KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The longtime treasurer of Kalamazoo County announced she’s seeking re-election this week after nearly 12 years of holding the office.
Mary Balkema said in a statement on Thursday, January 23rd that she is filing paperwork to be on the ballot for the November election. The Republican official was first elected in 2007 and is currently in her third term for the office. She previously served as a Kalamazoo City Commissioner prior to her election from 2001-2007.
Balkema has also served as legislative co-chair with the Michigan Association of County Treasurers, and has been involved with the Kalamazoo County Land Bank and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
In the most recent treasurer’s election, she defeated Democratic challenger Sunny Sahu with 55 percent of the vote.
A release sent out by her campaign says, “She remains committed to blight removal, strengthening the tax base, returning properties to productive use and increasing the availability of affordable housing.”
Balkema previously graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She currently lives in the city of Kalamazoo with her husband James and their three children.
