Leelanau District 5 candidates Patricia Soutas-Little, Jim Houdek address key issues facing County
From staff reports
Today we’re featuring the candidates vying to represent Leelanau County Commission District 5 (including Leland and Centerville Townships), which is currently held by Democratic incumbent Patricia Souths-Little. Republican Jim Houdek is challenging Soutas-Little.
We asked the candidates the following six questions.
Sun: What are three hurdles facing Leelanau residents that you think the County Commission should address?
Soutas-Little: In my view, attracting young families to Leelanau County is important for maintaining a diverse and robust community and a vibrant economy. But three obstacles are a lack of affordable housing, sufficient quality childcare, and expanded county-wide high-speed internet. Businesses have difficulty finding qualified workers because affordable housing is limited today. This is a critical problem that needs a solution. Last year I co-chaired the Early Childhood County Committee that was convened to examine how the County could support quality early childhood programs, and progress has been made. The committee recommendations resulted in a millage passed by voters last November implementing early childhood services through the Health Department. We are getting very close to providing high-speed internet county-wide which will enable parents and school children to work online from home. These problems are interconnected, they impact young and old alike and I hope to continue working collaboratively to find solutions.
Houdek: Completing the H/VAC system in the County Bldg. Continue to protect our Citizens in support of the “rule of Law”. Vigilant monitoring of County-funded programs.
Sun: What can the Commission do to increase broadband and Internet access?
Soutas-Little: In 2016, the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation established the Leelanau Internet Futures Team (LIFT), which I chair, tasked with examining the status of broadband services in Leelanau County and developing an action plan to provide high-speed internet access throughout the County. Following a survey of Leelanau County residents, businesses and educators to identify broadband needs and priorities, LIFT met with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), local government Zoning and planning officials, and seized upon the idea of utilizing existing county-owned towers to expand high-speed internet service. Since the survey was conducted, the reliance on internet for businesses, schools and residents has only increased, magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. But a major barrier to expansion of service are zoning issues. We are working with local government to harmonized and streamlined zoning regulations. The Commission needs to encourage use of the towers and explore all new technologies that will enhance internet service.
Houdek: Continue to work with current proposed options, AND also look at other good available & affordable options.
Sun: What can the Commission do to increase affordable and workforce housing options here?
Soutas-Little: Commissioner Ty Wessell convened a County housing task force in 2015 to examine the status of housing, identify barriers and make recommendations to the commission based on their findings. The Commission established a Housing Action Committee (HAC) to work with local levels of government and to create partnerships with other groups finding solutions to housing problems. The HAC has made tremendous strides working with local government to help communities identify their own needs, strategies and plans that will increase workforce housing. I sit on both the County Brownfield and Land Bank Authorities working with groups, such as REACH, and non-profit and for-profit developers. To date, we’ve had some success but affordable housing continues to be a major problem and much more needs to be done. The Commission must continue collaboration with organizations like Networks Northwest, Housing North and others in educating and advocating for solutions, and exploring ways to increase housing opportunities through changes in zoning ordinances and regulations.
Houdek: Work with and support, standardized guidelines for all Townships, ease of use for developers and code office.
Sun: What can the Commission do to protect Leelanau’s environment and mitigate the effects of Climate Change?
Soutas-Little: At best practices forums, scientists and industry experts have advised us measures must be taken to address our clean water issues. I agree with them. We need to develop an ordinance specific to Leelanau County, based on data, that addresses septic and runoff issues. The Health Department completed digitizing records for 14,740 septic systems in Leelanau. A partnership with pumpers/haulers requesting outcome data on residential systems serviced will provide county government with direction. The County can provide leadership and advocate for renewable energy by example, exploring ways to increase energy efficiency in our campus structures. It can strongly encourage developers to utilize renewable energy in projects through Land Bank, Brownfield or other County programs reducing reliance on carbon-based fuels and decreasing carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. The Building Safety Department could offer incentives, such as reduction in building code permit fees, for developers and home owners who choose renewable energy technology when constructing new homes or renovating.
Houdek: After 35 years in being a Licensed Waste Hauler, I have some ideas on how to mitigate the effects, and would be willing to address whether County Commissioner’s have the authority to do so.
Sun: What can the Commission do to reach a resolution for Sugar Loaf?
Soutas-Little: The revitalization of Sugarloaf, which once seemed so promising, has turned into a dismal disappointment. As a member of the County’s Building Safety Advisory Committee, my primary concern at this point is safety—the lodge needs to be demolished. The September 25 hearing on the blight ordinance complaint brought by Cleveland township in local District Court was adjourned with the case being moved to Federal Court. This takes precedence over District Court action, placing the case on indefinite hold. The Commission can do two things, first we can continue to support the legal effort brought by Cleveland township. Second, under the Building Code Sugarloaf owners are required to respond to cited code violations either by bringing the structure up to code, demolishing it, or making it safe. The Commission, working with the County Prosecutor, needs to explore all possible options, outside Federal Court, to gain compliance creating a plan for moving forward.
Houdek: I understand Sugar Loaf is currently being handled by Cleveland Twp. Zoning.
Sun: What did you learn from the Commission’s pained efforts to draft an anti-racism resolution? Why was it so difficult to do so? What next steps should the Commission take on combatting racism in Leelanau?
Soutas-Little: What happened was incredibly disturbing, on so many levels, but I’m grateful that it started a public conversation. People found their voice and spoke up in protest demanding they be heard. On a personal level, it helped me understand I need to learn how to talk about racism, listen even more intently, and learn how to constructively confront and engage individuals making racist statements. Early on it became apparent that commissioners viewed racism and racial equity from different perspectives, rendering it difficult to agree upon words and terms. The overwhelming negative public response caused us to rethink our views and try harder to reach agreement. As commissioners we need to work on becoming better advocates for racial equity. Action begins with ongoing anti-bias training at the Board and employee levels, and encouraging local governments to follow suit. Anti-bias training will provide us better skills to review County policies, practices and regulations.
Houdek: A resolution has been recorded and approved by the County Commissioners, and I support it.
