Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison 
Announces Candidacy for State Rep Seat
(Press Release, Jan. 28, 2016)
Royal Oak, MI – Today, surrounded by family and supporters at the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland and Macomb Counties, Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison announced his plan to seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for State Representative in the 26th District, representing Royal Oak and Madison Heights.
“Michigan needs experienced leaders responsive to our residents and committed to investing in our future, starting now,” said Ellison, explaining his focus if elected. “ As Mayor, I’ve worked every day to make our community stronger, our people’s lives better, and to build a 
desirable future for our youngest residents. That’s the hands-on, community-focused leadership I will bring to Lansing.”
Ellison was born and raised in the community he seeks to represent. He graduated from Royal Oak schools and has dedicated much of his life to volunteering and public service.
Supporters note that Ellison’s experience as Royal Oak’s longest serving Mayor makes him an exceptionally qualified candidate. “Jim is a true problem-solver,” stated Jay Dunstan, Chairman of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority. “Over the past dozen years, his capable leadership has helped make our city one of the best places in Michigan to live, work, and raise a family.” 
Ellison notes increasing frustration with the legislature’s lack of productivity as motivation for his run. “The hard-working people of Royal Oak and Madison Heights deserve results, not the austerity, indifference, and indecision that Lansing is producing these days,” Ellison said. “It’s time to pull together and get this legislature back to work. We need to reinvest in our state and our shared future. I will do everything in my power to make sure the work I’m sent there to do gets done.”
Ellison plans to speak one-on-one with voters to hear their concerns and share his ideas about bringing local solutions to Lansing to build a forward-looking economy, modernize our outdated infrastructure, and invest in quality and affordable public education for Michigan’s future.
“Having lost my job six years ago due to the Great Recession, I know first-hand the hardship of being forced to look for a new one in your 50’s, having no choice but to deplete your retirement savings.” Ellison said. “At the same time I’ve seen the difficulty Michigan’s young people are having just finding work that pays a living wage, much less start a career. We’re being squeezed from both ends.” He concluded, “We must commit to investing in our schools, our cities, and our working families.”
Ellison is married to Jodie and is the proud father of eight children and grandfather of soon-to-be nine, most of whom call Royal Oak and Madison Heights home.
State Representative Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak) is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. Ellison filed today for the August 8, 2016 state Democratic Primary.
For ongoing election coverage, visit http://oaklandcounty115.com/category/election-information/.
