First- term state Representative Betsy Coffia is challenged by Republican nominee Lisa Trombley for the right to represent Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse counties in the state House.
Coffia has longtime local roots and grew up in a working class northern Michigan home and made a life here. Former newspaper editor, social worker and Grand Traverse County Commissioner (2018-2022).
Trombley is a native Michigander who grew up on the Great Lakes. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MS in Technology of Management from the American University. Lisa retired to Traverse City after a successful career in the Washington, D.C. area where she provided technology solutions and services to the federal Government, including the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. She is an accomplished executive with strategic vision and… We asked the candidates three questions, capping responses to 75 words. Here are their answers:
1.) Last summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an order establishing a gun violence task force. In 2023, the state Legislature passed gun legislation that requires universal background checks for all firearm purchases and established storage requirements and an extreme risk protection, or “red flag” law, which allows people to petition for someone’s firearm to be confiscated if the person poses a threat to themselves or others. How will the success of this task force and the legislative measures be defined?
Coffia: I grew up in a hunting family, am an excellent shot with a pistol, and like most responsible gun owners I’m alarmed at increased mass shootings since I was in high school. I voted to join states including Florida that have red flag laws, a move 75% of Michiganders support.
We’ll look for a reduction in gun related homicide/suicide attempts over time to measure universal background check, safe storage and red flag laws’ success.
Trombley: The task force (and legislative measures) has a significant challenge in that they must balance opposing objectives. Collectively this will be successful if measures and policy can be defined that will effectively decrease gun violence and increase gun safety while not further infringing upon privacy and second amendment rights or unnecessarily increasing costs.
2.) Much has been made of recent changes to election law to allow for early, on demand voting and other measures aimed at making voting easier. Some have alleged voter fraud. Are you confi dent in the election process and the county clerks’ ability administer the changes and ensure all valid ballots are counted accurately?
Coffia: Yes.
Trombley: I am confident that Clerks in the 103 are serious about maintaining the integrity of our elections and are effectively implementing recent changes. The Township Voting Machine Accuracy Tests offer transparency to the public, as does the ability to work or observe the elections–both of which inspire confidence. I encourage voters to be active in their elections however they are able. Confidence in the process is critical because everyone’s vote matters!
3.) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last fall signed bill package aimed at transitioning Michigan to 100% clean energy by 2040. Lawmakers changed the way large-scale wind, solar and battery- storage arrays are approved in Michigan, put-ting permitting authority in the state’s hands after it had rested with local governments. What do you think about the clean energy measures? Too much or not enough?
Coffia: An important step in the right direction. Energy independence will help drive down energy costs for northern Michigan families. Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate plan will also bring $8 billion in federal dollars to build clean energy projects. As our agricultural heritage is under increased threat, these bills offer multi generational family farms an opportunity to create stable revenue streams through leasing portions of their land for renewable energy, and power refrigeration units for crops.
Trombley: Everyone wants to protect our environment, but like many in our community, I am concerned about windmills on hilltops and solar farms where cherry trees once stood. Reliable, affordable energy resources are critical to work and live. Michigan’s energy policy must be reasonable and practical and able to adapt to evolving technology, not based on arbitrary goals. Implementation should be controlled locally to ensure optimal solutions for the community’s needs.
