CALUMET -- At an outdoor patio fundraiser in Calumet on June 29, Janet Metsa, Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th State House District, welcomed supporters, spoke about important issues and answered questions.
She first introduced herself as a Copper Country native, born in Houghton County and raised on the farm her grandparents established during the Finnish migration in the early 1900s. Metsa summarized her impressive educational and scientific background -- she went from Chassell schools to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) -- and described starting up her first business in the local area.
Metsa also pointed out how her environmental experience, combined with an educated work force -- experts and students from Michigan Tech -- plus her own determination and high-speed Internet helped her make her business a success. She noted the importance of protecting a healthy environment with a healthy economy and mentioned the local Smart Zone support of businesses as a model.
During the question-answer period following her presentation, Metsa replied to a question on Line 5:
Another question from the audience concerned Metsa's vision for future businesses in the 110th district.
Supporters at the June 29 fundraiser
Jerry Mitchell:
Scott Dianda:
During the June 29 fundraiser, Scott Dianda, former 110th District State representative, spoke of his faith in Janet Metsa and endorsed her candidacy.*
"She's a great, solid person," Dianda said. "Her roots have been here for generations -- just like my family. I think Janet has the ability to understand what we need for the 110th District, from one end to the other."
Dianda added that Metsa's background in science and business, as well as her understanding of the importance of famiily and education, make her an excellent candidate.
Mark and Amy Wisti:
Active Democrats Mark and Amy Wisti of Houghton both commented on Janet Metsa's competence for the 110th District Michigan House seat.
"I thought she had a very sensible answer to the Line 5 issue," Mark Wisti said. "She seems very knowledgeable on the economic and the environmental issues. Given her background in science, she has a real understanding of the technical issues regarding the pipeline."
Amy Wisti added she believes Janet Metsa is "absolutely" qualified to represent the 110th.
"I've known Janet a long time and worked with her through the years and when she was chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party," Amy Wisti said.
Lisa Nelson:
Houghton resident Lisa Nelson told Keweenaw Now she is very impressed with Metsa's breadth of knowledge.
"She's clearly aware of the current issues and the pros and cons for different solutions," Nelson noted. "I feel like she's really researching options to find common-sense solutions."
Nelson, who works in education at Michigan Tech, said she would "definitely" vote for Janet Metsa.
"I think she's a really good candidate for this area -- she grew up here," Nelson said. "She's also got a wider lens. She's done a lot of things in her life. Her experience broadens her perspective."
Elo Wittig:
Elo Wittig, Janet Metsa's campaign aide, brings a strong educational background to his position. He is a graduate of Macalester College and a returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
"I meet a lot of interesting people doing this," Wittig said.
Metsa told Keweenaw Now she was very happy with the turnout at this fundraiser.
"I've been extraordinarily pleased with the enthusiastic response of people in Houghton County to my campaign," she said.
Metsa has received several endorsements from notable supporters, as indicated on her Web site.*
More recently, Janet Metsa held an online fundraiser via Zoom. Mike Prusi, former 3-term 109th District State Representative and 2-term State Senator for the 38th District, joined the Zoom discussion and announced his endorsement of Janet Metsa at that online event.
Prusi states the following:
"I’ve known Janet Metsa for nearly twenty years. The first, and in my view, the most important thing you learn about Janet is that when she takes on a task she makes sure that it’s done and done right. Whether it’s running her business, serving her community in an appointed role or volunteering in her church or political party, her organizational skills and willingness to work hard are valued by the people around her. They recognize that Janet sincerely cares about them and about the issues they are resolving. Caring and sisu are what she was taught by her Finnish forebearers when they immigrated to the Copper Country. We share that Finnish heritage and that sisu. I am proud to call Janet my friend and to offer her my endorsement as she seeks the nomination to be the Democratic candidate in the 110th State House District."
* Click here to see additional endorsements on friendsofjanetmetsa.com. See also Friends of Janet Metsa on Facebook.
