The Michigan Republican Party released its list of candidates running for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees today.
Current board chair Dan Kelly, Mike Balow and Julie Maday are running for the two open seats left by trustee Dianne Byrum and Kelly, whose terms end Jan. 1, 2025.
The Michigan Democratic Party has yet to release a list of candidates.
Kelly is currently the only Republican on the board. He was appointed chair of the board after his predecessor, Rema Vassar, resigned.
Kelly is the president and founder of Auburn Hills law firm Kelly Firm. He specializes in governmental, municipal and labor law. He's a proud parent of four MSU graduates, according to his university profile.
Balow, a MSU parent and veteran, unsuccessfully ran for the spot in 2022. He's a frequent attendee of board meetings and an advocate for the reinstatement of the university's dissolved swim and dive teams.
Balow wants to keep tuition affordable, ensure transparency and undo the "club atmosphere" of the current board, according to his campaign website.
Maday is a member of the city of Novi’s economic development corporation board. She has previously served on Novi’s city council.
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