Kolb takes Brater's seat in state House

By Jodie Kaufman and James Restivo

Daily Staff Reporters

University alum Chris Kolb will make the leap from the Ann Arbor City Council to the Michigan Legislature after easily defeating Republican challenger Bob Bykowski last night to retain Rep. Liz Brater's 53rd District seat for the Democrats.

As of 2 a.m., Kolb had 76 percent of the vote, with Bykowski taking the remaining 24 percent.

"If I can even fill Liz's shoes that will be a major accomplishment," Kolb said.

Brater, who must leave Lansing after three terms due to term limits, said she is happy Kolb will be her successor.

"I am very, very delighted Chris is taking my place in Lansing," Brater said. "He will do an excellent job continuing to work on the issues I have been working on, including the environment, health care and education."

"I look forward to seeing him articulate progressive issues in Lansing, which is so sorely needed there," she said.

Kolb, who has made unsuccessful bids to unseat Ann Arbor Mayor Ingrid Sheldon, credited his victory last night to his multitude of experience, including his four years on the City Council, his work as an environmental consultant and his time as a legislative assistant to Rep. John Hansen (D-Dexter) in Lansing.

"I feel I am uniquely qualified, and I hope to combine all of the assets of my experience to help to pass good laws to address the issues we all care about," Kolb said.

Bykowski said although his first run for political office didn't turn out in his favor, he wouldn't rule out a second shot down the road. He said he knew his inexperience in the public arena put him at a disadvantage so his campaigning was based on going out into the community and meeting the voters.

"I knew it was going to be an uphill battle going into it," Bykowski said. "I ran because I wanted to take part in community service. It felt good going from door-to-door and actually meeting people."

Bykowski said he and his team met about 9,000 people through grass-roots campaigning.

Kolb said he hopes to make a quality education a realistic opportunity for all.

"I am going to work to increase support for public education including higher education, making it more affordable," Kolb said. "I am going to make sure U of M gets a fair shake up in Lansing, and I will fight for more funding to the University."

Kolb also said he wants to improve the quality of the environment, "so we can breathe clean air and drink clean water."

In his acceptance speech last night at Arbor Brewing Company, Kolb said his new position is about "opening up doors of opportunity for everyone, making everyone an equal partner in society."

Bykowski said he is simply pleased that he made the effort to run for office.

"I would rather lose a seat by fighting for it rather than just giving it away," Bykowski said. He said he plans to return to his profession as a commercial real estate appraiser.

JUSTIN FITZPATRICK/Daily

Newly elected State Rep. Chris Kolb applauds as he watches election results last night at Arbor Brewing Company. Kolb won a seat as the 53rd District representative.

State House 53rd District

Bykowski GOP 6,688

As of 2 a.m.