Leelanau County Commission District 1 candidates address Internet access, affordable housing, climate change, Sugar Loaf and combating racism

From staff reports

Of seven seats on the Leelanau County Board of Commissions, six are in play this November 3 election (Democrat Ty Wessell is running unopposed). Republicans currently enjoy a slight, 4-3 majority on the Board, but occasional “swing vote” Republican Tony Ansorge is not seeking reelection.

Today we’re featuring the candidates vying to represent District 1 (southern Elmwood Township), which was left vacant by Ansorge. The candidates are Democrat George Bowers, a farmer in Greilickville, and Republican Rick Robbins, a former first responder and law enforcement deputy in Kalkaska.

We asked the candidates six questions. Bowers responded; Robbins didn’t.

Sun: What are three hurdles facing Leelanau residents that you think the County Commission should address?

Bowers: The main hurdles that I feel the Commission should address for the residents of Leelanau County are protection of the water, sensible development, and what I would call “growing pains.” The proud residents of this county now face challenges that come along with the fact that we live, work, and play in a unique and beautiful region. As with any desirable place to call home, families will want to grow here and folks will wish to relocate here. I feel that we can achieve a balance through mutual respect of newcomers and “old-timers”. Sensible development requires that the voices of those who have made Leelanau the gem that it is be heard. We all strive to maintain the natural beauty of our neighborhoods, open spaces, and shores for the enjoyment of future generations. 

Sun: What can the Commission do to increase broadband and Internet access?

Bowers: Improved internet access is a challenge in rural communities. I would support all efforts to encourage providers to improve infrastructure and access. Ultimately, private companies have to see this as a lucrative endeavor, and I believe that most regions will eventually have options available throughout the county. 

Sun: What can the Commission do to increase affordable and workforce housing options here?

Bowers: Affordable housing is a difficult issue to resolve. The needs that have been determined are not readily met in any area that possesses high property values due to desirability. While I applaud the efforts that have been and continue to be made to construct adequate and attractive dwellings at a reasonable cost, it seems to leave a long road toward realizing the goal. I feel that the main underlying issue can best be resolved by addressing the reason why homes are unaffordable in the first place, and I think it’s obvious that wage stagnation is the heart of the matter. Without a living wage, the notion of workforce housing remains elusive for most. While the County cannot effectively mandate a minimum wage, it can encourage local businesses to offer fair pay. I would like to see a campaign initiated on a regional level that both recognizes and incentivizes local businesses who are able to offer a reasonable living wage.  

Sun: What can the Commission do to protect Leelanau’s environment and mitigate the effects of Climate Change?

Bowers: I support the need to adopt a wastewater ordinance in some form. As the majority of the county’s homes, farms, and businesses are not serviced by sewers, it is past time to enact policy for proper septic compliance. The Commission should determine the most appropriate approach and implement an inspection schedule as a priority. We all benefit from the abundant water resources here, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and steward them. As with the affordable housing issue, I think the County should entertain creative measures to recognize and incentivize residents and owners whom are able to implement alternative energy sources. 

Sun: What can the Commission do to reach a resolution for Sugar Loaf?

Bowers: I honestly don’t claim to have the insight on the Sugar Loaf issue that would allow me to suggest its resolution. It appears to me that any significant expenditure of the County toward a private enterprise would likely pose an inordinate risk for the taxpayers. Talk is cheap, and ski resorts are not. 

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?

Bowers: I can’t speak as to why (the anti-racism resolution) was difficult, as I was not privy to those conversations. I think that the fact that a resolution was unanimously adopted is what is important. More than expending resources in an attempt to change narrow minds, I would like to see educational opportunities and experiences made available to our younger population. The experience that Leelanau has had in the last few months surrounding the race issue has left me with the opinion that racism occurs primarily due to a lack of exposure. I invite all residents of the county to reflect and consider how personal exposure to different cultures (or lack thereof) has shaped our views.