Grand Traverse County Commission

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I believe my life and professional experiences have prepared me to be of service to my community.  I’ve lived in Blair Township for over 40 years and I’ve been a small business owner and business consultant for over 30 years.  I’ve often fought for what was right for our community.  I fought against the full nude strip club, I’ve fought against the adult bookstore that was originally trying to locate across the road from Dairy Ville (now a car wash), and more recently fought against a tire and towing yard going in next to a residential home, between that home and the roundabout at Vance & M-37.  I never knew I had a GT County commissioner.  I never knew how the decisions of the commission affected my community.  Whenever I heard about the commissioners, it was always concerning TC proper, not us out here in Blair Township.  I’m running to learn how the commission runs, to inform the residents of upcoming decisions and to represent the residents of District #1 and the GT region.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

I believe we are experiencing growing pains that are affecting the beauty that initially attracted people to this area. We need to ensure that growth enhances and preserves the natural beauty of our region. We should avoid becoming like Grand Rapids.

Employers are struggling to find employees.  Employees are leaving the area for more affordable housing.  I see employers struggling to pay their employees a livable wage with shrinking profit margins.  I see too many developers lining their pockets with tax abatements while keeping rents at “attainable” rates.  If you truly want to grow the economic development we need more “affordable” housing and more high paying jobs to bridge the gap.  Many families still have their adult children living with them because they cannot afford to rent and save to purchase a home themselves.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

I don’t know that we need to add more infrastructure, but rather repurpose and reuse the empty facilities we do have before big city blight creeps in.   We need to increase STEM education opportunities.  We need to increase training in the building trades.  Experienced craftsmen are aging out without the younger generation coming up behind them.  Having a highly skilled local workforce will bring more high paying jobs to the area.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare? 

Of all of the questions, this is the one I struggled with the most.  You see, I’m 65 and my son is 42.  He doesn’t have children and I haven’t had to worry about child care for decades.  Whenever I ask my residents what they need from their commissioner, their answer is always fix the roads.  Not one has asked me to help increase access to affordable childcare.  Maybe my district is different from others.  Here, parents work opposite shifts so one is always home to care for their children.  Or grandparents bridge the gap until the children are in school.  Some households have 3 generations because the young parents cannot afford to buy their own homes yet. I do know the state has programs to help with the cost of childcare and support for caregivers.  I don’t know how the general population of GT County would react to a property tax increase to pay for childcare.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development? 

All too often I hear people say they don’t attend local township meetings.  Either they don’t feel they have much of a voice or simply don’t think their time is worth the effort of attending and getting involved in local government.  They just wake up one day and boom!  There’s an Amazon Distribution facility going in near one of the most heavily traveled intersections in the county!  First I would encourage the townships to engage in more information sharing and transparency.  Some do a better job than others.  I hope to be a regular fixture at the township meetings and help to share with the residents what’s going on at their local township level in addition to what’s happening at the county commission.  I hope to encourage the citizens to engage with local politics and let their voices lead the way.  Townships have a master plan and ask for public input, but the reality is township leadership doesn’t always follow these plans.  That’s discouraging to all involved.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I am interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region because I’ve faced many of the same challenges our community deals with. After moving here 20 years ago, I experienced the struggles of raising a family, dealing with economic hardships, and finding affordable daycare and housing. These challenges pushed me to get involved with local organizations like Generations Ahead, where I support teen parents as a board member. 

I have worked in hospitality, retail, and real estate, so I understand how important it is to have access to affordable childcare, housing, and reliable public transportation. These are not just issues to me, they are personal experiences that have shaped my perspective on what our community needs to succeed. 

Through my education and work experiences, I have gained the skills to make a meaningful impact. I have seen how local government can affect our everyday lives, and I am committed to using my experience to address key issues like protecting our natural resources and ensuring everyone has a place to live. I am going to continue to represent the diverse values of our community on the GT County Board so that together we can build a future where everyone in the Grand Traverse Region can thrive. 

How will you use your role to support the economic vitality of our region?

As a re-elected Grand Traverse County Commissioner, I will continue to support the economic development and vitality of our region by tackling the key issues that affect working families and local businesses. My own experiences, like struggling to find affordable childcare and housing, and working multiple jobs have given me a deep understanding of the challenges many in our community face. I will advocate for policies that ensure affordable daycare, housing, and reliable public transportation, which are essential for a strong workforce and economy. My work with Davenport University has shown me the power of education and skill development in driving economic growth. I will champion initiatives that support skilled trade programs, workforce training, and education, helping residents gain the skills needed to contribute to our local economy. By working with businesses, educators, and community leaders, and by promoting policies that protect our natural resources and encourage responsible development, I will help create a vibrant and sustainable economy for the Grand Traverse Region. 

