WHAT NOW?

Lawmakers from Oakland County are looking for new opportunities after leaving office. Former 11th district Congressman Dave Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills), who opted not to run for reelection last year, said he had enough of Washington, and is done with law. “I did plenty of that for 30 years,” said Trott. He said he plans to serve as chair of his title insurance company while working on real estate and financial services investments. Said Trott: “I will continue to support people on the right path. Some will be Republicans, some won't.” Former state Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) and former state Rep. Klint Kesto (R-West Bloomfield), who both lost primary bids for Trott's seat, don't have immediate plans to return to politics. “I'm going to go make some money now,” said Kowall, who has served in politics for over two decades. “I've had some offers, but I've taken all of January off so I can park all my vehicles in my garage. I've been fixing stuff around the house.” While Kowall has no immediate plans to return to politics, he's not registering as a lobbyist in the state, as it essentially restricts a return to elected politics in the future. Kesto, who served three terms in the state House, is spending more time with his family and returning to his law profession. “I've hung up my shingle as an attorney and consultant and I'm open for business,” he said. Former state Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) is focusing on his restaurant business, Sedona Taphouse, in Troy, with plans for a second location this year in Novi. “I like to keep busy,” he said. “We have a planned vacation for my wife's birthday in March, that's something we couldn't do before.” As far as politics, Knollenberg said he's been running since 2002 and plans to go in a new direction.. “I'm going to enjoy this period of my life,” he said. Former Rep. Jim Tedder (R-Independence Twp.) said he too is catching up with family while feeling out what direction he will go. He was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Independence Township Board of Trustees. “That allows me to give service to at least Independence and continue to play an active role in local politics.” Meanwhile, former state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham) and former Rep. Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) have both landed new jobs. McCready is now Oakland County's Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs, and Greimel is serving as the legislative director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25.