* After Rep. Chad Hays announced his retirement, former Rep. Bill Black said he might run for the seat. Instead, he’s endorsing a different candidate in the race. From a press release…

Vermilion County Board Chairman Mike Marron announced his intent to run for State Representative in the 104th District as the Republican nominee. Marron was introduced by former State Representative Bill Black who will serve as the Campaign Committee Chairman. “I will give my full support to a young, energetic, and creative man, Mike Marron. He will bring new ideas and new eyes to the General Assembly” said Black, who represented the 104th District from 1986 to 2011. In his announcement, Mike Marron stressed a focus on righting the State’s fiscal ship, business climate, agriculture and transportation issues, and education. The 104th District covers parts of Champaign and Vermilion County.

Mike Marron has served as the Vermilion County Board Chairman for the past two terms. He is responsible for managing and administering the daily operations of Vermilion County and overseeing the $40 million dollar budget. Prior to that, Marron served as Vice-Chairman of the Vermilion County Board.

Marron is a strong advocate for the agriculture industy. For the past 17 years, he has helped manage and operate Marron Family Farms with his father. He also served on the IL Dept.of Agriculture Transition Committee. Marron has worked extensively with the Illinois Soybean Association serving as the Vice-Chairman from 2013-2015. He has been instrumental in coordinating and attending trade missions to Ghana, Haiti, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and China.

Mike Marron completed his degree from Murray State University with a BA in Agriculture Economics 1999. Marron is a fifth-generation Fithian native. He and his wife – Brandy, a genetic researcher specialist at the University of Illinois – have one daughter.

Maybe Bill can train this guy to properly throw a rules book. Then again, they probably don’t have rules in book form these days and throwing a legislative laptop can get expensive.