Q&A with Melinda Lautner and John O’Neill, District 7

Incumbent Lautner (Republican) is challenged by O’Neill (Democrat) in District 7, which represents Kasson and Solon Townships

From staff reports

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

Melinda Lautner: Top three goals are: 1) See to the completion of the new 9-1-1 dispatch and radio system for Leelanau County and the local fire departments. The recommendation out of committee was to go out for a millage to pay for it. I fought back and with help from other commissioners, and staff, was successful in getting us to use the cash plan. 2) Fair housing opportunities for everyone, and an environment friendly to businesses. I believe we should do all we can do to work together with the townships to accomplish this. Internally our permitting fees need to be affordable. 3) Continue to work hard to keep Leelanau in the black and taxes as low as possible. Also insure that Leelanau is transparent. When Leelanau is in great shape the necessary infrastructure will continue to be invested.

John O’Neill: 1) Housing. We’ve had a critical housing shortage for at least two decades. Families, children, schools and businesses suffer. The county can make it easier for businesses, landlords, and non-profits to build homes that working families and seniors can afford. This strengthens us all, as I detail below. 2) Fostering a year-round economy. Sugar Loaf, once the county’s top employer has been closed since the turn of the century and workers and neighboring businesses have suffered greatly. The commission has been passive and more needs to be done to encourage new ownership and revitalization. Passing the building code civil infraction statute can save the county court costs and move to reopen Sugar Loaf (Some builders are wary of this proposal, but if it’s abused, it can be amended or repealed.) We should examine business infrastructure and where practical, improve it. A recent study found that the lack of housing and low speed internet is making it harder for local businesses to thrive. 3) We need to exercise good stewardship of the land and water that we hold in trust for coming generations. Any regulations should be as simple and effective while enforcement should emphasize collaboration over confrontation.

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

Lautner: We will continue to work and partner with the Leelanau Peninsula Chamber, it’s nonprofit, and all townships. A little while ago when the Pure Michigan funding was in jeopardy we passed a resolution in support because tourism dollars are essential to all business in county.

O’Neill: First, we need to identify decent, year round jobs as a top priority. Businesses are currently constrained by a lack of workers which is directly related to the high cost of rentals and homes. Starter homes and rentals that workers can afford need to be prioritized. Businesses have identified the lack of high speed internet as a limiting factor and this must be addressed. Upgrading this vital infrastructure will help generate new jobs. As I mentioned, we must encourage the revitalization of Sugar Loaf.

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

Lautner: Interestingly, there has been a resent push for dormitory style housing for seasonal workers. This of course would need to be approved by local units of government, but will be followed. We have added additional staff to the housing program in Leelanau so that all the needs for the CDBG program can be met.

O’Neill: We’ve been constrained by a mindset that the government should have no role in housing, yet anyone who’s ever written off mortgage interest on their taxes lives in subsidized housing. Government cannot and should not be the primary source of the homes that we need, but it has a legitimate role. We need to make it priority #1; if you work here you should be able to afford to live here. If you’re a senior, you shouldn’t have to move away from your family and neighbors because rentals and home prices have skyrocketed. I will vote to reestablish the volunteer Housing Task Force that was shut down after concluding that we have a housing crisis. Right now we’re leaving money on the table by ignoring some important programs of MSHDA, (Michigan State Housing Development Authority). We could be building homes and renovating rentals today without using local tax dollars. This self-defeating behavior must change. Habitat and other non-profits builds and renovates homes largely without government money and they should be encouraged. Lealanau Reach is working on solutions. To begin we can strengthen nonprofits by consistently allowing them to apply for GTB 2% grants. The Planning Department has done much to draw attention to the need and to various solutions. They have held workshops for builders to interest them in this market. Isn’t it ironic that local builders are having a Dickens of a time finding workers in part because there’s nowhere for them to live? Builders have a vested interest in developing workforce housing. This office has and should continue to encourage townships to adopt zoning ordinances that govern lot size, density and minimum home square footage. We should make it easier to be a landlord and encourage investment in rentals. Finally there’s the bully pulpit. Most people are aware that there’s a crisis, now we must help them to see that as individuals, members churches, service organizations and business owners that they can be part of the solution.

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?

Lautner: This is a problem every community is dealing with. This is all connected to housing opportunities, transportation ,and infrastructure. Working with townships to allow denser development will help, as will continuing with our housing program.

O’Neill: The commission cannot solve this riddle but it can be part of the solution. I’ve spoken about workforce housing. This is key to both helping workers live here and creating demand for year-round businesses. We need to work with local chambers of commerce and pay attention to the surveys and research done of the needs of the business community. This is a collaborative effort and the county will have a limited but constructive role. Several of the topics above are also pertinent to this question.

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”?

Lautner: Everyone wants to see Sugar Loaf be what it was in its hey day. Personally, we miss looking out over the Cedar Valley and seeing the slopes all lit. Unfortunately short of a “takings” there is little we can do. The taxes continue to be paid so foreclosure is not an option. It is assumed that the owner is using SL as a tax loss against other resorts, so he has no interest in putting money in to it. We are pursuing possible demolition of the buildings which may force a sale ( there would be no guarantee that Leelanau county could purchase) and it would be up to the new owner what he wants to do with the property. Cleveland township re zoned the areas between the slopes to allow for condos.

O’Neill: First, we need to commit ourselves to succeeding here. Sugar Loaf was once the #1 employer in the county, providing 200-400 three and four season jobs. Workers and surrounding businesses have suffered greatly.Passing a Construction Code Civil Infraction Ordinance will allow us to hold the owners responsible without the expense of a lawsuit. Some builders are wary of this proposal, so the language may need to be fine tuned. If the ordinance is not fairly implemented, it may need to be amended. The place is dangerous; it’s called an attractive nuisance. Any day some adventurer could start a fire or fall off a ski lift. If a new owner does not step forward after the election, we should consider partnering with the township in enforcing a junk ordinance or attractive nuisance ordinance.

