All seven members of the county Board of Commissioners are being challenged this election year, but only three will face opponents in the Aug. 3 Primary Election.

All three are incumbent Republicans and are running against GOP challengers in the Primary. Following are brief biographies of the six Primary candidates, and their answers to a series of questions posed by the Enterprise.

District 1 incumbent commissioner Jean I. Watkoski will square off against former Elmwood Township Supervisor Stan Kouchnerkavich. Watkoski, 68, is a 13-year county commissioner and has the distinction of being the first female county board chairman in Leelanau’s history. Prior to serving on the county served, she was an Elmwood Township trustee for 12 years. A widow, Watkoski is a mother of three and six grandchildren. The first commissioner district covers Elmwood Township.

Kouchnerkavich, a retired cherry farmer, spent 11 years as a supervisor and trustee in Elmwood. He is currently a member of the Leelanau County Planning Commission and a 4-year member of the executive committee of the Traverse Bay Regional Planning Commission.

District 2 incumbent James A Schaub Sr. is being opposed by Mark Walter for the Republican nomination. Schaub, a 1975 Suttons Bay graduate, is a builder and has three grown children and seven grandchildren. He was first elected in 2008 and was encouraged to run by Walter, who was at the time running for county sheriff.

Walter is a 1982 graduate of Suttons Bay and attended Northwestern Michigan College’s Police Academy and Western Michigan University. He began his career in the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s office and has worked for the Department of Corrections since 1986. Walter, a longtime member of the Michigan Army National Guard, spent time as an activated soldier at JTF-GTMO in Guatanamo Bay, Cuba.

He currently works as a lieutenant shift commander at the Pugsley Correctional Facility near Kingsley. Walter, a District 2 commissioner from 2003 through 2007, is married with children.
The District 2 commissioner represents Bingham Township.

District 3, the third contested seat, now belongs to Mary P. Tonneberger, who is the current board chairman. An Omena resident, Tonneberger earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Denison University and a graduate degree in European history from the University of Missouri. She is retired after 30 years in business as a marketing research executive and consultant serving mostly Fortune 500 companies. Tonneberger has been married for 52 years to her husband, Ron. The Tonnebergers have two grown children and four grandchildren.

She is being challenged by Tom VanPelt, owner and operator of Overlook Farms, a family fruit farm south of Northport. VanPelt, earned an associate’s degree in business from Manatee Junior College in Bradenton, Fla., and a bachelor of science degree in horticulture from Michigan State University. He is currently the president of the board of directors for Cherryland Electric Cooperative, captain in the Leelanau Township Fire Department, and “first-responder” with the Northport Emergency Medical Squad.

VanPelt, 59, is married to Deborah VanPelt. The couple has two grown daughters, Sarah Murphy of Wyoming, Mich., and Rebecca Wade of Northport.

District 3 commissioner Richard A. Schmuckal, a Republican, is unopposed in the Primary. He will face Democrat Jason R. Harrell of Suttons Bay in the November General Election. District 6 commissioner David Marshall, the only Democrat on the county commission, will face Republican challenger Karen Paulus of Maple City in November.

And District 7 commissioner Melinda C. Lautner will be opposed in November by Democrat Karl W. Dunjgen of Solon Township.

District 5 commissioner David Shifflet was unopposed until last week. Karen J. Zemaitis of Leland filed as a candidate without party affiliation for the seat. The two will be on the Nov. 2 General Election ballot in District 5.

We asked candidates in contested Primary races five questions, the responses to which follow:

1.) What role, if any, should Leelanau County government play in promoting economic growth? (50 words maximum)

District 1

Kouchnerkavich: Reduce and remove every form of excessive regulation and taxation that is choking the life out of local and statewide businesses and development. Excessive land use regulations in our townships and village that contain regulatory takings should be called out for what they are and be discouraged and eliminated.

Watkoski: Local taxpayers dollars should not be used for economic development projects unless the public has an opportunity to vote on whether their dollars should be used on such projects.  The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was created to help with such projects through various grants and stimulus dollars.

District 2

Schaub: Leelanau County government plays an important role in promoting economic growth. We provide services that keep citizens safe on the roads, secure in their homes, protected throughout their businesses, and we are cleaning up commercial sites with Brownfields. Keeping taxes as low as possible helps all of our tax payers.

Walter: The county has to place their assets on the table to attract businesses and employers to the local area. We must make efforts to assist potential businesses that will employ our residents. The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Land Bank Authority are, tools which enhance business opportunities.

District 4

Tonneberger: Our county government should raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges in promoting economic growth. This includes using our “tools” – EDC, Land Bank and the Brownfield authorities We have an outstanding opportunity to expand business and provide more jobs. Much is dependent on installing high-speed Internet in the county.

VanPelt: To continue to support the townships and to promote businesses with the EDC, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and the Land Bank Fast Track Authority.

* * *

2.) Leelanau County is seeking to increase the property tax rate to fund 9-1-1 emergency dispatch services from .3750 to .4250. Will you be voting yes or no for the millage request, and why? (50 words maximum)

District 1

Kouchnerkavich: I support the 9-1-1 service. I find this issue confusing given the Enterprise’s opinion of 7/8/2010 and the short time to have had to read the county’s brochure about an “enhanced” 9-1-1 system. I need to have more clarification on this and so do the voters. I, along with the voters, will decide Aug. 3.

Watkoski: I will vote yes on the 9-1-1  request.  We increased the rate from .375 to .427 because we have no guarantee that we will be receiving the $100,000 from the state this next year.    If the money is received from the state we may not have to collect the full .427.

District 2

Schaub: I will vote yes. I believe the asking amount is a modest request for an important program. At this time, the county is not planning to levy the entire amount, they are asking for the increase because the state may withdraw funding and the county is planning for the future.

