Arenac County MTA meeting

“I, probably like many of you, have called Lansing several times, and left several voicemails. It’s time Arenac County not only have voicemails in Lansing, but a voice. … I would be happy to be that voice.”

The Arenac County Chapter of MTA (Michigan Township Association) met on April 15, and allowed me a few moments to address the township officials present. It was good to see a lot of familiar faces from Whitney, Lincoln, Standish, Arenac, Mason and Clayton townships. (Sorry if I missed any township, I can’t remember everyone there!)

I talked about the need for jobs, as I have throughout my campaign. We discussed alternative energy, manufacturing and tourism in the jobs conversation. I told the officials how I was committed to doing whatever it takes to offer jobs in the 97th District and Arenac County, which in turn would lead to more construction and home sales, thus more tax revenue, for townships.

I also talked with the officials about how representatives need to be there for county, township and city officials. I believe when there are negotiations, such as those that are ongoing with Saginaw Valley State University and Whitney Township in regards to Charity Island, a state representative should serve as a mediator in the situation. I reported on several conflicts at the paper, and I think that having a state-level elected official assist in a conflict could help both sides find some common ground. (Another situation I often reference is the deal between the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe and city of Standish that fell through dealing with the Saganing land receiving city utilities).

Next the discussion turned to education. I reiterated my belief that schools need to be funded fairly and adequately, and that this is an extremely high priority to me. If we want to cut down on “brain drain” and want to lead, the state must invest in education.

Of course, being in Arenac County, we needed to address the Saginaw Bay, Rifle and AuGres rivers. A clean environment in Arenac County can lead to a better economy in Arenac County. Keeping our waterways clean will keep many county businesses open, whether they are canoe liveries, marinas or motels, and also allow them to thrive. On a side note, congratulations to Arenac County and the Sunrise Coast for becoming a part of the Pure Michigan tourism campaign. This is a huge deal for Northeast Michigan, and if elected, I look forward to boosting tourism along the Sunrise Coast.

Butman Township and Garfield Township

I stopped at two township meetings in five days, visiting Butman Township in Gladwin County on Thursday, April 8, and Garfield Township in Bay County on April 12.

Butman Township may be known to many of you as “Sugar Springs.” There is water all-around, kind of like where I grew up in Ogemaw County. (I lived within two or three miles of Hardwood Lake, Little Long Lake, Boughner Lake, etc.) In fact, the Township Hall is right smack dab in the middle of Lake Lancelot and Lancer Lake. The photo above is of the sunset behind the flags at the township boat launch.

Anyways, back to the business at hand. The board allowed me some time to speak, and I briefly discussed my plans to draft and support necessary policies to bring jobs to the 97th District. A lot of folks in Butman Township make a living off of plastics and steel manufacturing (plastics plants are common in Gladwin County). This type of work allows men and women to make a decent wage from an honest day’s work. In turn, they have more income to spend at local businesses, or, perhaps, on a pass to the township’s boat launch. The next legislature is going to have to come to the realization that until we start investing in green energy production, develop a comprehensive manufacturing plan to lay out to businesses, and reach out to expanding industries, it’s going to be extremely difficult to turn around our communities. In our 97th District communities, whether it be an agricultural township or small city, jobs are the number one priority. Butman Township, where the median household income is below the state average, like so many other areas in the district, is in need of work. Let’s give it to them!

By the way, if you’re interested in buying an old jukebox, talk to Don Joyce, the Butman Township Clerk.

Much of what was said about Butman Township rings true in Garfield Township. Again, you may know Garfield Township as Crump (as it was called when logging was king). Garfield Township has a really great park, and two ball diamonds on its premises.

Mike Duranczyk — Bay County Commissioner, Pinconning Area School District Board member, and business owner — was one of the many people in attendance at the meeting. People like Mike truly do inspire me, as he wears many hats, but finds time for them all. Case in point was his address to the Garfield Township board, his constituents.

Anyways, during public comment, I stood up and introduced myself to the board. I briefly touched on the economic issues I have stressed during my campaign, and then talked about education. Anyone who has spoken with me during the campaign knows that fixing our public education system, especially the shortfall in funding, is very important to me. I plan on fighting for public schools, and told that to Garfield Township residents on Tuesday, as I have to many others during the campaign.

Thursday, I’ll be attending a meeting that’s very important to me — the Arenac County Michigan Township Association meeting. Look for updates on how it goes. I plan on delivering a passionate and detailed speech at the MTA meeting in Mason Township.

Thanks for your support. If you read this before Saturday, April 17, come on out to the Deep River Township park and pavilion on the 17th for the Tim Barnum for State Rep. Campaign fundraiser softball tournament! Send an e-mail to tbarnum97@yahoo.com for more details, or visit the facebook page.