Leelanau Commission District 7 challenger Julie Morris addresses key issues facing County
From staff reports
Today we’re featuring the candidates vying to represent Leelanau County Commission District 7 (including Kasson and Solon Townships), which is represented by long-serving incumbent, Republican Melinda Lautner. Her opponent, for the second time in two years, is Democrat Julie Morris.
We asked the candidates the following six questions, via email. Morris responded; Lautner didn’t.
Sun: What are three hurdles facing Leelanau residents that you think the County Commission should address?
Morris: The three hurdles facing Leelanau residents that the Commission should address are affordable workforce housing, broadband and internet access, and a county wide septic ordinance. While not the only issues that impact Leelanau County, these are issues that are hindering the stability and growth of businesses, and the health, safety and well-being of our residents. The Commissioners should first research each of these hurdles and develop clear goals and objectives to address them. We need to research best practices, quality programs that have been implemented in other areas and return on investment for each of these issues. Solving these issues is not a matter of more money, but of having a clear vision and collaborating with all parties to help the County reach its goals in the most efficient and cost-effective ways for long-term stability and growth.
Sun: What can the Commission do to increase broadband and Internet access?
Morris: Our residents increasingly depend on reliable broadband internet access. Farmers need internet access in their fields to use the most up to date farming practices. Broadband is essential for students, small businesses, telehealth and 911. As a county commissioner, I will advocate for these Board of Commissioners goals: to “explore federal and state grants, to develop common language for franchise agreements, to explore tower options and partnerships, and research partnerships with service utilities.”
Sun: What can the Commission do to increase affordable and workforce housing options here?
Morris: Three quarters of small business owners in Leelanau County report affordable workforce housing is a barrier to business growth and nearly half of small business owners report finding enough workers is a serious problem. County government should play an active role in encouraging the private sector, non-profits, and township governments to contribute to housing affordability and availability. Zoning is another challenge to affordable housing. In order to reduce the cost of building a home, homes need to be grouped more densely than some current zoning laws allow. Townships, the primary determiner of their local zoning ordinances, should work with their planning commissions to develop site options for young family and workforce housing.
Sun: What can the Commission do to protect Leelanau’s environment and mitigate the effects of Climate Change?
Morris: One of the ways the Commission can protect Leelanau’s environment is with a county-wide well and septic inspection program. Well and septic inspection is particularly important with rising lake levels across the county. Septic tanks and drain fields may be overrun by higher lake levels and the overflow is never contained to just the property of issue, but seeps into neighboring waterways and groundwater over time. Michigan does not have a septic ordinance, so we as a county need to pass a septic and well inspection program to protect the health and wellness of our residents and the value of our home and business investments. As an example, Benzie County has had a point of sale inspection ordinance since 1990. Protection of our wells and ground water is paramount. I support fair, data-based initiatives to address this issue, and preserve and protect our water quality.
Sun: What can the Commission do to reach a resolution for Sugar Loaf?
Morris: Sugar Loaf Resort has been a problem for Cleveland Township and Leelanau County for far too long. With input from county officials familiar with this issue, the County Commission should take whatever steps it can, within its jurisdiction, to aid Cleveland Township in finding a solution to this issue. Leelanau County should always enforce our Building Safety Code that Sugar Loaf has been in violation of since 2014. We should also look at reimbursing Leelanau County for any expenses that are incurred through whatever legal means possible.
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?
Morris: I learned that racism exists on the Leelanau County Commission and the County Road Commission. I was appalled by the comments of four Commissioners that I chose to speak during the public comment at the September 15 meeting. I shared my own background as a teacher in two urban school districts. I recounted some of the instances of racism that my students and their families endured at the hands of police officers. It can be very hard to find common ground when faced with such an emotional issue. We should always remember that racism is real in Leelanau County and always work to wipe it out. I suggested the Commissioners next steps could be to invite Northern Michigan E3 to speak before the board. I also suggested that Commissioners attend “Understanding Racial Justice: a five-week introductory training program for white folks living in Northern Michigan”, offered by Title Track.