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

To make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents, we must focus on infrastructure projects that address key community challenges, starting with expanding access to affordable housing. Many families have struggled to find suitable housing, making it difficult for new residents and businesses to settle here. By investing in affordable housing projects with new tools like TIF and PILOTs, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming community. Improving public transportation is also crucial, as reliable transit connects people to jobs, education, and essential services, making our region more accessible and appealing. Expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency would benefit working families and attract businesses that rely on a mobile workforce. Additionally, developing more affordable and accessible childcare facilities is vital, as the high cost of daycare is a significant barrier for working parents. Prioritizing these infrastructure projects will build a stronger, more vibrant Grand Traverse Region that draws in residents and businesses alike. To support these efforts, we must also expand our water and sewer systems, ensuring that our basic utilities can handle the growth. This expansion will not only support housing and childcare developments but also make it easier for new businesses to establish themselves here. A strong utility infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving community, and investing in it will pave the way for sustainable growth that benefits everyone in Grand Traverse County.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare? 

As a County Commissioner, I will leverage my personal experiences and commitment to early childhood development to improve access to affordable, quality childcare. Having faced the difficulties of finding affordable daycare myself, I understand how crucial it is for working families to have reliable options. I will advocate for increased County and other funding for childcare programs, support the expansion of local facilities, and foster partnerships with organizations, businesses, and government agencies to create more affordable childcare options, like Tri-Share. I will also work to find financial aid through partnerships, grants, and more for families struggling with childcare costs and support current and startup providers by helping to remove barriers to enhance service quality and accessibility. By focusing on these areas, we can better support early childhood development, ease the burden on working parents, and build a stronger, more resilient community and local workforce.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development? 

As a County Commissioner, I would use my personal experiences and dedication to community service to work closely with townships, neighboring counties, and regional organizations to boost economic development. Inspired by my grandmothers’ commitment to helping others, and my own experiences with the barriers that affect young families from moving here, like unattainable housing and low daycare accessibility, helps me understand and guides my efforts to address local needs and build strong partnerships. I would collaborate with townships to tailor development projects to their specific needs and work with neighboring counties to create regional strategies that use our combined resources effectively, such as improving infrastructure and developing workforce training programs. By partnering with regional organizations like Traverse Connect and Networks Northwest, we can share resources and best practices to drive projects that benefit everyone. My aim is to create a unified approach that promotes sustainable growth throughout Grand Traverse County and the surrounding area.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I am well positioned to help at this stage of my life. I have lived in the immediate Traverse City region for about 20 years and I have been a local business owner. I am a father of students at a Michigan college. I am interested in getting more engaged but above all I want to supply decent example to those in my life that I value. I want to demonstrate leadership and involvement rather than complacency. I am getting ‘in the arena’ showing action and participation. It is time to engage!

How will you use your role to support the economic vitality of our region?

I think that driving fiscal responsibility is one of the main motivators for me to engage in this endeavor. ‘Surplus’ ought not be a bad word. ‘Emergency Fund’ is a reasonable concept in personal life as well as governing public funds. Constant spending without regard for budget always ends poorly. Complex issues are among us and more are on the way so we need to be vigilant.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

There are many great ideas available to consider. I am eager to engage in lively discussion to see which include greatest county impact.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

The complicated answer here is to drive a lifestyle that encourages two parents to live together and thrive in union. In this ideal space we look to build an environment that one parent can work and that income is suitable for a decent life for all in the home. One parent working outside the home and one parent working inside the home ought not be such a foreign concept

What role do you and/or how would you work with neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

Local and regional development require collaboration. The struggles and success we experience here in this county are much like those around us. Working together with candor is required.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I’m honored to serve as an elected Grand Traverse County Commissioner and former elected City Commissioner for Traverse City, and look forward to continuing to serve the people, families, and businesses of our region for another term. As an elected official over the past five years, I have focused on increasing funding for mental health and senior services, supporting economic development and place-making initiatives, creative solutions to our housing crisis, creating a more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, community engagement, and sewer/water infrastructure improvements to further protect our watershed. A strong, sustainable community with opportunities for all people is my passion and drives me to continue to serve the people, families, and businesses across our region.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

I believe that when all people in our region are supported and given opportunities for success, we all succeed. I will continue to work as an elected official to support sustainable economic development with private-public partnerships and support opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop high impact ideas, create good-paying jobs, and contribute to a high quality of life for our region.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

We need to bring back the County planning department to aid in a more strategic approach to regional planning and coordination of infrastructure to help better manage sustainable growth and development in our region. This would help to coordinate projects to efficiently and effectively provide sewer, water, sidewalks, and other critical infrastructure needs to make better connections across the regions, and make it easier to build high quality and affordable housing, which is a critical need.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

