To the editor:
Joe DeFors has a bachelor’s degree in biology and math, and a master’s degree in public administration. Joe is the president of Leelanau Energy, a group that serves the county by educating and advocating for energy efficiency and clean energy. Among many other things, they offer free energy assessments for homes and businesses. Joe was recently voted Chair of the Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force.
The Task Force has recently submitted a grant that could bring $1.5 million of our tax dollars back to the county and provide a significant annual savings in our electricity bills. They are now working on a second grant for a community survey.
It recently came to my attention that Michigan only produces 60% of its own energy. This is not a sustainable position for our state or our county. We need to explore more ways to produce our own energy and become less reliant on external sources.
One solution lies in solar grants. These grants can help households and businesses alike install solar panels, reducing their reliance on traditional electricity sources while also saving them money. We already have many solar households and businesses utilizing solar.
Grants of this size have to be administered by people with qualified skills. The fact that Mr. Defors has the knowledge and also spent considerable time to submit these grants does not disqualify him from administering them. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.
Thank you Joe Defors for your tireless work to help Leelanau County.
Dana Getsinger Elmwood Township
