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LANSING - Two more candidates have announced they are running for the 105th District seat in the state Legislature vacated by Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, Ken Glasser and Tim Boyko.

The district includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Otsego and most of Cheboygan counties.

Ken Glasser, 50, a Republican from Bagley Township in Otsego County, is a business owner who says he has the government leadership experience to effectively represent the people of the 105th District.

"With term limits we need to make sure we send someone to Lansing who is prepared to provide strong leadership," Glasser said. "My eight years as a county commissioner has given me an understanding of the challenges faced by the 105th District."

Two of the eight years as Otsego County Commissioner Glasser has served as chairman. He also spent eight years on the planning commission and three years on the Hayes Township Board of Review.

Glasser said that his 28 years of business experience in risk and financial management and his local government experience combined qualify him for the Legislature.

"I have worked with Otsego County to resolve the same tough financial challenges that are faced by the counties of the 105th District and the state of Michigan," Glasser said. "This gives me the experience to deal with financial issues at the state level. We need to make some difficult financial decisions in Lansing. I have a proven ability to make tough decisions."

His ideas for improving the northern Michigan economy include using the strengths found in the area, such as a highly motivated skilled workforce and the area's natural beauty. Obstacles to job growth should be removed and he would review regulations and tax policies, he said.

Glasser volunteers as chairman of the Pigeon River Advisory Council. He and his wife, Vicky, have two children. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.

Glasser's contact information is: telephone number: 989-370-2140; e-mail: glasserkenneth @ hotmail.com.

Candidate Tim Boyko, a Republican from Norwood, announced he is running for the seat in the 105th District on April 9. His local government experience has prepared him for the Legislature, he said.

"I have always used my gift of leadership in endeavors that improve our community," Boyko said. "I think that being a state legislator is the logical next step for me after years of local government activity."

Boyko was elected supervisor of Hayes Township and then Norwood Township and has served for a total of almost 10 years. He has also served on the county road commission and planning commission.

His business experience includes owning two small businesses, manufacturing, sales and management.

"I understand the pressures on both employers and employees. Over the years I have worked to develop good listening skills and that is essential to my demonstrated ability to bring opposing parties to consensus," Boyko said.

His ideas for improving the northern Michigan economy are to link the need for infrastructure improvements with the need for jobs by working with government agencies and the private sector. Projects such as road building and engineering will benefit the district, he said.

"Growth usually takes place at the margins. We need to be alert to emerging trends and capitalize on those opportunities. Locally produced food is such an emerging trend. We need to listen to business owners and eliminate obstacles to their success. Make it easy to do business in this district. Don't wrap an entrepreneur in red tape," Boyko said.

He and his wife, Susan, moved to the area 18 years ago and raised their family.

Boyko's contact information is telephone number 231-237-0000; e-mail: timothyboyko @ gmail.com and boyko4staterep.blogspot.com.

B. J. Hetler may be contacted at 231-622-2645 or at citizen@voyager.net.