State Rep. Joel Sheltrown is a life-long resident of northern Michigan's Ogemaw County. As a State Representative, his priorities include:
- Stopping the flow of Canadian and out-of-state trash into Michigan.
- The economic development of northern Michigan, particularly in health care services.
- Supporting public schools and ensuring high-quality early childhood education for all of Michigan’s children.
- Expanding public recreational access.
- Increasing citizen participation in state government.
Education
Rep. Sheltrown graduated from West Branch High School in 1965 and went on to attend Western Michigan University and Kirtland Community College.
Military Service
In 1966, Rep. Sheltrown enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was sent to Vietnam. He achieved the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer as a Communications Technician with a Top Secret Crypto Clearance. He received an honorable discharge in 1970.
Work Experience
Following his wartime military service overseas, Rep. Sheltrown returned to West Branch, where he managed his father's John Deere Dealership.
In 1978, he purchased a propane dealership in West Branch. He continued in that business until he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives.
Government Experience
Following the traditions of his politically active family from an early age, Rep. Sheltrown was elected his high school class vice president.
He served as an Ogemaw Township trustee from 1978 to 1988, and as the Ogemaw Township supervisor from 2000 to 2004. He also served as the vice president of the Ogemaw Townships Association.
On Nov. 2, 2004, Rep. Sheltrown was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives with 56.5 percent of the vote in a 54 percent Republican district.
Community Involvement
Rep. Sheltrown is an active volunteer with the West Branch Crisis Pregnancy Center, the Ogemaw County Relay for Life and the West Branch Senior Citizens Center.
He holds a music ministry position at Calvary Baptist Church in West Branch and is a member of "Crossing Jordan," a gospel quartet that sings at various churches in northern Michigan.
As a well-known local musician, Rep. Sheltrown regularly performs at local churches, the West Branch Memorial Day Ceremony and the Ogemaw County Fair Opening Ceremony. He also helps out with the Jazz Band at Ogemaw Heights High School.
Family
Joel Sheltrown has been happily married for 33 years to Teresa. He has three children: Alison, 32, Nick, 29, and Don, 25. He is the younger brother of the former 103rd District State Representative Dale Sheltrown (D-West Branch) and the son of long-time former Edwards Township Supervisor Ed Sheltrown.
House Committees
- Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources - Chair
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security
- Tax Policy