State Rep. Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) announced yesterday that he has esophageal cancer, but will continue to carry a full workload even as he undergoes chemotherapy treatment for the disease.

The two-term representative and former four-term mayor of Kalamazoo said he decided to make news public to assure his constituency in the 60th District that he will “continue working in the Legislature while fighting cancer, and to begin telling people of immediately of the benefits of early detection,” according to a statement.

 

Jones, 64, said he was diagnosed with the disease after suffering from persistent acid reflux.

“I know I have a fight on my hands, but I feel great at this point. I look forward to overcoming cancer. I will carry a full work load, and I fully intend to keep serving the people in the district and across the state,” Jones said in a statement.