One Central Michigan University employee is campaigning to take the 99th District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Christine Alwood, director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, spoke during the CMU College Republican’s meeting Tuesday night — focusing on her candidacy and platform goals — for the second time this year. If successful in the coming election, she’ll replace Republican incumbent, Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant.

Alwood said she’s advocating for structural changes in state government to limit its scope and power, to streamline regulations and to promote a free market system. Specifically, Alwood wants to redesign the Michigan Business Tax law in order to make it a more cost effective program.

“Revamping the MBT is one of my legislative priorities,” she said.

John Porter, College Republicans vice chairman, said his group supports any and all Republicans currently running for the 99th District because the group does not want to “get in between” local politicians.

“The College Republicans are very supportive of Mrs. Alwood, as they are with Kevin Cotter, who is also running for the 99th District as a Republican,” the Coleman sophomore said. “We’re listening to both candidates and making decisions on an individual level because, frankly, they both have good things to offer.”

Alwood said she decided to run for public office early last year after she served as an Isabella County Commissioner on the human resource committee for a decade. She said the position exposed her to budget making processes and constituent relations.

“I really enjoyed serving at the local level,” she said.

Caul publicly endorsed Alwood in December as a viable candidate to replace his seat. State representatives are limited by law to serve no more than three two-year terms.

He said he doesn’t normally endorse candidates, particularly before the primary election, but since most of the candidates have fallen by the wayside, he thought it was appropriate.

“Many of her beliefs in terms of the positions she’s taken are close to mine,” Caul said. “She’s an individual that’s been very active in our county party for a number of years. I know she’s a hard worker and somebody who will give it her all.”

E-mail the author: Carisa Seltz