Noticeable change in Saginaw County sheriff's appearance - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/19/13) - Saginaw County Sheriff Bill Federspiel just got back from vacation, and there has been a noticeable change in his appearance.

He has been losing weight, which has prompted some concern about his health. Others are wondering if he might possibly looking at a run for a higher office.

"People are noticing that maybe my appearance has changed a little bit. It has," Federspiel said.

A different hair color is the latest change in appearance for Federspiel, who explains part of the reason for the new look.

"When I go to dinner with my mom and my wife, and I'm asked if I'm with my wife and your daughter, it was time for a change," he said.

He has been losing weight since July - 60 pounds in all - and says he has been asked if the drastic reduction is because of a health problem. He says it's the other way around.

"I wanted to get in better shape, obviously for my health and for other reasons. I wanted to feel better and wanted to stay away from high blood pressure and high cholesterol," he said.

The 45-year-old Federspiel is also involved in community theater groups and a band, but those don't play a part in the change of appearance. Some have speculated that the sheriff maybe looking at running for a higher office, and he admits, he has been asked to consider going to Lansing.

"People have been reaching to me from the Democratic Party and asking if I would consider a run for the state senate seat," he said.

A seat that will be vacated by Roger Kahn in two years because of term limits.

"I haven't given a definitive answer at this time. I am the sheriff, I want to continue to do my job. It's a long way away. I'm honored that I'm asked, but it's out there," he said.

The sheriff says he has accomplished the weight loss for the most part by just eating less.