Walter: I’ll have to vote yes we won’t be able to fund the services otherwise. However, a separate funding source must be found. We discussed several options in the past that were not fully explored. Consolidation for one, initial start up will have some cost but long range it may well be cheaper.

District 4

Tonneberger: I will vote yes on the millage because so many people are dependent on effective and efficient 9-1-1 services. Regionalization of our health care services requires professional support at the local level; our Dispatch Center has developed a very professional unit and I would not like to be dependent on other counties to provide this service.

VanPelt: I will be voting yes for the 9-1-1 millage. I am disappointed that there is an increase in the millage rate, but, the emergency services provided by both the county and the townships are vital to the residents of Leelanau County.

* * *

3.) If elected commissioner, what would be your top two priorities in your first year of office? (75 words maximum)

District 1

Kouchnerkavich: Determine what are the basic core functions of county government and emphasize those essential services over advisory or elective services.

• Carefully evaluate every purchase and expense for the county to ensure it is the least expensive to the taxpayer.

• Question the professionals and experts on any large capital improvement project as to need, function, and who is going to be paying for it.

Watkoski: 1. Fiscally responsible budget.  We finance all services needed and what the taxpayers expect and at the same time make sure that we have a healthy fund balance to cover any emergencies according to our audit report. Many thanks to our treasurer, clerk, accounting department and administrator, they are the best.

2. Making some attempt, somehow, to get rid/reduce the number of  lawsuits/grievances within our Sheriff Department.  It’s been an embarrassment to this county regardless what side you may be on.

District 2

Schaub: Fiscal responsibility is my main concern. The 2010 budget has maintained a high level of service while being the lowest budget since 2006.

I also feel it is important to continue to respond to the needs of the people. I personally strive to keep the lines of communication open between residents and myself. If you call me I will help you find the answers you are looking for.

Walter: We need to get a handle on costs for each department some departments have personnel issues which will take some time to sort out and we’re currently holding some potentially double staffed position obligations. There are also the pending lawsuits which I have addressed before the board needs to take a more active role in moderating these issues. And maintain tight control on litigation decisions.

District 4

Tonneberger: If elected, I will begin serving in my ninth year as a commissioner and completing two years as chairperson. My top priority and it is my campaign focus – fiscal stability to support essential services, such as 9-1-1 and public safety. This requires a balanced budget. My second priority is to continue support for the county’s Clean Water Task Force to ensure continuing education about the threats to our water resources from invasive species and other contaminants.

VanPelt: Work with the other commissioners to find ways to make Leelanau County government smaller and more efficient.

Adjust future budgets to reflect lower revenues resulting from decreases in property values bringing in less tax revenue to the county.

* * *

4.) Let’s say Leelanau County will receive exactly the same amount of money in the next budget year as it received this year, and you are in charge of writing the 2011 budget. But you have authority to change the funding level for only two departments. What department should receive more funding? What department should receive less funding to balance out the ledger? Or would you make no changes? (75 words maximum)

District 1

Kouchnerkavich: I would consider cutting funding from the Mapping Services Funds. I would consider adding funding to the Veterans Trust Fund as it is sorely needed to provide more assistance to those returning veterans beyond what they are receiving now.

Watkoski: There is no way, at this time, that I could say what departments would be cut/ reduced because of the funding sources.  What you have to do is go line item by line item and look at what services are provided by each department and staff levels and determine if they are necessary. Then make the determination.

District 2

Schaub: In the 2011 budget there are no plans to significantly increase any department. However, to answer your question, the bi-county health department has had its revenue significantly reduced from loss of state funds. They are the department most in need of an increase. Because of the low inmate population, the corrections department would be one of my considerations for budget reduction.

Walter: We need to get a handle on costs for each department some departments have personnel issues which will take some time to sort out and we’re currently holding some potentially double staffed position obligations. There are also the pending lawsuits which I have addressed before the board needs to take a more active role in moderating these issues. And maintain tight control on litigation decisions.

District 4

Tonneberger: Relative to spending, I would increase the Planning Department’s budget. It has taken on enormous responsibilities that relate to job creation, clean water initiatives, and disposal of land assets for the county. Two departments, collectively, should receive less – the court system and the prosecutor’s office. We have empty courtrooms (size based upon consultant recommendations) and a prosecutor’s office that does not prosecute.

VanPelt: At this time I could not make changes as I was not involved with the discussions for each of the department’s budgets. I would hope that the overall budget is developed using a conservative approach in terms of revenues with a worst case scenario using expenditures thereby allowing for all departments to come in under budget at year end.

* * *

5.) What is the most important attribute for an effective commissioner? (50 words)

District 1

Kouchnerkavich: I would always try to look beyond what the experts and professionals are telling the county board! I would listen carefully, gather maximum input and take decisive action. I would want to expand the county’s website so citizens from District No. 1 could relay their concerns to me.

Watkoski: Be willing to listen not only from your constituents but fellow commissioners, department heads and staff about what concerns they may have.  It is sometimes difficult to make tough decisions but necessary and most of all remember that the taxpayers are providing the majority of the income for the county.

District 2

Schaub: Integrity is the greatest attribute a commissioner can have. This allows me to listen to citizens openly and act responsible. A commissioner should always do what is right even in the face of adversity.
Walter: The most important attribute for an effective commission is keeping abreast of the issues and researching the topics before the meeting so know what you’re talking about before you get there.

District 4

Tonneberger: The most important attribute to being an effective commissioner is the ability to listen to all opinions and to interact about these perspectives with constituents. One may not be able to easily solve problems but by keeping an open mind, solutions will emerge.

VanPelt: Common sense combined with the ability to listen without prejudice to other points of view.

This entry was submitted by - webmaster