As a working Mom of two kids, I understand this challenge well. I firmly believe that the childcare desert here in northern Michigan is a huge barrier for economic growth, opportunity, attraction of families, and quality of life for our region. We can work with the State of Michigan to incentivize child care providers to provide increased services across our region, and reduce some of the onerous and expensive requirements to start in-home care and facilities. We have an opportunity as a County to be a leader in being a 21st Century employer with flexible working conditions and provider of on-site childcare facilities through a MI Tri-Share approach.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

We have a huge opportunity to better work together as a regional leader with the City and surrounding townships, as well as neighboring municipalities. Working with economic development-focused entities like Traverse Connect, Networks Northwest, NMCAA, and others will continue to be a priority in our regional economic success.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I want to continue to serve my community as this is the community that my wife and I raise our family, this is where we work and play also. We love our community and I want to be a part of the decision making process to continue making our community a better place for all.

How will you use your role to support the economic vitality of our region?

I will continue to make decisions that promote economic sustainability. The decisions we make help invite new economic opportunities for all.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

As in many parts of the country we have a need to improve our infrastructure in our own region. Some of the infrastructure that needs to be upgraded or extended is some areas are, Water, sewer, electricity, roads, internet, gas and others. As a current county commissioner, we have put millions of dollars towards several water and sewer projects through ARPA and local dollars. In the future we need to look at having infrastructure in place to attract more businesses, housing, and people.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

As a commissioner, we do not have many tools in our toolbox to increase access to affordable, quality childcare. The biggest driver of affordability is similar to supply and demand. The more there is the less its worth and the less there is the more its worth. Another thing that is driving the affordability, quality childcare is the insane inflation we have all seen. Some of the things making affordable, quality more expensive are rising labor cost, taxes, insurance and many more. But ultimately, there has to be more available daycare options and that in turn will help control the rising cost and possibly lower the cost of affordable, quality childcare.

What role do you and/or how would you work with neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

We must look at our area as a region and not just locally. If we look at it from a regional approach, we will see there are more tools available to help the economic growth and development of the region and not just isolated areas. By working with neighboring counties and regional organizations we can bring more minds together and work collaboratively to bring more ideas and solutions to the table. As a current county commissioner, our current board and the previous board have partnered up with Traverse Connect to help promote our region and the benefits of economic growth to the region.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

Great places need comprehensive planning that is strategic and long term. I have a wide range of experience serving all people, especially the citizens of Garfield Township as a parks and recreation commissioner and most recently a ZBA commissioner. As a planner, I interact with many different people with a variety of backgrounds. I actively listen to what they have to say to better understand and support the essential needs of our workforce. We need people to stay in our county, have good jobs that pay a living wage, access to quality childcare, and schools so they will raise their families here and thrive. I have a master’s degree in urban and regional planning with hands on planning experience. My focus is transportation planning, especially multi-modal and active transportation.

How will you use your role to support the economic vitality of our region?

I respect and understand that as a county commissioner I will be responsible for important business decisions that impact the overall health of our county. I plan to support businesses seeking to locate in our area that have a positive impact on our workforce, support surrounding businesses and services, while being mindful of this region’s precious environment. Our area should and can have a robust foundation of business and economic activity while protecting our natural resources.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

To attract businesses and residents to our region we need to create attainable affordable housing and childcare opportunities. Our infrastructure projects should reflect the needs of everyone in our county including those who might be forgotten in the planning process. Businesses will be attracted to this area if we have a healthy and thriving supply of workers. A type of infrastructure improvement I am very interested in is transit-oriented development. I studied transit-oriented development (TOD) while in school and during a semester of study abroad. TOD concentrates housing in areas where there is access to public transit and multi-mobility infrastructure. These types of projects increase housing supply while decreasing car dependency which can help alleviate some financial burden on residents.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

I believe we can increase affordable quality childcare now by implementing on-site childcare where there are businesses and government organizations who employ many employees. For example, I once worked for Cherry Capital Foods, a local food distributor with many employees who needed childcare. We had on-site childcare for those employees, and it was supported by the owner of the business. It worked very well.

