Q&A with Dana Getsinger (Democrat), District 2

Getsinger is challenging Republican incumbent Debra Rushton in District 2 represents northern Elmwood Township and southern Bingham Township, on the east side of Lake Leelanau. Rushton declined to respond to our interview request.

From staff reports

Glen Arbor Sun: Please name three top goals you’d like to accomplish as County Commissioner

Dana Getsinger: 1) Promote civil and intelligent discourse based on facts as we do the work of our County. 2) Reinstate the Affordable Housing Task Force and partner with local businesses to actually break ground on this important need for our community. 3) Use our tax dollars efficiently with a plan for the future. I would work to make Elmwood Township and Leelanau County a thriving and sustainable environment where families, farms and businesses will thrive for generations to come.

Glen Arbor Sun: What should the Commission do to support economic development and jobs in Leelanau County?

Getsinger: I would look at our planning and zoning ordinances, thinking about how to plan for intelligent growth. Review the needs and opportunities from the initial Affordable Housing Task Force report that we can and should implement to give Leelanau County more affordable permanent and seasonal housing for families young and old. Partner with Wi-Fi companies to make sure everyone who wants to can be on line. Last, make sure we have considered the infrastructure to support these plans. I believe that economic development rests on the strength of our working through these issues.

Glen Arbor Sun: How should the Commission help solve the problem of too little affordable housing in the county?

Getsinger: The affordable housing problem was brought to the forefront once again by the survey from the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation. This is a serious problem for business owners, farmers and young families who would like to raise their children in Leelanau County. It is crucial that we take action as soon as possible; for instance, the County Commission might consider changing the local law to allow “granny flats”.

Glen Arbor Sun: Many area businesses struggled to find enough employees during the high tourism season — and some curtailed their hours, as a result? How can the Commission solve this riddle?

Getsinger: Workforce housing rears its head once again. The Commission’s response of dismissing the Affordable Housing Task Force is another example of not attending to the needs of the county. Working together with local banks, builders, architects, engineers, developers and contractors by writing grants to tap into government funds: this is one way we could begin to solve the issue if we have the will and commissioners who are willing to tackle this problem.

Glen Arbor Sun: What can county government do about Sugar Loaf, which was once Leelanau’s largest employer but has been closed for 16 years? Can the Commission do more to empower the construction code authority to take legal action under the resort’s current “owners”?

Getsinger: I am not well versed on the Sugar Loaf issue to comment other than to say the owner now uses the investment loss as a personal business tax write-off.

Glen Arbor Sun: What environmental issues are most important to you? What role can the Commission play in protecting our natural resources?

Getsinger: I am a member of the Land and Energy Committee of the League of Women Voters Leelanau County. I want to encourage the use of clean energy in our county. We are planning a Sun Harvest Field trip this fall to demonstrate and learn how to harvest the sun in Leelanau County. I am also concerned about the Line 5 Pipeline and have been to several village and township meetings encouraging the local units of government to support, sign and send to Michigan’s governor the League’s resolution to close the pipeline. Another issue I am concerned about is the practice of using lawn chemicals on water front properties. We need to continue to inform waterfront property owners on how to be good stewards not letting lawn chemicals seep into our lakes, rivers and streams. Inland Seas does a wonderful job of providing information on caring for our lakes. We should continue to advocate for local lake associations to take advantage of these programs.

Glen Arbor Sun: The current County Commission voted (twice) against a resolution to shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Where do you stand on this issue, and why?

Getsinger: I think we have every right as citizens to express our concern over this pipeline issue. We have had many environmental reports demonstrating the dangers. Enbridge says they are ready to clean up a spill, but can a spill in the straits ever be completely cleaned up? And what if it happens under the ice in the winter?

Glen Arbor Sun: What lessons should local government learn from the Flint water crisis? Where do you stand on Gov. Snyder’s hallmark initiative, and the state legislature’s law, that put power over Flint decisions largely in the hands of a state-appointed emergency manager?

Getsinger: Something like this could happen to any of our children if elected officials don’t take the health and well-being of its citizens first. It is a travesty of government when the governor puts in unelected officials to balance a budget. They were more concerned about money than about the citizens of Flint. The children and adults of Flint will be living with these health issues for the rest of their lives. Still, not one water pipe has been replaced. This is indicative of a government gone wrong. Governor Snyder should resign and the State of Michigan should begin to replace pipes instead of Band-Aid measures.

Glen Arbor Sun: Politics has reached pitiful new lows this election season. Both presidential candidates are viewed unfavorably; and one of them has made a habit of insulting women, minorities and the handicapped. What, specifically, can you do to promote civility in politics?

Getsinger: It starts with the small things. Model the behavior one wants to see. Listen politely and attentively to the people who come before the commission. Avoid personal insults. Focus on solutions rather than on ideology. Acknowledge when “the other side” has a valid point. Avoid belligerence. Base decisions on facts. Do not get so dug in to a position as to be unwilling to consider alternatives.

Glen Arbor Sun: What’s your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Leelanau County?

Getsinger: Cathead Bay. I love the hike through the old growth woods and then to magically open onto the magnificent dunes and water. I like to walk there with my grandchildren, pretending we are the Three Bears.

Glen Arbor Sun: Anything more you’d like to add?

Getsinger: Let’s change the conversation; let’s think about how we can care for each other, be good stewards of our environment and enjoy our time on the planet!