The race for the county commissioner seat, representing Suttons Bay Township, features two familiar names.
Lois Bahle is the Democratic nominee. The Republican nominee is former board chair Will Bunek.
Bahle is a graduate of Michigan State University. She worked at Bahle’s, served on the planning commissions for the Village of Suttons Bay and Leelanau County; is the former president and secretary of the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce as well as the board of Traverse Area Recreation Trail board and works on housing, solid waste and renewable energy.
Editor’s note: The Enterprise didn’t receive Mr. Bunek’s bio prior to publication.
We asked county commissioner candidates the following questions to which they were asked to cap responses at 75 words each:
1.) As a result of legislation approved by state lawmakers in late 2023, the length of terms for county commissioners jumped from two years to four years. How will this impact governance at the county level?
Bahle: Four year terms will allow more time for new Commissioners to learn the job, and give the Commissioners the time to make longer range plans for the future of the County. This should make for more stable governance. I feel that terms should have been staggered, to avoid the loss of institutional memory in the event of turnover of the entire board in an election.
Bunek: The newly approved change in term lengths for county commissioners from 2 to 4 years should generally have a positive impact on county government. The Register of Deeds, County Clerk, Sheriff, County Prosecutor, and, now BOC will all have the same terms, there can be more efficiency, and, hopefully, our local government may operate more smoothly.
2.) In recent months, there has been a marked increase in the number of purported violations of the Open Meetings Act (OMA) by county commissioners and a board-appointed task force.
What is your knowledge of the OMA? What can be done to ensure transparency in county government?
Bahle: New Commissioners are given an orientation in the Open Meetings Act, reinforcing that annually for all Commissioners would be helpful. Most importantly, the County Board should maintain a culture of openness within county government, all employees and appointees should be trained to follow always the Open Meetings Act. The County website should be maintained to facilitate public access to meeting notices and other documents.
Bunek: My knowledge about the OMA is considerable. During the time that I was commissioner, I’ve attended numerous education seminars about the OMA presented by John Amrhein through Michigan State University Extension and have attended seminars concerning the OMA presented by the county attorneys. I will work to ensure transparency in county government. All commissioners must understand that communicating in any manner by commissioners with each other about county issues is cumulative.
3.) Commissioners have paused its search for a new administrator with the intention of allowing the newlyelected board to select a new administrator in early 2025.
What do you consider the top three attributes of a successful applicant?
Bahle: The next Administrator should be to be an engaging, curious individual with a background in county government, understanding of county finances, experienced in working with staff in various departments of government. Secondly, he/she needs to be able to thoughtfully advise the Commissioners on pro/cons of issues to aid in their decision making for the best way to benefit all. And finally, should be able to make a long term commitment to Leelanau.
Bunek: The top three attributes of a county commissioner that I believe are essential:
• A proven and effective leadership reader in business and/or government;
• An extensive understanding of finances and transparency will all commissioners.
• Commitment to utilizing the county Human Resources Depart. in collaboration with consultants and/or advisors when issues arise instead of resolving them on his or her own.