What role do you and/or how would you work with neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

In my role as a transportation planner, I work with partners from all over the state and region on similar goals with different contexts that are openly communicated. I feel this could be a similar approach to good economic planning. Neighboring counties and regions most likely want a robust economy and support smart economic development but have very different contexts based on their geography and demographics. Based on the context of these different areas it is important to have open dialogue, listen to needs and find ways to collaborate to achieve goals.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I am seeking one more term to continue the winning streak for the taxpayers of Grand Traverse County. In these past 5 years our county has achieved great things from reducing regulation, reducing tax rates, reducing employee turnover, increasing our rainy day fund to making government more accessible by putting more and more services online for the public to easily interact with. We’ve made great strides and I want to be a part of locking in these wins and reaching even farther to keep government small, efficient and accountable.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

We need to continue to promote a balanced approach to our local economy. Tourism must be supported, but it is only a fraction of what creates a healthy local economy. Our special industrial sector, medical sector and high tech sectors must be balanced to create a diverse and robust local economy that will withstand the economic storms in future years.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

Grand Traverse County has around 1000 miles of local roads. It would be a worthy goal that the world likens our roads to driving on 1000 miles of black glass, the smoothest in the world. That’s a bit lofty and unrealistic, but BHAG’s create progress and our roads need progress.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

What a horribly misleading question. This has been a question at every election and NO county commissioner in any county has made any significant progress. It’s not a role of county government. It’s not in the state constitution. Why not ask what we’re going to do to solve the Palestinian conflict?

Government is not the answer to all our problems. More often it IS the problem. Perhaps with fewer state regulations on home daycares we could make some progress on this. But, it’s not in the purview of county commissioners to enact state legislation.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

There is no official role of a county commissioner that lends itself to promoting economic development through townships. Counties and townships are separate subdivisions of state government. That said, relationships are a key to progress. We can and do support townships through several county offices and when we all have the mindset of serving the public interest we can often find ways to move forward together.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

Our community has a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant local businesses, and hardworking families that deserve a sustainable future where they can thrive for generations to come. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges we face—from the need for affordable housing to ensuring our economic growth is sustainable and inclusive. By working together, we can address these challenges and create opportunities that benefit everyone in our region.

As someone who was born and raised in a working-class family in Grand Traverse County, I understand the importance of supporting our local businesses and ensuring that families can afford to live and work here. My goal is to foster a strong, resilient community where people of all backgrounds can succeed. I believe in a collaborative approach, bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to find solutions that work for everyone. Serving on the county commission would allow me to advocate for the needs of our community and help shape a future that prioritizes both our people and our local economy.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

As county commissioner, I will focus on supporting our local workforce by advocating for affordable housing and childcare, ensuring that our region remains accessible for working families. I’m also committed to initiatives that support and grow our pool of construction and trade workers in Northern Michigan, key drivers of our local economy. I’m proud to be endorsed by the Northern Michigan Construction and Building Trades Council, and I plan to work with them on expanding training opportunities for the trades within our local school districts and NMC. By investing in our workforce, we strengthen our economy and build a more vibrant community.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

A specific infrastructure project that I strongly support in my own district is the expansion of the TART’s Three Mile Trail. Non-motorized transportation like biking and walking is critical for building healthy, sustainable communities. This project will connect East Bay Township schools, local businesses, and nature preserves, creating a gateway for recreation and safe routes for everyone to enjoy. I believe this expansion will make our region more attractive to new residents and businesses, while supporting economic growth and our region’s quality of life. Infrastructure like this fosters connectivity, promotes public health, and makes Grand Traverse County a great place to live and work, and as a county commissioner, I will invest in our roads and our trails.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

Expanding access to affordable, quality childcare is critical for the well-being of families in Grand Traverse County. With the county’s recent acquisition of the Camp Greilick property, I view this as an incredible opportunity to invest in expanding childcare services through our county parks system. By utilizing this space, we can create inclusive childcare options that are affordable and accessible, benefiting working families in our community while getting young people outside and enjoying our parks. Strengthening child care infrastructure will not only support our local workforce but also help our children thrive.

How would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

Addressing the affordable housing crisis in our region and setting the goal to end chronic homelessness in Grand Traverse County will be top priorities for me when serving as your county commissioner. The housing crisis directly impacts our workforce and the economic development of our region, and the county should play more of a role in addressing the gaps in housing. I will work closely with townships, neighboring counties, and regional organizations to implement collaborative solutions that support affordable housing development, ensuring that low-income workers, such as service industry employees, teachers, caregivers, and artists, have stable housing. In addition, I believe that the county can play a crucial role in ensuring that our community grows sustainably, both economically and environmentally, by establishing a subcommittee of the county board – consisting of county, township, city, and village representatives – that will be charged with developing a Comprehensive Growth Plan for Grand Traverse County. By focusing, as a team, on housing that meets the needs of our workforce while protecting our natural resources, we can create a thriving, resilient community that is accessible to all.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I’ve served on many varied boards since my 20’s. The benefits of helping an organization, or in this case my entire community, are both challenging and rewarding. I am a third-generation county resident, my parents and grandparents were also all deeply invested in the area. I find that I enjoy giving back to the community where I raised my family and operated my businesses.

