Four candidates are seeking two available trustee seats on the Leland Township Board.
Incumbent Mariann Kirch is seeking reelection to the board. Also on the ballot are Kathy Dawkins, Brian Fenlon and Steve Scales.
Dawkins has 37 years in government in law and public service; volunteers with diverse community group; was a private business owner and has lived in Leland Township since 1996.
Fenlon was born and raised in Leelanau County. He graduated from Northwestern Michigan College and Ferris State University. Fenlon is an appointed township Planning Commission and serves as a precinct delegate in the democratic party.
Scales grew up in a military family and moved constantly (overseas/ US). Leland Township is his permanent year-round home. His career was in the global food business.
1.) What are your top three priorities for Leland Township?
Dawkins:
1. Civility rules at all meetings, along with the Open Meetings Act.
2. Promote transparency. Business hours, reports, records, handouts, and meetings available online, up to date, and easily found. All board members and committee/commission chairs present activity reports at each monthly township meeting.
3. Establish an advisory facilities committee responsible for maintenance and operation of all land, buildings, facilities, and equipment.
Fenlon:
1. To foster a respectful township board environment focused on collaboration and positivity.
2. The fiscal responsibilities of the township must be fulfi lled with transparency and accountability. As a Trustee I will look towards evidence based solutions that make the best use of the taxpayers dollars, with a particular focus on sustainability.
3. Managing and maintaining the township’s assets. I will be diligent in assessing the liability of and best course of action for the townships various assets.
Kirch: Transparency and Trust: Transparency builds trust. I’m committed to keeping residents informed and engaged in township decisions, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
Fairness and Inclusivity: I will represent all residents of Leland Township fairly, fostering a welcoming environment and advocating for local businesses, public safety, and environmental protection.
Progress and Sustainable Development: I support responsible growth that protects our natural beauty and heritage while improving infrastructure and parks for the lasting benefit of our community.
Scales:
1. Responsible land use and development that aligns/conforms with the community needs and wants.
2. Fiscal management of the township’s resources in a way that aligns with the priorities and opportunities—both present and future
3. Working in a collaborative way with all the citizens of Leland Township to ensure everyone is heard in a timely manner and kept abreast of developments, and any issues or opportunities that exist.
2.) The township has been working for more than a year to replace of the breakwall on the Leland River. However, progress has been slow. What obstacles has the township face? If elected, what is your game plan?
Dawkins: I am restricted to 75 words, so I recommend folks read the Leelanau Enterprise article “Leland Twp. to review deed transfer of Munnecke property”, dated 9-12-2024, for background, along with the Supervisor’s report of August 12, 2024. I agree with the Supervisor’s plan of the township transferring the deed to the Leland Library.
• Board voted to put forth a millage request addressing seawall in May, 2021. (Budget Workshop meeting 1-28-21)
• Millage voted down, May 2021.
Fenlon: The township simply cannot afford the necessary repairs to the breakwall. If elected, I will pursue the same plan that is currently being proposed by the township board. If the Leland library is to acquire the property it would be best equipped to fund the necessary repairs. I would also strive to ensure any costs associated with that transfer are reasonable for the township.
Kirch: I understand the challenges we’ve faced with the breakwall project, including delays with the EGLE/DNR permit and securing funds. If reelected, my plan is to focus on speeding up permit approvals, finalizing our funding approach, and collaborating closely with the project engineer. I also hope to work with the Leland Township Public Library during their renovations, as they might play a role in the project. I’m committed to ensuring this essential work moves forward smoothly for our community.
Scales: This breakwall is essential to the residents and guests of Leland Township. It is used to enjoy the views of the river as well as a boating destination. In the last few weeks progress has been made to address the replacement of this almost 50-year-old breakwall. This progress is being led by representatives from both Leland Township as well as the Leland library. I am confident that this team will find a timely solution.
3.) Given the recent purchase of new township offices on M-204, will the township continue to meet in the Munnecke Room?
Dawkins: Yes. The Munnecke Room holds up to 100 people and the largest meeting room in the Township building holds up to 12 people. There would also be an issue with parking as there are not many parking spots. There is an unfinished basement, but no handicapped access to it.
Fenlon: Yes, the township board should continue to meet in the Munnecke Room. The recently acquired building does not have adequate space for the public. It is limited in size and accessibility without major renovations. The Munnecke Room at Leland library is well known as the location for township meetings, is more friendly to foot traffic and also has more ample parking.
Kirch: While our new offices on M-204 would need renovations to hold meetings, I believe it’s important to continue using the Munnecke Room. It’s a space that keeps us connected to the heart of our community and allows us to save on costs by using what’s already available. This way, we stay rooted in both villages and remain mindful of taxpayer dollars.
Scales: The Munnecke room has capacity for 100 people and has been successfully hosting the Township meetings, the library needs, as well as the LelandHistoricalSociety. The township building, located at 204, does not currently have a meeting room with the capacity to accommodate larger meetings. Since the current arrangement is working for the people of Leland Township it does not make financial sense, currently, to add onto, or remodel, the Township building.
