Orbitform owner elected to Michigan State House of Representatives

Mike Shirkey, owner of Jackson, Mich.-based Orbitform Group, which designs and builds forming, fastening, joining, and assembly equipment, and the former head of Allegiance Health's governing board, received 63 percent of the votes for state representative of Michigan's 65th District to defeat Democrat Janet Rochefort in the Nov. 2 election. This was Shirkey's first run for state office.

Shirkey will fill the remainder of late state Rep. Mike Simpson's term that expires Jan. 1 and the two-year term that expires Jan. 1, 2013.

The economy was the main issue in the race. Shirkey said he would make structural changes to stop Michigan from losing jobs, people and national stature.