****Press Release****
****Barberi Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2024****
Over the past several months, I have greatly considered my future in the prosecuting attorney’s office. After countless hours of deliberation, weighing my decision to run again, and exploring different opportunities in government and law, I have decided that I will not run for prosecuting attorney in 2024. This was not a decision I took lightly, but after consulting my wife and my family, I have decided to allow others to lead the Isabella County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in the next term.
The greatest factor in making this decision was the sacrifice of time and the forethought of regretting missed opportunities to spend more time with the people I love most, my family. I plan to eventually return to work with my father and continue to serve our community in a different capacity.
The timing of my decision will no doubt be marred by the insinuation that the current financial situation in the county played a role in my decision to leave. However, that could not be further from the truth. I love my job, and I appreciate the opportunity I have to serve my community every day.
This was a tough decision. Ultimately, the idea of working alongside my dad moved the needle to a point where staying through the end of another term seemed untenable.
There will come a day for all of us when we look back on our lives and find that we wish we had spent more time with the people we love. I am fortunate to have recognized this while I had the opportunity to act.
Mark Kowalczyk, who has 20 years of experience as a prosecuting attorney in Isabella County and currently holds the position of Principal Trial Attorney in the office, will be filing to run for this now-open position. The county will be in good hands with Mark. If necessary, I intend to stay with the office past the end of my term and work as an assistant until he can fill the attorney vacancies within the office. I want the office to be in a good position to serve Isabella County well and I am confident that Mark will remain focused on serving victims and the community with passion and enthusiasm.
