A Michigan native from downstate, I moved to Alger County three years ago, drawn by its beauty, uniqueness, and solitude, with my husband and two young daughters. I have gotten to know Munising through my work as a writer for the Munising News and the Public Library. I volunteer with the Library and the Great Start Parent Coalition. I recently started Alger County Action which strategizes for positive change locally, nationally and internationally.

What do you think are the most important issues facing the district? (100 words)

My target policies are motivated by my care and concern for my Munising neighbors- their families, friends and co-workers. My priorities are: family/child well-being, upholding our community ‘wild’ and green spaces by keeping development local and green and finding the balance between tourism and resource conservation. My focus will aim to create job and business opportunities along with city updates and beautification, all while prioritizing environmentally sustainable practices. The tourism in our community is growing so we need to manage our resources while maintaining the influx of visitors. We also need to address the lack of affordable housing in the …

Why do you think voters should choose you? (200 words)

DesJardins

Munising has an opportunity, as the doorstep to Pictured Rocks, to show the numerous visitors what innovators we can be. Lets be sure we are on the forefront of alternative energy so we can not only manage the resources necessary to maintain the influx of tourism, but also save on energy costs for our residents. Lets implement recycling so we can move it out of our community rather than grow the landfill. Lets be sure we utilize existing, vacant spaces in our commercial district so to not add to existing development but rather keep the green hills that make Munising its unique self. Lets make the playgrounds where our children play tobacco free. In my short time in the community I’ve made numerous and important connections that make me an appropriate choice to be an ambassador for the residents of the City of Munising. I look forward to ensuring a transparent and open government and will reach out to local organizations to find out their issues, projects and goals. Munising deserves an outside perspective – one that is free from prior obligations and allegiances, and can offer an unbiased viewpoint when approaching the issues.

List a few details of your background you think voters would want to know. (75 words)

I have served on the Munising City Commission for 21 years, 17 years as Mayor. I am currently employed as the Housing Services Director at Community Action Alger Marquette. I am a U.S. Navy veteran and past commander of the American Legion where I currently serve as adjutant. My wife Shawna and I have six grown children. I am proud to call Munising my home and honored to serve on the City Commission.

What do you think are the most important issues facing the district? (100 words)

Munising has been discovered and the community is doing a good job of accommodating the increase in tourist traffic. We must continue to address the problems this causes while we embrace the opportunities it brings. We have a critical housing shortage and, in the summer, a shortage of workers to staff our hospitality industry. We need to further diversify our economic base beyond our mill, forest products industry and tourism, and promote Munising as a great place to live and to work, to raise a family and to grow old.

Why do you think voters should choose you? (200 words)

We have accomplished much in the past 15 years and it has taken the whole community to do it. We are now the envy of every small town in the U.P. that is grappling with crumbling infrastructure and shrinking economic opportunities. If I can take credit for anything it is promoting inclusion. Everybody has a voice and everyone’s ideas are valid. Our success is a community effort. There are several important items that I see as unfinished. Reconstruction of County Road H-58, the gateway to the Pictured Rocks. This project is funded and will begin next year. Reconstruction of the M-28 corridor. This project is partially funded and will begin in 2020. Revitalization of our downtown has begun but there is much yet to do. The city will continue to work with the state and the business community on this effort. And we must create more housing for every income level so that the people who work in Munising can live in Munising.