User:Pestkanathan/Steven M. Pestka

Steven M. Pestka (1951-)

Steven M. Pestka is a Jewish American Businessman, lawyer, and former politician from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Steven served as assistant county Prosecutor, County Commissioner, State Representative, and Circuit Court Judge before retiring in 2009, at the age of 57.

Personal Life

Steve married Alicia McNees, a former Catholic school principal, in 1990. They have one child, Nathan, born in 1992.

Early Life

Steven was born October 5, 1951 in East Grand Rapids Michigan to Polish immigrants Henry and Beatrice Pestka. Steven attended Wealthy Street Elementary, before graduation from East Grand Rapids High School in 1970.

College and Early Legal Career

Steven graduated the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science in Spring 1974. Upon graduation, Steven attended the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University) where he earned his JD in 1977. His first occupation in public service was short lived, as he served as Assistant Kent County Prosecutor shortly after being accepted into the Bar in 1978, to early 1980. Steven then opened his own legal practice, specializing in matrimonial law, which remained active until 1998.

Political Ambitions

Steven first ran for office in 1988, as the Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, and was defeated, though he won the same seat in 1992. Steven served as Commissioner for three terms. Steven narrowly defeated Republican candidate Jim Kozak, taking office as State Representative in 1998. After a relatively unopposed reelection campaign of 2000, Steven chose to run for State Senate. Steven was defeated by Bill Hardiman. Shortly after, newly elected Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Steven as Circuit Court Judge. He served until 2009 in the family court division.

Positions

Steve has fought hard to pass pro-life legislation and advocate for the implementation of a school voucher system.

Life After Public Service

Steven is now operating H&H Management and Development, a commercial real estate company founded in 1959 by Steven's father, Henry Pestka. Steven lives in Ada, Michigan, with his wife Alicia.