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We’ve Got Issues: Jack O’Malley brings familiar voice to state House race

David Cassleman
Jack O'Malley is running for Michigan's 101st state House District seat.

Jack O’Malley spent decades as a morning radio host in northern Michigan. He signed off at WTCM-FM for the final time in April. Now he wants a new job in the state House of Representatives.

 

O’Malley lives in Lake Ann and is running as a Republican in the 101st state House District.

"I never served in the military and I regret that because those men and women served,” O’Malley says. “And I believe this is a way for me to serve my community.”

The seat is open because current Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) is running for the state Senate instead of re-election.

O’Malley describes himself as a “conservative guy,” and says he wants to bring good jobs to the area, improve schools and fix the roads. 

He says another of his priorities would be to promote childcare in northern Michigan, which is expensive and in short supply. O’Malley says easing state regulations could make things better. 

“They’ve got crazy rules that are in place,” says O’Malley. “We need to loosen those up a little bit so that it’s not so expensive to run a daycare and then people can afford it.”

O’Malley is opposed by Ludington resident Carolyn Cater in the August primary. Cater is the former chair of the Mason County Republican Party. 

Among Democrats, Kathy Wiejaczka of Empire and Edward Hoogterp of Beulah are running.