Upton and Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey has shaped the kind of legislator I want to be – one who places people first.

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

Having been in the education system myself, I’ve seen college pushed on kids as opposed to routes potentially better suited to them, their interests, and their talents. This is at great cost to both the students and any industry that relies on skilled trades. Therefore, I would like to advocate for more skilled trades being introduced as a well-paying, quality career path to students at an earlier point in their education.

While our area has a lot of great high schools, many of our kids don’t return after college because they don’t believe there are job opportunities. I would like to help reverse this trend, enhance the climate for job creators, and attract even more business to Southwest Michigan.

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 hope to be able to work with both sides of the isle to achieve the best solutions for the State of Michigan. This obviously goes hand in hand with avoiding the partisan rancor that has plagued politics in years past. I firmly believe that we all run to try and do good things for our state, we just don’t always agree on how to get there. Finding common ground happens all the time in the private sector, and it is my expectation this new class can work together to solve problems.

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

Education has always been my passion. As both a mother and an elementary school teacher, I understand the challenges and needs of our children. By making education a focus of mine in the legislature I hope to positively impact school districts and colleges by always putting what’s best for the students, Michigan’s future, first.

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

Berrien County is the fruit belt capital of Michigan!

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

I love to run and spend time with my family.

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