Voters in Leelanau Township will elect a supervisor and two township trustees.
Republican Mike McMillan will appear on the ballot, along with Democrat Barbara Conley. A story about the field of three trustee candidates can be found on Pg. 11.
McMillan, retired Pepsico executive, is seeking election to a seat to which he was appointed to in May 2023.
Conley earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and medical degree from Michigan State University. She spent her career as an academic medical oncologist.
Conley currently serves as vice president Northport School Board; chair and vice chair of the Benzie-Leelanau District Board of Health and on the Northport Village Council.
1.) If elected, what are your top 3 priorities for Leelanau Township?
Conley: 1. Thriving Families: attraction of year-round good paying jobs, conditions that attract housing affordable to both young families and seniors and conditions that will keep land in agriculture and attract young farmers should be priorities 2. Preserve our natural beauty: Our parks and beaches should be cared for so that all residents may enjoy them 3. Open and participatory government. Residents should be invited and encouraged to participate in decisions affecting the township.
McMillan: Two years ago the ARPA funds were dedicated to two initiatives, since that time we’ve had fallout in one and are reassigning another before 12.31.24. We are discussing a number of priorities, including the Woolsey terminal restoration and potential site plans for a future development that addresses our housing needs. We are currently asking the public to weigh in on priorities we should consider. We intend to finalize our plans by November.
2.) The recent 2024-2025 township audit approved highlighted the leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) revenue of $140,000 still unused. The auditor stated that if the township does not find a way to obligate the ARPA money before December 31, that the government would be able to take the funds back. What are some project priorities that you have in mind to use the money towards?
Conley: The ARPA funds for cell service in the north township ($100,000) should be obligated for that purpose, given that the township board voted unanimously to do so. Should it prove impossible to allocate some or all funds for their currently intended purpose, they could be used to offset sewer and infrastructure costs, invest in services for our youth particularly, or to help with attracting good paying jobs or affordable housing.
McMillan: The auditor understood we had a plan for the $140,000. We targeted 72% of the monies to a cell tower. Because the tower is being challenged by property owners and there is a possibility the challenge could go beyond the deadline, we moved the tower commitment to the General Fund. We are now covering the ARPA requirement in our software conversion to BSA. We’re fortunate to have the flexibility while keeping our commitment to a tower 3.) A Leelanau Township/ Northport joint planning and housing commission was approved in March of this year to help with the study, planning and potential operation of attainable and year-round rental housing. The need for housing continues to be a pressing issue everywhere throughout the county. What are some ideas that you have regarding how to pursue more housing options in Leelanau Township? How important is the issue to you as the county/region continues to grow?
Conley: The township board passed a resolution for the supervisor to explore a joint housing commission between the township and Northport. I believe this issue is extremely important to Leelanau Township - we are a stronger community with residents of all ages. I am intrigued to see if some type of community land trust idea could be done in the township. The planning commission is working on zoning that would allow more housing to be built.
McMillan: For the past 17 months I’ve engaged the topic of housing as the #1 strategic need for the Township, w/a emphasis on solving for Affordable Rents. Partnering w/Village Manager, we now have the makings of a Joint Housing Authority, a rare occurrence for the Township & Village but one that is long overdue. We have identified a number of potential sites, some requiring approval from the DNR. 2025 promises to be BIG.
