District 2 Leelanau County Commission candidates address housing, clean energy, broadband
Photo: L-R, Scott Perry (Democrat) and Mark Walter (Republican)
From staff reports
The Nov. 5 election will determine which party controls the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners (BOC), and which policies and initiatives they pursue next year. The Commission is currently deadlocked between three Democrats and three Republicans, with one seat vacant.
In District 2, which serves Elmwood and Bingham Townships, Democrat Scott Perry faces Republican Mark Walter. Incumbent James O’Rourke, a Republican, is not seeking reelection.
The Glen Arbor Sun reached out to all 14 candidates for the BOC and asked about their positions on issues or initiatives that are key to Leelanau County citizens: namely, affordable housing, renewable energy, broadband access and services for both seniors and families with young children. Our questions, and their responses are below. Today we’re featuring Perry and Walter, who are vying for the open District 2 seat.
1) What can the county government do to increase the availability of workforce or affordable housing? How would you work with townships or villages to educate them about zoning issues? Would you establish a housing commission that could attract state or federal dollars? Would you consider tax-exempt bonds, or a millage, to create more affordable housing?
2) Do you support the effort to secure grant money for solar panels at the county governmental center? What renewable energy or environmental initiatives should the board of commissioners pursue?
3) What are the next steps on bringing broadband to more Leelanau citizens?
4) Do you support early childhood services for young families? How can the board of commissioners support both early childhood services and senior services?
Scott Perry (Democrat)
Affordable housing: One challenging facet of the housing crunch in Leelanau is the divide between neighbors that yearn for more affordable housing and others that prefer to preserve the quaint nature of our region. Furthermore, the group that hopes to build more homes has different ideas of how that is accomplished. In situations like this, I believe we should account for all types of input before we sign on to do anything drastic. I expect to see a concerted effort from the Feds and State to diminish the cost of living, especially for first time home buyers. Retaining tax dollars locally is a fundamental responsibility of a commissioner; I’d prefer to use that money with a plan our neighbors can agree is beneficial to the community.
Clean energy: I support the solar panel grant because I think it is a useful step to diversify our energy consumption and production at the same time, while decreasing our reliance on the grid. Part of a commissioners job is to navigate the system as established by our superiors at the state and federal levels, and our predecessors at the county. The infrastructure bill has allocated these funds nationally for projects just like this. Refusing the grant amounts to rejecting a fiduciary responsibility.
Broadband: The ARPA (American Rescue Plan) broadband project just marked its 1000th subscriber, in September. The service is coming to my district, District 2, in Q4 of this year. It seems sensible to let the project come to its completion and listen to our neighbors to further understand what needs to be accomplished after the dust has settled.
Early childhood and senior services: Many of my peers utilize the early childhood services and sing praises about the program. The balance between the cost of childcare and what an individual can earn has led some of my friends to abandon the workforce until their kids are in school. I would consider supporting initiatives to lower the cost of childcare in an attempt to attract young professionals and their families. Additionally, the people most affected by the recent jump in inflation are seniors on fixed income. As a community, we ought to be ever mindful of the needs of others.
Mark Walter (Republican)
Affordable housing: The county already has a Brownfield Authority and a Land Bank Authority (LBA) established in the early 2000’s to help with Housing and business expansion in our county. I served as the Chair of the Brownfield Authority and as a member on the Land Bank for years. The Michigan State Extension Office has comprehensive Zoning classes that local planning commissions can attend. The current Board established a Housing Committee to address these issues. The County through the LBA and Brownfield Authority has built housing in partnership with local organizations to serve the public need. I would not initiate a millage or support one.
Clean energy: Whether I support a grant request is a moot point as the current Board already has. The County has a Solid Waste board and extensive recycling program established in my last tenure on board, and I served on that board.
Broadband: Unfortunately, these types of initiatives are driven by customer load and the providers ability to make a profit. It’s not a constitutional mandate and shouldn’t be a tax burden.
Early childhood and senior services: Who doesn’t is a better question! The Citizens of the County voted these mileages into existence so the programs are in effect and work efficiently. They require Board oversight as proper use of tax payer money is a fiduciary responsibility.
