I officially have knocked on doors.
Saturday, May 8, I took a drive out to Harrison to introduce myself to the people of the city. I probably walked about seven miles, and spent about three and a half to four hours walking up and down the roads of the city, stopping at as many houses as I could.
First off, let me say thank you to all the good people who took some time to talk with me. It was great to hear your issues and concerns. Many of you mentioned education, and it’s good to see we are on the same page. I was also pleasantly surprised that we agreed on many, MANY different topics dealing with education, and the economy alike.
Also, a special thanks goes out to anyone of you who invited me into your house. It was freezing last weekend!
All of the people who told me “good luck” and “you got my vote” truly fired me up, and I will continue to spread the word about providing jobs for the 97th district and the state of Michigan. If anyone campaigning ever tells you that they don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed at times, they are lying! But the people I met in Harrison last weekend gave me even more motivation than I already had, and as long as unemployment is high, and our public schools are in a funding crisis, I won’t stop!
I want to give a quick hello to some of the people I ran into who have been through campaigns themselves — City Councilman Stacy Stocking (who is running for Mayor, as well), Clare County Sheriff John Wilson, and Hatton Township Supervisor Bill Hileman. They were all friendly and supportive. I wish all of them luck, as well.
I also want to mention an issue in the Harrison area — the construction of a motocross park in Hayes Township named Michigan Moto Mania. It is currently being held up, due to a lawsuit from a neighbor. I support MMM, and wrote a letter expressing my support to the Hayes Township Planning Commission. I also dropped a copy of the letter off at two businesses that had signs out front expressing support. Let’s make this happen! A copy of the letter is posted below.
Harrison, your support and kindness is appreciated. Let’s continue to fight, and continue the mission to take it back!
To the members of the Planning Commission:
I am writing this letter in support of the Michigan Moto Mania off-road vehicle park in Hayes Township.
I understand there have been issues between Mr. Longenecker and some residents of the township, and that there have been issues between your board and township residents. However, I am positive that the overall impact of the 200-acre motorsports mecca will be economically beneficial to Clare County and Harrison.
Motocross races and events aren’t made up of just a few people hauling bikes in the beds of their trucks to the track for a race. The races include families traveling with expensive trailers, campers and equipment. They often drive hundreds of miles and stay for a weekend. The track could open up entrepreneurship opportunities for new businesses that would sell bikes, four-wheelers, gear and merchandise. Essentially, motorsports are big business.
We should also address the benefits the track would offer to local riders and residents. So often during my campaign, I have heard the complaints about young people graduating high school, and then going to college or getting a job out of town, and never returning. For the young man or young lady serious about motocross, this could keep them around. This park could be an entertainment destination for locals, as well. For people my age, or younger, this could be the type of attraction that makes them proud of their community. This may what they tell their friends or relatives from out-of-town about. When a person is proud of their community, they don’t mind spending their life there. They don’t mind giving back to their community. If Michigan Moto Mania makes a generation of Clare County kids proud of their county, I believe it’ll create a new generation of homegrown leaders.
In the March 30 issue of the Clare Sentinel, in the story “Neighbors try to stop park,” a parent quoted in the second-to-last paragraph said, “This sport is really about growing kids.” I couldn’t have said it better. While someone living close by may associate the park with noise, these kids may associate the park with their favorite rider hitting a jump and pulling off a back flip (which looks absolutely beautiful). When a township resident says it destroys their paradise, these young men and women probably say it creates their paradise.
Visiting campers in Clare County will be able to ride along the side of the road to get to the park, thanks to the county ORV ordinance. I believe that overall tourism in the county will see huge boost when the park is operating, and the ordinance will play a role in that. If elected, I look forward to working with Michigan Moto Mania, Clare County elected officials, and Hayes Township elected officials to make sure the park is not only profitable, but a good neighbor and friend in the county.
These disagreements show one area where I feel many state representatives are currently failing. There are many different issues that need to be addressed here —environmental issues, noise issues, economic issues. But I don’t see a lot of negotiating, and I don’t see a lot of compromise. I believe that if all parties were brought to the table, a deal could be made that could put an end to the lawsuits, and bring about opportunities for many people in Clare County. We can make this happen without causing strife and anger amongst friends and neighbors, if only we communicate and hear everybody’s concerns. If I can be of any assistance now, or in office, I am available to help.
I hope Michigan Moto Mania is soon open, and I strongly believe once it is, many other doors will open. Let’s make it happen. Thank you and good luck.
Tim Barnum
Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 97th District
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