Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) is serving his first term in the Michigan Senate. Prior to that, he served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Biography
Prior to the legislature, he served on the Board of Trustees at Monroe County Community College for 15 years, including as board chair. He’s owned and operated Broadway Market for almost 23 years. Before opening his business, he worked in the family beer and wine distributorship.
District
Senator Bellino represents the 16th Michigan Senate District, which includes most of Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties.
Committees
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- Transportation and Infrastructure, minority vice chair
- Energy and Environment
- Regulatory Affairs
We asked Senator Bellino a few questions to learn more about him:
- What’s your favorite travel destination outside of Michigan?
- A – Pinehurst, NC, is my favorite place outside of my beloved 16th. The men that helped me get sober were golfers and Pinehurst was an annual spring trip they took. I fell in love with the area and the men that saved my life.
- What’s your favorite hobby other than politics?
- A – I have 7 grandkids who are our pride and joy. But golfing is my passion. I can relax and not be burdened by state government while on the course.
- What did you want to be when you were a kid?
- A – I wanted to work with my dad in the beer and wine business. But as I got older, theatre became a passion. I received a drama scholarship at community college and dreamed of Broadway or Hollywood. Drugs and alcohol curtailed that dream. So 22 years later, I bought Broadway Market and I lived on Hollywood Drive! God has a way of answering our prayers!
- What’s your favorite game to play or sport to watch and/or play?
- A – Baseball is my jam, I played until I was 23 in High School, Community College, and adult leagues. I played in college with one pro, Bill Laskey, a Toledo boy who played 7 years in the bigs. Eight of my teammates were D-1 baseball players. I played all outfield positions, CF and LF the most. And one glorious day I played 2nd base in a college doubleheader. Long story but I realized that day, I preferred OF!!
