Editor's note: Contested primary election races for the Marquette County Board will be featured this week in a series of articles, appearing in district number order.
MARQUETTE - Incumbent Democrat Bruce Heikkila will face off against fellow Democrat Rich Rossway in Tuesday's primary election race for the District 3 seat on the Marquette County Board.
The term of office is two years. The winner of the primary will move forward unopposed to the November general election.
The candidates were asked to provide some information about their backgrounds and respond to two questions, with specific word limits.
Heikkila provided the following biographical information: "Age 59. Wife: Jacklynn (Anderson) Heikkila. Daughter, Sarah and grandson, Gavin. Third generation Marquette County resident; 1973 graduate of Northern Michigan University, degree in accounting and finance; owned and operated local building business for over 30 years; part owner of local retail sports shop; licensed real estate broker (Graduate Realtors Institute); managed and leased rentals."
Rossway described his background this way, "I was born and raised in Marquette's District 3. I attended Bishop Baraga, Marquette Senior High School and Northern Michigan University. I served with Army Intelligence as an MP. Professionally, I am a marketing consultant and have represented the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Bell Hospital and AT&T. I have served on the board of education for nine years, the Brownfield Development Authority, YMCA, Lake Superior Community Partnership and Kiwanis, plus coaching youth football, baseball and swimming. My wife's name is Rita and we have two children."
Each of the candidates were asked why voters should vote for them.
Heikkila said, "I'm asking for the support and vote of District 3 residents because I have the knowledge, skills, and experience to serve the residents of Marquette County. Adopting and examining budgets is an important job for our county commissioner and my experience and degree in accounting and finance from NMU helps in this area.
"I have also owned and operated businesses in Marquette County for over 30 years. Over the past six years as a county commissioner, I have worked on, and will continue to work on, a balanced budget, expanded services and increased funding for senior programs (which were increased by over 50 percent from 2006 to 2010 by reducing administrative costs), airport and road improvements (jet service was added), increased jail bed capacity at Mangum Farms (improving public safety) without tax/millage increase, and promoting cooperation between counties, cities, and townships to save taxpayers money and improve services.
"Some of the boards I have served on are the county Aging Advisory Board, the Economic Development Corporation, the Downtown Development Authority, the Historic Task Force, and the Lake Superior Community Partnership.
"If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the community and feel positive about the future. I have the time, qualifications, and energy to serve all the residents of Marquette County."
Rossway said, "The 3rd District needs constructive change. I will bring logical, informed and independent thinking to the board, demonstrated by my work on numerous community boards. My experience on the school board has prepared me to deal effectively with difficult issues. On important votes, I methodically research the issue; ask questions, then make an educated decision in the community's best interest.
"In my opinion, the current county board is fragmented, appearing to spend little time working as a team. Votes of 5-4 are good if commissioners have done their due diligence, but it is clear to me that politics is running high, where votes fall along predictable lines before the issue is ever debated publicly. I will deliver cooperation and teamwork to the board, creating a more civil and reasonable environment."
The candidates were asked to list the top three issues they are interested in pursuing on behalf of constituents if elected to the board and why.
Heikkila's first issue was "promoting job growth with family sustaining jobs. It's tragic to see families and our youth leave the area because of the lack of jobs. With families staying in our area, businesses benefit from local spending and schools enjoy increased enrollment. The Economic Development Corporation, which I serve on, assists local businesses and new employers who are relocating in Marquette county."
Second, Heikkila listed, "funding of our past employees' pensions and health liabilities. This is becoming a larger issue each year, and the county has unfunded liabilities that need to be addressed. We will have to work on and find solutions to this issue."
Third, Heikkila cited, "the Marquette County Airport Stabilization Fund. This fund consists of money from the sale of former K.I. Sawyer Air Base assets and is running low. We have leased some buildings at the former base to help fund the airport and create jobs (such as Renewafuel, Argonics, and Superior Extrusion), but we must continue to find additional ways to fund our airport in the future."
Rossway said: "The Kennecott project is a priority, creating hundreds of solid paying jobs. Of equal importance is the tax base it will establish, with ad valorem tax on mineral deposits anticipated to approach $1 million. Our County has a proud mining history. We need to be a vigilant watchdog to ensure Kennecott fulfills their obligations. Kennecott has met the environmental standards set forth by the Department of Environmental Quality and Environment and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but the county must work closely with Kennecott and be diligent that environmental processes and safeguards are monitored and adhered to."
Secondly, Rossway said he would work to "maintain quality services for our seniors. The county has been on stable financial ground, but with declining revenues, the balance is faltering. The state has directed unfunded mandates onto Marquette County. The board must be vigilant, managing senior services. I'm concerned seniors on fixed incomes will be affected by the economic downturn. The state is not holding up their end of the bargain, so it's up to the county to live within our means while maintaining senior services."
Third, Rossway said he wants to "foster a closer relationship between Marquette, Sands Township and the county. These respective governments have unique and individual interests. I will work with all entities in a spirit of collaboration to better understand each other. As a business owner and former Downtown Marquette Authority president, I recognize the challenges facing both business and municipality. I will take a leadership role in connecting with our local governments to forge productive dialogue, leading to favorable partnerships. Ultimately, these stronger relationships will result in improved services for residents and more effective government."
Both candidates are residents of Marquette.
John Pepin can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. His e-mail address is jpepin@miningjournal.net.