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

Lautner: Everything about the environment is important to me. Our presious water, air and soil. Most of the protection standards come for the state. We have fully employed departments in both our government center and our health department, and We have given them all the resources requested to insure they can do their jobs.

O’Neill: We share a health department with Benzie County and yet we have different standards for septic systems. I am in favor of point of sale septic inspections, which have worked well for our neighbor to the south. This is needed to safeguard our groundwater and lakes. It will also protect homebuyers, especially those buying via land contract. An inspection is a minor expense compared to the cost of a failed septic system. We should require that groundwater is tested before any fracking well becomes operational to establish a baseline on water quality, and then periodic tests there after. This is basic.

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?

Lautner: Pipe line 5 concerns are very valid. This pipe line is regulated by the federal government. I have taken every opportunity available to talk to our representatives about this issue. The state of Michigan of course is already taking some action, and I know the company in ownership is exploring options to move it and I hope they are successful soon.

O’Neill: The line is redundant and Enbridge has a history of broken pipes. The line is 13 years past it’s design life and currents have cut away the lakebed beneath the pipe. God forbid a yacht should sink and drag across it. Given the currents, strong winds and ice, there is no effective way to clean up a spill. We are stewards of the largest freshwater lakes on Earth; to continue to ignore this would be irresponsible; I’m against it. All the bottled water in the world won’t fill up Lakes Michigan and Huron. Our tourist economy floats on the fresh waters of Lake Michigan; the commission should urge the state to shut down Line 5 before it fails.

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?

Lautner: What happened in Flint was a terrible thing, but not isolated either, so this issue is potentially larger than Flint. Fortunately we have not had to deal with an issue like this in Leelanau. Having family in Flint really personalized this for me. I pray the energency manager is successful in resolving this issue as soon as possible. This should be a lesson for all municiple systems and we must think outside the box to avoid a crisis of any kind in Leelanau.

O’Neill: I’m sure that Governor Snyder wishes that the crisis had never happened. Yet, he has appointed the former PR person for BP Oil, the company responsible for the disastrous Gulf Oil Spill to be head of the DNR. Our economy, our farms, our people depend upon a clean water and groundwater and the state will not necessarily exercise due diligence. Our county is in good decent condition and I plan on exercising fiscal responsibility, so I don’t foresee a financial manager in our future. Having said this, one has to wonder how the current emergency manager legislation is consistent with the principles of democracy.

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?

Lautner: There is never a place for name calling in politics such as calling people “deplorables” either. I firmly believe that honesty and following the law is even more important. By law all deliberation must be done in public. Commissioners can not call a majority of other commissioners to work out a plan to change a vote in the upcoming meeting . That is not “polling” . It is a violation of the open meeting act. When one commissioner last year violated that law I called her out on it. Instead of admitting she made a mistake, she then tried to deflect by accusing me of withholding information that I did not have, from a meeting that I was not at. To my knowledge the law has not been broken since then. Further, It is up to the chairman of the board to make sure that there are no violations such as this that occurred. The citizens of Leelanau deserve transparent government, to make sure we do not end up like other counties. Our meetings have always been very respectful and well run. The only uncivil situation I can remember is when a group came before us for “amend the constitution “. Things got completely out of control with some of them yelling out overtop of others not in their group trying to make public comment. Fearing for the safety of all, deputies were called in to control the situation. We encourage public comment to which we can not and do not respond. And involve much of staff and dept heads, for input and updates so that we are fully informed on all issues. My opponent recently requested we change our agenda in a way that would put public comment before the approval of the agenda. This would give the public no opportunity to speak on any last minute additions. Public input is too important for that change.

O’Neill: I like people. I regard others as human beings, not members of a particular party. Good ideas can come from any quarter, and I’m always open to good ideas. Ideological straightjackets do not belong in local governance. In my work in a family business and running non-profit corporations, I worked with people of all backgrounds to achieve goals and will continue to do so.

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

Lautner: Any beach for stone picking, and any hardwoods for hiking . Though most afternoon are spent working the farm I have no complaints.

O’Neill: You want me to reveal my secret beach?

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

Lautner: My career has been in agriculture. The family farm, my farm markets and greenhouse business. My service has been to community. Active in Holy Rosary Church, Cedar Maple City Lions, Cedar Rod and Gun Club spring clean up, Cedar Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation, Board of Health, and the Recycling Council. I welcome all contacts my email address is reelectlautner@gmail.com, phone 947-2509 or 649-1131 texts welcome. Or message me on Facebook. @ Commissioner Lautner

O’Neill: Linda and I have lived here for 38 years and raised our daughter here. I’ve been active in my church and community as a volunteer. For 10 years I worked as Sous Chef and helped manage our family restaurant, the LaBecasse. I know how much work goes into a successful small business. The restaurant was seasonal so to make ends meet I cleaned rooms at the Homestead, planted some 100,000 trees, tapped maple trees for Frank and Sally Majszak, waited tables at Sugar Loaf and substitute taught. I know what families must do to survive the winter here. I was blessed to be chosen the first Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity GTR and have worked a total of 14 years in housing, 11 of those directing non-profits. It’s challenging it is to build and renovate homes that working families can afford, yet it is do-able. You have to be creative, persistent and committed. This broad experience will help me to effectively represent the people of Kasson and Solon Townships if they choose to elect me.