There were many who served before me. I have the time and the experience to help keep Grand Traverse County a place we are proud to call home, favorable for business, and welcoming to visitors.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

As a third-generation business owner, I grew up talking about a family business at the dinner table. That kind of granular experience gives me a well-formed perspective of business owner, and employer.

Economic development is 100’s of small and significant decisions. Sometimes it is what we DON’T do that is the most helpful. Business leaders and new entrepreneurs put everything on the line to employ people and produce a service that people will pay for. As a commissioner I understand that the not-so-exciting things like infrastructure such as housing, roads, sewers, water, and can be a huge part of the ability to open or expand a business.

Streamlining permitting, inspections, and other county services can also go a long way toward making a project viable.

Working with the many community partners, such as Traverse Connect, are critical to finding a way to an overall economic vitality of an area.

You cannot rule out natural resources, parks, recreation, arts, healthcare, and the other environmental benefits of a community that are an important part of creating an area that flourishes economically.

Probably the biggest challenge facing our county presently is the lack of available labor/cost of housing in the area. This is a problem that cannot be remedied overnight. It is also a biproduct of a successful local economy. Some of the things I mentioned above add to the cost of housing in the area. We need to look at ways to funnel some of the increased tax revenue we have enjoyed lately toward infrastructure projects to help new entry-level and mid-level housing projects be attractive to investors and developers.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

One example: We have some serious growth pressure on our transportation corridors in the county. As the county has grown, some of our roads need to be brought up to meet the growth, plus have the underlying water/sewer/electrical/high speed data capacity improved so that business and/or housing can find it economically feasible to invest further along the road. This requires planning. We cannot maintain the local roads, keep up with the corridor roads, and invest in improving roads to bring economic growth without a multiyear plan, AND funding. I would like to begin some more deliberate discussions toward this goal.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

This remains a significant issue in the entire state, and country. Other than overall housing cost issues in the area as discussed above – I believe this is a State issue. I don’t think heavily tax-supported “free” daycare for all is the answer. The daycare people I speak to talk of the unreasonable and burdensome rules and regulations that have been increasing on daycare providers in our area. As a result of this increase in State regulations we have a combination of daycares closing, and unlicensed daycares operating without oversight – not to mention the 100’s of families left with no good options for their children who need quality daycare.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

I serve and report to five townships and one village. I consider these entities my second most important constituent, after the citizen. Prior to being a county commissioner, I was a township trustee. I understand their perspective, and challenges.

My role is to assist them with resources available from the County, and connecting them with the many organizations available to assist in the varied issues facing a township or village.

My roles on several unique multi-jurisdictional boards and conferences attended put me in contact with other township officials, commissioners from other counties, and commissioners for other states, on a regular basis. The perspective this brings is invaluable. I find that the issues we all face are quite similar. I like to seek out those who have found solutions to problems we are facing here at home.

The interconnection between the city, townships, and villages within our own county are very important to maintain the viability of one another.

We are a regional hub in Grand Traverse County. By serving and connecting with our neighboring communities we strengthen our own economic health.

As a commissioner I often can serve as someone to bounce ideas off of, make the proper introduction, or even mediate an issue to help two or more parties find a solution.

When in college I read a book titled, “Management by Wandering Around” by Tom Peters & Robert H. Waterman. It was one of the most important books I read pursuing my degree in Business Management. I used it throughout my career. I find that I have adapted the philosophy of the book to my role as a county commissioner. Elected office is a people business. Meeting people, attending events and learning what skills and resources people bring to the table. Then connecting people and organizations together to solve issues.

Often getting the right people together is all it takes to make the magic happen.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I am interested in serving my community because I care about what is happening locally and it was time for me to do something. I will serve the people by bringing their concerns to the board of commissioners and keeping them educated on what is going on in local politics. I will be at the meetings and will put the time in that is needed to help make sure our tax money is allocated appropriately and that qualified citizens are appointed to boards. I want to help families by finding solutions for childcare, housing, and safe pathways for commuting. One reason we live here is for the beauty of our area. I will work to make sure that our watershed, parks, and trails are not neglected.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

Getting involved and knowing what is going on is the first step. Taking what I learn and sharing it with constituents. Budgeting so that our parks, trails, and watersheds do not get neglected. It will be cheaper for us taxpayers to not play catch up after decades of neglect. Let us get things up to speed and then have a plan for maintenance.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

We’ve got good schools, a nice airport, and widespread internet access in the area. For my district I would like to see a library somewhere in Acme or Whitewater Township. It would be nice to have a pavilion for family gatherings in the district too.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

I will work to increase access to affordable housing by researching what has worked for other parts of the country and try to find solutions. By going to meetings and learning about PILOT and TIF programs I will be able to be more involved in the process of finding solutions. As for the quality childcare, it will be important to have more programs for people to understand what it takes to do childcare and get people interested in running day care centers. We need to make it clear to parents on how they get funding, if needed, so they can go back to work. Childcare is expensive, but running a day care center is also expensive, and we need to find a solution to encourage the establishment of new day care centers along with finding ways to make them affordable for the parents who need them.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties, and regional organizations to promote economic development?

