GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Grand Rapids businessman Bing Goei is making another run for state representative.

Goei Wednesday morning formally announced his intention to run as an independent write-in candidate for Grand Rapids' 76th District in the November election.

Goei, as a write-in, challenged Republican State Rep. Roy Schmidt in the August Primary, but lost.   At that time, Goei said it would be his last attempt at elective office.   Wednesday, he said he decided to run after being urged to by people of all political persuasions.

"I really believe this is a call that the people of 76th district have given to me - the challenge they've given to me and I've really accepted that call to do that and you're right I did say that and I do feel called to do this now."

The other candidates in the November general election are: Schmidt, Democrat Winnie Brinks, Libertarian candidate Patricia Steinport, U.S. Taxpayer candidate Gerald Mohr, and Keith Allard, who is not affiliated with any party.

Goei said even people who vote a straight party ticket, of either party, can vote for him if they darken the correct circle and write his name in.

Below is a news release from Bing Goei's campaign:

Earlier today, Grand Rapids business and community leader Bing Goei filed to run as a write-in candidate for State Representative (Grand Rapids, 76th District). Mr. Goei will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Kava House in Eastown to discuss his decision and the reasons he is running again.

Bing Goei is owner of Eastern Floral, and the Goei Center - a small business incubator helping entrepreneurial start-ups. Bing has been awarded multiple prestigious awards for his work in the business & local community including the Diversity Visionary Award (2011) and the John H. Logie Neighborhood Business Champion Award (2009). Bing was named Minority Business Person of the Year (2001) and Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young (2006).

Bing previously served as Chairman of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, Bing won the Republican nomination for State Representative. Bing Goei emigrated to the U.S. from Indonesia in 1960 through a sponsorship program offered by Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church, and is a graduate of Creston High School (1966).
Bing and his wife Jean have been married for 43 years and have five children. Bing and Jean reside on Grand Rapids Southeast side.