Greg Zyburt, sheriff, Marquette County

MARQUETTE — During a joint press conference on Thursday, Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt announced his endorsement of Callie Barr, D-Traverse City, for Michigan’s 1st congressional district seat. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, who is running for re-election. Bergman has held the seat since 2017.

“As sheriff, well, being in law enforcement for 46 years, I’ve gone through a lot of legislators and congressmen and senators,” said Zyburt. “It’s so important as sheriff to be able to be in touch with these local and federal legislators to talk about the problems locally here in the Upper Peninsula and specifically Marquette County.”

Zyburt, who is a Democrat, described himself as “middle of the road,” stating that in the past he has supported candidates from both parties.

“I’ve always voted for the best person for that job who (is) going to help the constituents of Marquette County,” said Zyburt. “And it’s really important that we be able to keep in touch with them and talk about those problems. And honestly, we don’t have that right now.”

Zyburt referred to Bergman as “AWOL.”

“If you’re going to represent us, you need to be here, you need to understand the problems that the local people are having,” he said.

“This seat is not a seat for Republicans or Democrats,” said Barr. “It’s a seat for the people of upper and northern Michigan. And that’s why I think we’ve forgotten in many ways, that’s why we have representatives for certain areas of certain states; because they have unique needs. And that’s what we need to be doing is having people who are in touch with their local communities.”

“I lost all respect for our congressman (Bergman) when he did not dispute the president’s pardon of the people, of the defendants of the insurrection and honor the police officers that were killed and involved in that situation,” said Zyburt, referring to the Jan. 6 insurrection. “I mean, (Bergman) is not supporting our local law enforcement and by not saying anything or disputing, I just lost all respect at that point.”

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.