Collaboration is the key to promoting economic development. Working together with other townships and counties and using resources wisely so that we can do more with what we have would be a good start. Getting involved with development projects and making sure the people of GT County have the information they need so that they can get involved by going to meetings is important. TC Connect does a good job with training and mentoring programs to help support businesses.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

Our community is growing and changing, and we deserve county commissioners who are working to make sure the county best serves this community. I’ve built my life and career around service and community. I am raising my family here. I work in and for this community. As a public interest environmental lawyer for over twenty years, I’ve been a consistently strong advocate for fairness, transparency, clean water and energy, and quality of life. We have a critical need and unprecedented opportunity for the county commission to model civility, integrity, and transparency, and to finally begin addressing real county needs – affordable housing, accessible childcare, improved roads to benefit everyone – while safeguarding the natural features that make this such an attractive place for so many of us to live, work, and invest.

How will you use your role to support the economic vitality of our region?

In 2024, supporting regional economic vitality mean investing in our local workforce and critical infrastructure. Unaffordable and unavailable housing and childcare stress and inhibit workers, their families and employers, and the people depending on their services. Economic vitality is directly tied to reliable critical infrastructure – our workforce, transportation systems, housing and childcare, and underground infrastructure. Below are some ways the county commission can support our workforce and infrastructure for the benefit of regional economic vitality.

a. Market participant: With nearly 600 employees and an annual budget nearing $50 million, the county is a significant regional employer and contractor with skin in the game to support regional economic vitality and the workforce it depends upon. The county commission’s role in supporting the local economy begins by making the county a model employer. For example, we should consider childcare for county and public employees through Tri-share or onsite childcare. Doing so would infuse dollars into the childcare economy, free limited spaces for other families, and model opportunities for other employers to follow suit. The county is considering significant investment in county assets – addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance and investing in new facilities, which is an opportunity to model sustainability.

b. Convener: The county is uniquely positioned as the regional hub to bring public, private, and non-profit stakeholders to strategize, plan, and implement solutions. No single municipality, company, organization, or visionary can solve regional issues. For example, the county should re-establish the multi-jurisdictional housing task force and participate in the regional planning effort underway to address community homelessness and childcare challenges.

c. Service provider: The county provides essential services for residents and businesses, from health services to building and septic permits, from roadway maintenance and improvements to law enforcement. The commission’s role is to ensure these services are administered efficiently and promote economic vitality. For example, the county should develop a county approach to septic inspections to support regional uniformity and efficiency and protecting water quality. The county should also develop an effective strategy to proactively plan for sewer and water extensions to support planned growth instead of reacting to project-driven extensions, which are less economic and add lag and drag to valuable projects.

d. Advocate: The commission can advocate for state and national policies and funding to support our local workforce and infrastructure to improve economic vitality. For example, the county recently passed a resolution of support for state legislation enacting a flexible approach to lake levels. We should also advocate for resources and planning support to address our critical needs like housing and childcare.

e. Access to funding: The county has access to historic levels of outside funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), opioid settlement dollars, state grants for childcare, housing, and natural resources, and others. We should plan for and tap into these resources to effectively address community needs.

As a commissioner, I support using all these tools to support our economic vitality. I listen to constituents, including business owners, and seek partnerships to redouble our efforts. With effective collaboration, strategic planning, responsible spending, and access to outside funding, we will make meaningful improvements for our workforce and local economy.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

I would like to see more strategizing, planning, and collaboration to support our workforce infrastructure (housing, childcare, recreation) as well as in transportation infrastructure and in our municipal water and sewer systems. These are systems that are foundational to this community’s environmental and quality of life values, which appear to be the key attributes attracting businesses and residents to this region. These systems also present opportunities for systematic improvement. The county recently re-established an administrative position to facilitate coordinated regional approaches to improve the outlook for affordable housing and related projects. We should modify our PILOT policy to incentivize set-asides for low- and very-low income renters. Coordinating above and below-ground infrastructure will also support sustainable regional development. Regarding transportation, I would like to see regional planning and investment to support non-drivers – BATA Bayline and other riders, bikers and e-bikers, park & riders, walkers, and more. Our Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designation should help facilitate improvements. Regarding municipal sewer and water, I would like to see planning and investment to support planned extensions matched to township master plans and zoning rather than reactive extensions for particular projects. Childcare is addressed below.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

As a working mom, I understand why quality, reliable, affordable childcare is essential, and I have experienced the stress of our childcare desert. The situation is worst for parents of infants but does not end for working parents when our children start school – we have insufficient care available before and after school and in the summer. Developing and financing systemic solutions requires reform and investment beyond the scope of our county commission, as local, state, and federal policies have neglected investment in adequate and affordable childcare for decades. The county is not, however, powerless to improve the situation. Here are some realistic options for the county to increase affordable and quality childcare.

a. Invest in childcare for the county workforce. When I worked for the U.S. Air Force, childcare was provided because the Air Force depends on a reliable workforce. Munson and TCAPS follow the same rationale to provide childcare for employees, which also supports employee recruitment and retention. Likewise, the people this county serves depend upon a reliable county workforce. The county may create incremental childcare, as well as lead by example, by investing in childcare for public employees. The commission can learn from Munson, TCAPS, and other businesses that provide childcare for employees. As noted above, we should consider Tri-share and onsite childcare for public employees – both approaches would infuse dollars into the local childcare economy and model opportunities for other employers to follow.

b. Develop a flexible county workplace, where practical. Family-friendly workplace policies allow parents to stagger their workday, compress schedules, work from home before and after school and on school holidays and snow days, and more. These flexibilities reduce childcare demand, expand provider capacity, and stretch parental resources. They also enable parents to return to the workforce sooner. Again, when the county implements family-friendly workplace policies, we facilitate recruitment and retention and showcase policies that other local employers may replicate.

c. Improve the local housing crisis. High rents and housing costs directly squeeze parents and childcare providers. I support a regional approach to expand housing accessible to working families, beginning with restarting the Joint Housing Task Force or forming a successor version of it.

d. Support the ongoing regional effort to expand access to childcare. Networks Northwest, with substantial grant funding through the MiLEAP Regional Child Care Planning Grant, is working to develop a regional plan to understand, strategize, partner, plan, measure, and innovate solutions to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for working families in our community. The county should participate, support, and amplify this effort.

e. Support state and federal policies and funding for childcare. Our representatives in Lansing and Washington should know that Grand Traverse County is growing and shining, and our success depends on a reliable workforce, which in turn requires dependable, affordable, accessible childcare for working families.

As a commissioner, I support using all these tools and others to increase local access to affordable, quality childcare.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

Grand Traverse County is the regional hub. We have ongoing working relationships with townships, including through the Board of Public Works, municipal meetings, and park investments. We work collaboratively with neighboring counties, including through our courts, community mental health, and regional waste management planning. We are working with regional organizations to expand the local pool of skilled labor, including TCAPS, Northwest Workforce Development Board, Northwest Michigan Works!, Traverse Connect, and others. Promoting economic development in our community requires us to address the dearth of affordable housing and accessible childcare and requires improvements in our transportation and municipal services infrastructure, as discussed above. Grand Traverse County does or should support existing regional efforts already underway – for example, the MPO for transportation, the Regional Child Care Plan through Networks Northwest, the Board of Public Works for municipal services, and more – and we should initiate the reformation of the Joint Housing Task Force.

We are more likely to be more effective at moving the needle on all community challenges if we approach them with regional coordination, planning, and investments. There is room for improvement, amplification, or refinement in all these systems, and Grand Traverse County should play a lead role.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

For me, the answer is in the question. As a County Commissioner for District 7, my calling is an opportunity to serve all citizens, regardless of age, economic status, employee, or employer. As I campaigned for the primary, I knocked on a lot of doors and it wasn’t always an adult voter who answered. Many times, it was a young person, sometimes too young to vote but with opinions nonetheless. Asking young people what they thought was important for the community, gave me insight into how significant a well-rounded education in our region can be.

Speaking with the employed and hearing their concerns about staying employed gave me economic insight into my neighbor’s mindset. And the folks who owned their own business and paid close attention to local governance always had the most to say. These were the real business owners that make up the tax base and backbone of our region and are still recovering from the unknowns and mixed messages that arrived with the COVID lockdowns.

On the surface, the Grand Traverse Region wears a facade of vacation properties and high-end jobs for the privileged classes. The reality is that a lot of people are barely hanging on. Some need hope that their leaders are doing their jobs while they themselves work for their homes and families. Many folks shared with me that’s not what they’re seeing. There is an expansive safety net of conscientious non-profit entities in our area that can help fill the gaps for our friends and neighbors, but our elected officials need to stay approachable and engaged with our residents. I’ll listen to the people, families, and businesses.

How will you use your role to support the economic vitality of our region?

We have mechanisms for tax-exempt bond programs, basically loans with better-than-market rates for qualifying firms. There are programs to underwrite business relocation.

