MARQUETTE — Two individuals will face off during Tuesday’s primary to appear on the Democratic ticket for the Nov. 3 general election.

The Marquette Township Supervisor runs the 7-member Marquette Township Board meetings, which are held bi-monthly; acts as the township’s legal agent; and makes some committee appointments.

Current Township Trustee David Wiegand and incumbent Township Supervisor Lyn Durant are vying for the position Each candidate was sent two questions and given a 100-word limit for their answers. Wiegand did not respond to the question before press time.

Lyn Durant’s answers are below:

1. In your view what is the most pressing issue for Marquette Township at present?

Sadly it comes down to money. We’re being attacked from all directions with less revenue. Continual bombardment from Michigan Tax Tribunal cases involving big box store and mid-size businesses decreasing our revenue stream; decreased funding by the state for sales tax revenue sharing, especially in light of the business closures from the Covid-19 virus; unfunded state and federal mandates; decreased tax revenues mean less funds available for our police and fire departments; less tax revenue diminishes our road millage funding that the residents absorbed when the County Road Commission curtailed their road repairs, also because of funding.

2. If elected as Marquette Township Supervisor, how do you propose to address that concern?

Multiple sources of revenues are being reduced beyond our control, so we have to tackle things like general expenses, finding alternate suppliers if possible. We’ve been extremely successful, through outstanding volunteer efforts and staffing, in receiving grants for multiple projects, including fire equipment. Even acquiring the usually-required 25% match by obtaining other grants to cover it or using in-kind. However, the Michigan Tax Tribunal is the nemesis that has to be overtaken by legislative means and the bleeding must stop. At this writing, three more box stores have claimed their taxes should be reduced by 2/3. Residents continue to absorb… (The candidate’s response exceeded 100 words.)

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.