Kerry Tapper

Kerry Tapper was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. She earned a high school diploma from Boyne City High School and a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in 1991.

Her career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]

As of 2024, Tapper was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Southwest Michigan Business Network

Greater Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce

Paw Paw Public Schools Superintendent Advisory Committee

Senior Outreach Advisory Board

Eagle Lake Paw Paw Association

Business Network International

Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce

Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I want to see our government Do Better, Be Better and Find the Balance to serve our people in the most economical and forward driven way possible, and I want to be a voice in helping to make that happen. I entered the workforce at the age of 12 and have been working hard ever since to achieve my goals. I take pride in each job that I have been offered and always strive to do my very best. I intend to put my 43 years of customer service to good use to listen to my constituents and research how we can institute change to make progress in our district’s growth. I want our state to serve our tax payers and use our district funding efficiently and effectively, while sharing with transparency how we will use those tax dollars and why. We all deserve the basics of our constitutional rights and I would love the opportunity to earn your vote Nov 5th. Please read more about my story and my values at www.kerrytapper.com My email and phone number are listed and please feel free to reach out and connect about what concerns you have that I can take to Lansing if given the opportunity.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I value connections with people, working hard, and showing up. I believe that everyone has the right to live their life as they like as long as they are being respectful to others. Love, Family and Friends are ultimately what I feel life is all about. I believe that each person and family deserves equitable access to the tools and knowledge they need to help them grow on their journey in regards to what inspires and drives them.I’m not running for office to make a career, I’m running to make a difference. My husband John and I have run a business together in Paw Paw for 30 years—a sign and decorated apparel company whose customers are other area businesses and organizations. We are grateful for the wide roots these connections have created for us in our district and the relationships that are created by local businesses supporting other local businesses. I am proud of the career that I have had thus far. I am running to make a difference and be a voice for our children, family, friends, fellow business owners and our community members.I feel strongly that everyone should have easy access to medical and mental health care. I spent the last 15 years as the power of attorney for my amazing mother who battled bipolar disorder since 1978 when I was 9 years old. We have made great strides in mental health care, and we have many more mountains to climb. I have been so grateful for the assistance from Van Buren County Mental Health, Bronson Commons Nursing Facility, Bronson Hospitals and their doctors, nurses and staff, and I have seen how hard they work and value them greatly. People who choose to make their living as care providers are amazing and they deserve our respect and appreciation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe in cutting the cost of living for families, protecting & improving our public education system, making healthcare affordable and accessible, including mental healthcare, increasing access to broadband internet, more opportunities for better paying jobs, clean air & clean water for everyone, protecting reproductive rights, and strong environmental protections to preserve our beautiful natural areas and safeguard the health of our constituents.

Our campaign has been endorsed by 13 political organizations so far including the Michigan Education Association, League of Women Voters, Vote Common Good, West Michigan Progress, Fems for Dems, Van Buren - Allegan- Berrien County Democratic Parties, & more at www.kerrytapper.com

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was so proud at the age of 12 to be in charge of the buffet at our local Country Star Restaurant in Boyne City Michigan. I was in charge of setting it up, maintaining it, and tearing it down at closing. I worked there until I was 16 when I was old enough to be considered for a position at Glen's Market our local grocery store.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Little Engine that Could. I always admired the Little Engine's determination and positive outlook.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Winnie the Pooh

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and the state legislature should work together with respect, but always remember that they have different jobs. They balance each other’s power to make sure no one has too much control, and their first responsibility is to serve the people who elected them.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The single biggest challenge facing Michigan is its poor population growth. Michigan's population growth is well below the national average and its population is on a path to decline in a generation.

The ratio of workers to retirees will fall from 4.5 to 2.5 by 2035. This will have an enormous impact on the state.

Michigan is losing political influence, falling from 19 to 13 seats in the House of Representatives over the past 50 years.

Michigan's personal income is in the bottom third among all U.S. states.

The state ranks 38th in math and reading proficiency in K-12 education.

Life expectancy in Michigan is lower than the national average, and Michiganders report lower rates of good health compared to the national average.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Definitely beneficial but not necessary.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. The more understanding and respect legislators have for each other, the more likely they are to listen to other perspectives and create more well-rounded legislation.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

If I become a State Representative then eventually I will likely run for State Senate.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Emergency powers by definition are for use when there is no time for meetings, votes, and partisan interference. I believe the use of emergency powers should rest with the Governor. I also believe that emergency actions should be truly temporary and the legislature should have some capacity to oversee their use.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Michigan Education Association, League of Women Voters, Vote Common Good, West Michigan Progress, Fems for Dems, Van Buren County Democratic Party, Allegan County Democratic Party, Berrien County Democratic Party, MI Moms Demand Action, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan 2024, Equality Michigan, Progressive Women's Alliance, Reproductive Freedom for All

What committees interest you?

Health Policy; Appropriations; Ethics and Oversight; Government Operations; Education; Higher Education; Families, Children and Seniors; Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation