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Editor's note: Four incumbents serving on the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners will be challenged in the Aug. 6 Republican Party primary.
In District 1, incumbent Joseph Stevens of Kingsford will be opposed in the Republican primary by Angela Olson. There are no Democratic candidates.
In District 2, incumbent Ann Martin of Iron Mountain is challenged by Kevin Sullivan in the Republican primary. William Revord is the lone Democratic candidate.
In District 3, incumbent Barbara Kramer of Iron Mountain is challenged by Dan Harrington in the Republican primary. Sandi Lefebvre is a Democratic candidate.
In District 4, incumbent Henry Wender of Breitung Township will be opposed in the Republican primary by Peter Swanson. There are no Democratic candidates.
In District 5, incumbent John Degenaer Jr. of Norway is unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Victoria Jakel is the lone Republican candidate.
The Daily News recently reached out to the candidates, sending letters asking two general questions. Why did you choose to run for this position? What do you sees as the main issues and how do you plan to address them?
Statements from candidates in Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are published below. The general election is Nov. 5.
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Joe Stevens, incumbent Republican, District 1.
As a county commissioner, I would like to continue looking to the future to ensure the residents of Kingsford (District 1) and all of Dickinson County safety and prosperity. We can always look back to judge our job, but the future years define our success.
Issues we need to continue to look for are what the federal government and state government are doing that may affect all of us. I will continue to be diligent on watching what their actions are and responding to them, always watching our budget to ensure your tax dollars are used wisely.
Issues come up all the time. I am able to spend time and energy to respond and attend all the meetings at committees I am appointed to.
It is my honor to represent to all. I would appreciate your vote for four more years. Thank you.
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Angela Olson, Republican candidate, District 1
You asked two questions concerning my candidacy for county commissioner District 1. Why did I choose to run? And, what are the main issues and my plan to address them.
The answer is simple. I ran because I am tired of political apathy.
As a county, do we really have to think too hard whether our county supports the 2nd amendment of the Constitution? Why would it take months to decide we will not be a sanctuary for illegal immigrants? These are the most glaring examples of local apathy that has crept into Dickinson County from Washington and Lansing.
The sanctuary question was answered only because of the challenging of the incumbents in this election across all of the seats. Whether we as a county support the Constitution remains to be seen.
I do not see myself as a permanent seat in the body of politics, but I cannot stand by when the people I entrusted to make common sense decisions waffle on the most basic questions.
As a county we need to answer to the constituency, pay our bills, and we need to control spending. I hope to work with all the departments, and other commissioners to capitalize on every asset our county has.
As a resident of Dickinson County for the past 15 years I look forward to this opportunity to serve my community, and I kindly ask for your support.
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William Revord, Democratic candidate, District 2
I am William Revord, your county commissioner, 2nd District Democratic candidate.
I was born and raised in Munising, Michigan. I attended Northern Michigan University and studied criminal justice. I graduated from NMU's Regional Police Academy in 1979 and became a Dickinson County resident.
I began my career in law enforcement in Norway and shortly after joined the Iron Mountain Police Department where I spent 25 years policing these streets. I have been a part of the evolution of that department serving as a patrolman, and retiring as the senior lieutenant. I have served as a founding member of the Critical incident Response Team as a tactical team member and a crisis negotiator. I served as a founding member of the KIND drug enforcement unit as well as a member of the Dickinson County dive team.
Having always had an interest in politics, I was elected to the Iron Mountain Board of Education and spent 10 years along with my fellow board members working with the staff and administration to provide for our students.
I was elected to the Iron Mountain City Council in the 2nd Ward. I served two terms in that position as well as serving as your mayor pro-tem during those eight years. We were an active council and worked hand in hand with our city manager to bring in new businesses and work for our community during that time.
I ask for your support on Aug. 6 and Nov. 5.
Thank you.
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Ann Martin, incumbent Republican, District 2
I am running for the position of Dickinson County commissioner because I know I can continue to improve Dickinson County. This position requires a high degree of commitment, time and effort. My enthusiasm and dedication to you and to Dickinson County remain strong and unwavering.
My background as a member of the Iron Mountain City Council and on the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners as well as my roles as wife, mother, grandmother, retired public school teacher and faithful churchgoer makes me who I am. My commitment is to the service of others, traditional values, hard work, fairness, honesty, compassion, common sense decisions and wise financial management. This is who I am and who I will continue to be.
The future? In general, we want a safe, secure community with a strong law enforcement and court system; a community where, together, we safeguard our precious children; a robust economic environment where we support our local businesses; and an airport that meets our needs.
In addition, we want a hospital and medical system responsive to our health needs; we want schools where our children are safe and secure and where the learning environment is uncompromised; we want programs that provide for our seniors and respect and honor our veterans.
Finally, the most pressing challenge today is addressing the mental health of people and the drug problem which plagues children, adults, and families. Northpointe Behavioral Health System, one of the 11 county committees on which I serve, is actively engaged in treating the mentally ill, people with developmental disabilities, the autistic population, and individuals with co-occurring disorders - mental illness and substance abuse. This assignment alone has demanded over 20 hours of my time this month.
The job of county commissioner is a demanding one. It is not a two-meeting-a-month commitment! My dedicated service is defined by grit, perseverance, and a sense of urgency in working toward solutions. I would like to continue in this job I love. I will work hard for you. Please vote for me on Aug. 6.
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Kevin Sullivan, Republican candidate, District 2
My name is Kevin Sullivan, pastor at Family Baptist Church in Iron Mountain. My wife and I have been in the area for 32 years and we have been residents of Iron Mountain for 29 of those years. Our three children graduated from IMHS. Since 1993, Sandy and I have had the privilege of working for IMHS in various capacities.
I had a commercial masonry business in North Carolina and worked as a mason once we arrived in the area in 1992.
As a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ, I desire to serve our Great Nation by serving the county in which I reside. Jesus said He "came not to be ministered unto, but to serve." He then told His disciples, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."
Counseling in this community I have witnessed the damage outside agendas, federal and state mandates have brought to our area. Trending and other politically correct approaches to society's problems continue to decay our neighborhoods.
This normalization of drugs, obscene behavior, and the growing acceptance of the lack of personal accountability is pervading our culture, but I do not believe it is what our hard working community stands for.
I hope to serve the citizens, and work with the other elected officials to steward the resources and assets we have. Accountability and transparency are necessary at all levels, and I promise to be both while we meet obligations to the citizens.
I know many of you, and I hope to meet more of you in my capacity as your county commissioner. I humbly ask that you consider voting for me on Aug. 6 so that I may serve you.
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Barbara Kramer, incumbent Republican, District 3
I have served as your county commissioner for almost 12 years. I am Board of Commissioners vice chair and have chaired the Finance Committee since 2018. My focus has always been to serve and respond to the citizens of Dickinson County, and to invest the time and energy needed to ensure that I make decisions that are based on the best interests of our county residents and not on any political agenda. I believe in integrity in leadership, an unwavering passion for service, and improving the lives of the people who call Dickinson County home.
My responsibilities include attending meetings of the full county board and 18 other county-related committees. I serve on the Michigan Association of Counties Finance and General Government Committee. My meeting attendance record exceeds 99%. I also volunteer in our community, and present educational programs for other civic organizations as requested. I was honored to represent Michigan as a delegate to the 2020 Republican National Committee Convention.
To be an effective leader, I prepare for all meetings by thoroughly reviewing and researching agenda items. I am expected to stay informed on national, state and local issues in which our county has a vested interest. As board vice chair and Finance Committee chair, I lead meetings and generate required reports. I typically invest 15 to 40 hours per week, averaging about 24 hours per week.
The county's finances are in excellent condition. During my tenure, we have consistently operated with a surplus, added to the general fund and balanced the budget, but much effort is required to ensure equitable distribution of funds. Airport modernization, mine safety concerns, infrastructure improvements and developing functional private-public partnerships are challenges for the future. To be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, my fellow commissioners and I are always researching ways to reduce operational costs.
I enjoy brainstorming to be able to offer innovative growth ideas and promote economic development in Dickinson County. I love my job, and will continue to invest my time, energy and talents into building a better place for all of us. Please vote for me on Aug. 6. Thank you!
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Dan Harrington, Republican candidate, District 3
The reason I choose to run can be summed up by a couple of famous quotes. The first by John F. Kennedy, who said "Ask not what your country can do for you but, what you can do for your country." It's easy to be critical of our politicians and what's happening in our country and community, but accomplishes little. By running for county commissioner, I think I can have a positive influence on Dickinson County. We have had the same county board "forever" and I believe they need a break. I would encourage all patriots to get involved in our community at any one of the various levels. To use one of the most popular quotes of all times, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing."
I am a conservative, both fiscally and socially, which I believe aligns with the views of this area. I own, and have owned numerous businesses. I currently own two businesses in Dickinson County. The first is U.P. Propane. It is based in Iron Mountain, and has 13 locations throughout the U.P. The second is Wide and High Whitetails, located in Channing. This business experience will enable me to positively contribute to the wise management of Dickinson County.
Several issues I would like to be implemented in Dickinson County would include the following. First, would be to make Dickinson County a 2nd amendment sanctuary county.
Next, would be to make sure we have a comprehensive plan to keep illegals out of our county. Finally, I will keep abreast of the crazy woke agenda's coming out of both Lansing and Washington, and consequently, do everything I can to keep them from being implemented in our county.
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Sandi Lefebvre, Democratic candidate, District 3
I am running to represent District 3 on the Dickinson County Commission because I felt that it was time to change things up a little. I am bright, dedicated and, if elected, pledge to serve the people of Dickinson County by paying attention to the needs of the citizens. I have spent many years serving the local community in many facets, including over 20 years as secretary for the local youth football league, public relations officer for the Blue Ox Trail Riders Club, and I am an elder in my church. I am grateful for those who are currently serving as county commissioner and the time they have dedicated to our community, but it may be time for someone new with some new perspective. I may be new to politics, but I am not new to service.
Just like our household budgets, all municipalities are facing difficulty meeting all of their needs. I see one of the main issues facing Dickinson County is the rising cost of everything and making the most of every dollar spent. We have some wonderful assets in our county, such as our beautiful county parks, the Dickinson County Library, Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, etc. and I would like to see them continue to get the financial support they need, without putting an excessive burden on our citizens.
When it comes to any decision affecting our county, I feel it is important to listen to all sides before reaching conclusions. In today's political world, it seems more and more that there are two very distinctive views on most issues. I would like to work on finding solutions that bring people together, rather than continue the division.
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Henry Wender, incumbent Republican, District 4
I have been a county commissioner for over 30 years. I don't understand the movement to replace the present board. I think this is one of the very best I have served with. We have maintained a balanced budget while making many improvements at Lake Antoine Park, the airport and at the jail.
We each serve on about 10 committees. I think the county is fortunate to have so many good employees who work together for the betterment of the county. Beside keeping all accounts paid, we have set aside $200,000 for a rainy day fund.
We have started replacing the windows in the courthouse, have updated the dispatch center. Lake Antoine Park is a big asset to the county, we have built new restroom facilities there. The airport is the busiest in the U.P., we have provided excellent staff to see that it runs smoothly.
In the future I say keep doing what we've been doing. If it isn't broke, don't try to fix it.
I would appreciated your support. Thank you.
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Peter Swanson, Republican candidate, District 4
My name is Peter Swanson. I don't own Storheims. I'm the other less-known Peter Swanson and I am taking this opportunity to share a little about myself and the reasons I decided to run for county commissioner District 4.
Right now, as a nation we're very divided, and that can trickle down to community. I love the U.P. and I don't want our home to become unrecognizable. I am a born and raised Yooper and I proudly raised my four children here. I am an outdoorsman, sports enthusiast, business owner, and family man. I'm not a politician. I consider myself a patriot. I love our country and our state, but I'm afraid of what life might look like if we continue to go the direction we are going. Our rights, the rights our forefathers fought and died for, are systematically being taken away in subtle, calculating, and subversive ways. This cannot continue. American citizens deserve better from their elected officials. It is time to take a stand and speak up.
I have lived in District 4 for 36 years and I believe there are unnecessary projects in place that waste taxpayer's dollars; incorrect information is being propagated and the truth needs to be revealed. I believe crucial decisions are being made because of greed or fear of being labeled radical, racist, homophobic, etc. People are being judged for just having their own opinions. We can have different opinions and still be unified. I am not afraid to stand up for all citizen's rights, not just the popular narrative. We need fresh eyes.
I will strive to make our community better. Change can start on the local level with strong leaders in place. It is my hope that when small communities across America speak out, America will remain the country that our forefathers had envisioned for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. I am a Christian and the most important of Christ's teachings is to love one another. I want to serve and make this community strong through respect, courage, and love. I would appreciate your support!