To the Journal editor:

My name is Mike Farrell and I am currently the Marquette County drain commissioner. I would like to thank the voters of Marquette County for their continued support for me as drain commissioner on the Aug. 4 primary.

I especially would like to thank the Marquette/Alger Labor Council who endorsed me once again as the best candidate for the position of drain commissioner. I am grateful and humbled by their recognition of me and my experience, dedication and knowledge as it relates to this important position.

They have endorsed me every time I have run for re-election to this position, and I appreciate their continuing support. I also want to thank the people who allowed us to use their yards and property as a place to post our signs. We will be picking signs up over the next few days.

The job of drain commissioner requires a combination of many skills and bodies of knowledge. I have a degree in land use planning from Northern Michigan University and have taken continuing education classes from University of Wisconsin-Madison in storm water management.This type of education and training is vital do the job of drain commissioner well. Wastewater treatment is generally not a large component of the drain commissioner position.

I have a proven track record of fiscal responsibility with the Drain Commissioner budget, and have long-term relationships with engineers, contractors and departments in the county that help me do the job. I have a good working knowledge of the statutes that pertain to the drain commissioner position. I am also very knowledgeable about the governmental permitting process, and have helped many people through that process over the years.

I am very responsive to phone calls and questions, and am happy to help people arrive at solutions to drainage issues, even if those issues are outside the regular scope of my job responsibilities. I have never asked for extra compensation for meeting with constituents in the evenings or on weekends in response to a request.

You can reach me with your concerns about any drain commissioner issues at 906-458-9118, email me at mfarrell920@gmail.com, drop me a note at 2133 Montgomery St., Marquette, or on my Facebook page.

Thank you again for your continued support. I am grateful and humbled.