But I think the best thing someone in government can do for a business person is get out of their way. Business leaders, job creators, and entrepreneurs are driven to perform and hold themselves to a standard that government employees aren’t always familiar with. Business people move fast and act with speed, determination, and intention. Being able to rely on stable policy and governance is key. The government forgets these things except when it comes to taxation. It seems the sentiment is that a little bit more taxation and fees here and there won’t be missed. And when businesses leave or relocate out of the area because their neighbors tax them more than support them, I’ll be vocal about the realities. My campaign has a deep appreciation for what it takes to run a real business. These people are my neighbors and friends and I’ll be sure and thank them every day when I’m elected for what they provide to our area. As for what I’ll do for the vitality of the region, I’ll strive to govern consistently and leave the vitality to the ones who create it for themselves and the rest of us.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

I would like to know a lot more about the options where we should invest county resources for today as well as for the growth that’s predicted short and long term. I’ve been visiting many of the county offices that have the responsibility of providing beneficial and consistent services to our residents. We have a lot of dedicated people at the county level whether they are our employees or outside subcontractors that our county employs by contract. I wouldn’t make any decisions without study sessions particular to each of the areas. I would specifically and equally, say that infrastructure maintenance and upgrades that pertain to drinking water quality, stormwater engineering, wastewater treatment, and energy freedom top my list. I’m looking forward to more study sessions with the experts in those respective fields.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

The first thing I’ll do to increase access to affordable childcare is to talk about it honestly. What does affordable mean? Are there really 4 children under the age of 12 waiting for every open spot? Is this crisis a result of a household needing two parents working to make ends meet? Is it proper to mandate employer-provided care? When the business that mows your lawn or trims the trees of your home needs to charge 100% more for their services and they tell you it’s to cover child care will you continue to use that company? When it’s your home will you find a cheaper alternative? Are we putting value on lost productivity over the quality care for our kids? If childcare businesses aren’t profitable how can their standards of care be compliant? I don’t have the answer and I’m not going to make it look as if I’m busy solving the problem. I’m going to source experts and implement policies where practical and within the purview of my authority on the Grand Traverse County Commission. And much like my current life of serving on boards and helping in community efforts already, I’ll work to solve the problem.

What role do you and/or how would you work with neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

My responsibilities on the county commission won’t end after the Wednesday meetings. I’m a tireless problem solver and I already sit on the boards of the Grand Traverse County Hospital Finance Authority, TAPA, Harbor Plaza, and the Grand Traverse County Republican Party. It’s been my experience that nothing can substitute for a face-to-face discussion so I plan to attend as many township meetings as possible and continue to relationship build. Walking door to door in my primary led to success at the polls as well as accumulating a contact list from my district of subject matter experts in a variety of fields. When I was asked, “Why isn’t the county doing this or that…” I would many times reply with a request for their help if elected to go right to work on that issue. I have a large list of motivated citizens ready to engage on the questions posed here and many others. With the hope, that some of those citizens will engage their counterparts in other counties and townships in an emissary program to share successes and crowd-source solutions. I’m ready to go to work.

Why are you interested in serving the people, families, and businesses in the Grand Traverse Region?

I am seeking a third term because I am passionate about serving this county and finding ways to enhance quality of life for my neighbors. We live in a great community, full of kind and compassionate people. When our family suffered the loss of our teenaged daughter twenty years ago, we were surrounded by much needed love and support. It has been my goal since then to continuously find ways to give back. By being in a position to help improve the delivery of much needed mental health services, protect our environment, and create a fiscally responsible government that is both accountable and accessible, I believe that I am serving those who served me.

How will you use your role to support the economic development and vitality of our region?

Over the past few years, the Board of Commissioners has made solid decisions which have resulted in a financially sound local economy. We have increased efficiency, reduced county employee turnover, and made our local government more accessible, while keeping in mind our vision to make Grand Traverse County an excellent place to live, work, and play.

What specific infrastructure projects would you like to see to make our region more attractive to potential businesses and residents?

With the challenges of exponential growth in businesses and the resulting need for housing, I would like to see improvements to our roads as well as traffic controls. Very often, traffic congestion contributes to safety concerns, particularly during peak hours. This is an issue I am currently working on within my own district.

How will you work to increase access to affordable, quality childcare?

As commissioners, we do not necessarily have a wide variety of tools at our disposal to directly affect the supply vs demand of childcare. Therefore, we must look for opportunities to be proactive, such as the recent assignment of ARPA funding to childcare providers for expansion and growth. However, I have met with providers in my district, and have expressed their concerns to State Representatives, who are in a better position to make a change to oppressive regulations.

What role do you and/or how would you work with townships within Grand Traverse, neighboring counties and regional organizations to promote economic development?

Because our position requires looking at a regional “big picture”, our challenge is often to build consensus between the different entities through collaborative efforts. By giving everyone’s perspective a voice, we can find solutions that benefit the overall good of our region.