District 7 Leelanau County Commission candidates Dowd, Yoder address housing, clean energy, broadband
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 7, which serves Kasson and Solon Townships, Democrat Tim Dowd faces Republican Steve Yoder. Yoder unseated longterm incumbent Melinda Lautner in the primary election.
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 Dowd and Yoder, who are vying for the District 7 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?
Tim Dowd (Democrat)
Affordable housing: I would be willing to explore any solution to the affordable housing situation. I believe that a collaborative effort between the government and private groups is essential. Local government has to be aware that not all housing should bring in significant tax dollars, that young families want a hand up and not a handout. There are programs and legislation that exist and are being worked on, let’s use the resources that are available.
Clean energy: I do support the solar grant. I believe that solar is going to help replace the aging coal burning power plants. The technology is always improving and solar is now being used in farming applications.
Broadband: The next step to provide service to the last 200 homes is in progress. The Broadband manager is seeking a contractor to apply for the BEAD grant that will fund the project according to the person whom I believe would know.
Early childhood and senior services: I do support early Childhood services for young families and anyone else who is caring for children. Young families need the services so that children are cared for in safe environments that help them to learn and prosper. I support the mill ages that have passed for this and to provide services to our senior population. Families and caregivers for the elderly need trusted partners to provide assistance caring for our loved ones.
Steve Yoder (Republican, unseated longtime BOC incumbent Melinda Lautner in primary)
Affordable housing: Currently there is a Housing Action Committee in place to help townships to modify their ordinances. Another area the county needs to pursue is limiting regulations by simplifying the permitting process.
Clean energy: I don’t have a problem pursuing grants to help Leelanau County out. I do have concerns with having to fund that project until those grant dollars come through because right now the county does not have the funds to do that.
Broadband: There are plenty of grant dollars out there to pursue so we can hopefully expand broadband to the western areas of the county.
Early childhood and senior services: Voters approved a mileage for both in the August primary so I believe it’s important as commissioners we help those departments with whatever we can to help our community out.
