State Rep. Denise Mentzer of Mount Clemens has been named as assistant minority whip in the Democratic caucus in the state House of Representatives.

Mentzer, who began serving her second two-year term this month, was named by Democratic House Leader Renjeev Puri of Canton to serve as a triumphant along with reps. Erin Byrnes of Dearborn and Tonya Meyers Phillips of Detroit. Mentzer will help secure, count and roundup votes among House Democrats, and could fill in for the leader in his absence.

“I am honored to be named as an assistant whip this legislative term and further serve my caucus and constituents,” Mentzer said in a written statement. “My colleagues and I are prepared to continue to build up the people of Michigan by enacting policy to better their everyday lives. I look forward to working with Leader Puri and caucus leadership, as well as my Democratic and Republican colleagues, to find solutions to issues affecting Michiganders.”

Republicans hold a 58-52 majority in the House after being in the minority in the last term. Mentzer represents the 61st District, which is composed of Mount Clemens and parts of Sterling Heights and Clinton Township.

She says her priorities are “funding public safety, ensuring affordable health care and updating Michigan’s water infrastructure.”

Mentzer is a former 25-year Macomb County employee who worked in Planning Economic and Development, Information Technology and Purchasing. She served 10 years on the Mount Clemens City Commission.

— Macomb Daily staff