Election 2022: County Commission District 3 race features Bahle vs Rexroat
From staff reports
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners District 3 race features incumbent Democrat Lois Bahle of Suttons Bay, who won a special recall election earlier this year against ousted Commissioner Will Bunek. Bahle’s win gave Democrats their first ever 4-3 majority on the Board of Commissioners. Her opponent is Republican Doug Rexroat, a Lake Leelanau native and CFO of an electrical contracting firm.
Will Democrats hold control, or will Republicans regain power? We asked the candidates about: their accomplishments on the Board (for incumbents), or why they are running for the Board (for challengers); their party affiliation; their thoughts on the County’s new septic inspection ordinance; their thoughts on growth in Leelanau County; the role the Commission should play in supporting early childhood education and childcare; support for workforce housing, and the recent reorganization of the County Clerk’s duties and the addition of two new county government departments. All seven Democrats responded to the questions; four of seven Republicans responded.
Bahle responded to the Glen Arbor Sun‘s questions; Rexroat did not.
What is something you’re proud of that you have accomplished on the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners?
Explain your party affiliation. Why are you a Democrat?
Bahle: I feel the issues I am concerned with are nonpartisan and the label can get in the way of progress. Through my life I have served on many committees and non profits and volunteered. I do not ask for any affiliation from those where I volunteer.
What are your thoughts on the Commission’s new septic inspection ordinance? What other environmental initiatives would you pursue as Commissioner?
Bahle: I was on the first committee that recommended a septic inspection ordinance in 1991. As the only State without an inspection ordinance, it is long overdue. I am on the Board of Leelanau Energy advocating for clean renewable energy for all of Leelanau County. The Commission should be moving toward converting energy use to non fossil fuel based; looking at how to be Environmentally Sustainable.
What are your thoughts on growth in Leelanau County—both population and infrastructure? What role should the Commission play here?
Bahle: I would expect we will see immigration from Climate Change. It may already be happening but has not been named. Those first to arrive will be those with the means to move away from coastal flooding, fires and draught. This puts more pressure on available housing and infrastructure. We need to use the tools available to help with affordable workforce and family housing. Support Housing North and the newly hired Leelanau Housing Director, work with Land Bank and Brownfield Authority, and the new Peninsula Housing Community Land Trust. Encourage the zoning changes that allow increased density were appropriate, ADUs and control Short Term Rentals.
What role should the Commission play in supporting early childhood education and childcare in the County?
Bahle: Young families are so valuable in our aging population. We should do everything we can to support them with Early Childhood Education programs and foster development of childcare facilities in small facilites and in schools. Money well spent.
What can the Commission do to support local workforce housing?
Bahle: I have served on the Leelanau Housing Action Council (HAC) since it started in 2017. I made my first motion as a Commissioner supporting contributing funds to Housing North for the hire of the new Leelanau Housing Director. This was recommended by HAC over a year ago but would not have been possible without my vote. HAC realized we had gone as far was we could go as a volunteer group and need to supply staff support particularly to our villages and townships to work with zoning and developers. Funding sources for affordable housing are a many layered tangle and need a knowledgeable individual to assist in the effort.
What are your thoughts on the recent reorganization of the County Clerk’s duties and the addition of two new county government departments?
Bahle: I did make public comment on my objection to creating two new departments without the involvement of the people closely involved. The process was ill considered and rushed. However, this is what I inherited as the new commissioner and I will support the new departments and do whatever I can to assist them in succeeding.
