From a dusty hay field in Atlas Township to the floor of the House of Representatives’Jim Runestad has arrived in Lansing.
In November Runestad, a 1978 Goodrich High School graduate, was elected to the House of Representatives District 44 that includes Milford, Highland, White Lake, Waterford and Springfield townships. Runestad, a Republican, defeated Democrat Mark Venie in the general election.
Runestad, an Otter Lake native, moved to Atlas Township with his family when he was 8-years-old.
‘My family purchased an 80-acre farm in the township,? said Runestad, 56. ‘All the way through high school we put up hay, produced maple syrup, had orchards, raised cows and pigs. That rural lifestyle was one of the key elements adding to the diverse backgrounds of students and families that comprised Goodrich High School. Some students came from more affluent backgrounds, some are autoworkers, some are professional. It’s really a unique blend that builds well-rounded individuals. I was a member of the Future Farmers of America.?
Runestad attended Mott Community College and Northern Michigan University before attending Central Michigan University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in education.
‘I finished at CMU in 1984’needless to say, the economy was not so great, especially for a teacher,? he said. ‘There was just no pay so I started selling insurance and later worked for ITT Technical School where I was a student recruiter. Then in 2000 I worked in the life insurance industry before starting my own company Runestad Financial Associates.?
In 2009 Runestad was first elected as Oakland County Commissioner for the sixth district. He reelected in 2011 and 2013. As a county commissioner, he had been assigned to sit on every committee and voted by his peers to chair both the public services and planning and building committees.
‘I was always reading about politics in the abstract,? he said. ‘My degree from CMU was in education, but along with that was political science and history’so government had always been an interest of mine. Finally, one day my dad said, ‘You are always just talking about government and politics, why don’t you do something about it???
Runestad was assigned to the 98th Michigan House Committees on Insurance, Local Government and Vice-Chairman of Families.
‘I really learned a lot working in county government and became very effective as a county commissioner,? he said. ‘The state level is much more challenging and it’s an enormous amount of work’seven days a week. There are many functions to attend and I’m just striving now to understand the job.?
‘It really helps that my wife Kathy has supported me in this endeavor. Honestly, she was shocked when I decided to run, but she said if I wanted this she’d take care of the house.?
‘I’m excited to be vice-chair of the Families Committee,? he said. ‘Kathy and I have been foster parents for several years.?
Jim and Kathy have five children, Joel, 36, Justin 33, Lena, 27, Lee, 25, and Kayla, 13.