Peachy Rentenbach vs. Bob Hawley for Leelanau County Commission
From staff reports
Democrat Carolyn “Peachy” Rentenbach and Republican Robert Hawley are vying for a seat on the Leelanau County Commission for District 6. Hawley is currently Glen Arbor Township’s Zoning Administrator, and he previously served eight years as a County Commissioner, six of those as board chairman. Former La Becasse restaurant owner “Peachy” Rentenbach serves on the board of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency and has served as Executive Vice President of the Michigan Restaurant Association. They are both running for the seat vacated by Democrat David Marshall, who chose not to see reelection.
The Glen Arbor Sun submitted these eight questions to both Rentenbach and Hawley. Rentenbach responded. You can read her responses below:
Glen Arbor Sun: What are the two biggest issues you’re pushing this election?
Peachy Rentenbach: Efficiency and effectiveness in government, including cooperation among various units of government (townships, county) to spend tax dollars more wisely. Protection of our natural environment, which is critical to the success of this region’s economy.
Sun: How will you create more jobs for Michigan?
Rentenbach: I’d like to encourage economic development in Leelanau such as county-wide broadband so that small businesses can thrive here and we can hope to keep some of our young people here to work and raise families.
Sun: How will you support northern Michigan’s tourism industry?
Rentenbach: By working to protect the beautiful environment here, including our successful farms. People come here for the dunes, of course, but also for the beauty of the rest of the peninsula and if we maintain that, including clean water, we will attract visitors.
Sun: Do you support President Obama’s bailout of the auto industry? Why or why not?
Rentenbach: Yes. It worked.
Sun: How should we respond to the changing energy landscape and to what extent do you prioritize climate change? And do you support the 25 percent in 2025 mandate?
Rentenbach: I believe we are being affected by climate change. I support the proposal to require 25 percent renewable energy.
Sun: Name one valuable and one humbling lesson you’ve learned during your political career.
Rentenbach: My political career is just starting since this is my first run for public office. I’m humbled by the array of challenges Commissioners face in making decisions for the county. The valuable lesson learned is that I needed more hard work from my volunteers than I expected, and I appreciate what they have done.
Sun: Why you have you chosen your party affiliation? And how do you see your party changing in the years to come?
Rentenbach: I’m a Democrat because our party tries to help people who need a hand or a safety net. I hope the party will be able to attract even more people to its causes, thus becoming more able to affect change nationally and locally.
Sun: What should be done to re-open Sugar Loaf? Should local government play a larger role in that endeavor?
Rentenbach: Only an owner can change Sugar Loaf. The County can provide some incentives. If a private owner can’t be found, the County could ask voters to decide via a ballot proposal if they wanted to issue bonds to support the county buying Sugar Loaf outright and thus controlling its future. Then it could be developed in any number of ways beneficial to local residents and visitors.
