Candidate Forum to be held Oct. 19 at Hancock Middle School Auditorium

HANCOCK--The League of Women Voters of the Copper Country (LWVCC) and the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce are convening a Candidate Forum to be held for State Senate 38th District; State Representative 110th District;  Houghton County Commissioners in District 2, District 3, District 4 and District 5 (those in contested races); and Keweenaw County Probate Court Judge. The Forum will be held beginning at 6 p.m on Friday, October 19, at Hancock Middle School Auditorium, 501 Campus Drive.

The State Senate 38th District and State Representative 110th District forum will be held from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Following a 15-minute break, the forum for contested races for Houghton County Commissioners and Keweenaw County Probate Court Judge will be conducted from 7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m. 

Invited Candidates include the following:

State Senate 38th District: Scott Dianda, Democrat, and Ed McBroom, Republican

State Representative 110th District: Greg Markkanen, Republican, and Ken Summers, Democrat

Houghton County Commissioner District 2: Melissa Davis, Democrat, and  Albert Koskela, Republican

Houghton County Commissioner District 3: Glenn Anderson, Democrat, and Ben Jaehnig, Republican

Houghton County Commissioner District 4: Gretchen Janssen, Democrat, and John Sullivan, Republican

Houghton County Commissioner District 5: Roy Britz, Republican, and Sharon Stoll, Democrat

Keweenaw County Probate Court Judge: Keith DeForge and Diana Langdon.

As you may know, the League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages citizens to play an informed and active role in government. Any person of voting age, male or female, may become an LWVCC member. The LWV is nonpartisan and does not support or oppose particular political parties or candidates. The LWV does take positions on issues after a lengthy member study and consensus process.

As this is a forum, not a debate, candidates are asked to respond only to the questions asked by the moderator. They are, however, free to address any appropriate issue during their opening and closing remarks.

This is an LWVCC co-sponsored Forum, and as such, no campaigning material will be allowed inside the Hancock Middle School Auditorium.  The LWVCC will also not allow any loud or rude comments in the form of clapping, booing, hissing, whistling, yelling, etc., from the audience. If this occurs, the forum will be stopped until the audience member(s) can be quieted to allow the forum to continue.

Please note: The LWV Voter Guide for the Nov. 6, 2018, General Election will be published by The Daily Mining Gazette on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

For more information, call or email: Taryn Mason at 906-231-1713 tarynsmason@gmail.com.

"Sustainable and Efficient Business Strategies" event to be June 5 at Great Lakes Research Center

How can energy efficiency and energy conservation add to your business's bottom line? Find out Monday, June 5, at the Great Lakes Research Center. The free event, "Sustainable and Efficient Business Strategies," is sponsored by the Keweenaw Young Professionals, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, the Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC), and Michigan Interfaith Power and Light. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Young Professionals)

HOUGHTON -- "Sustainable and Efficient Business Strategies" will be the subject of an event to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 5, in Room 202 of Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center, 100 Phoenix Drive in Houghton. This a non-partisan, non-political event that is focused on educating the local business community about programs that are available for energy efficiency and energy conservation. It is free and open to the public.

The event is sponsored by the Keweenaw Young Professionals, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, the Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC), and Michigan Interfaith Power and Light.

Light fare will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Stephen Handler, a member of both KCC and Keweenaw Young Professionals, said the groups especially hope members of the local business community will attend.

"This event is designed to help local businesses understand how energy efficiency and energy conservation can help add to their bottom line," Handler said. 

Presentations will help attendees learn WHY energy efficiency is a smart investment for their business, WHAT steps to take to cut energy waste, and HOW to get positive recognition for their business's efforts. Presenters will share information about existing programs that are available to our local community.

Click here for more details and FREE registration.

Candidate forums for contested races to be held in Ontonagon, Hancock

ONTONAGON, HANCOCK -- Two candidate forums will be held soon in Ontonagon and Houghton counties to allow candidates from opposing parties in contested races to speak to the public. The Ontonagon County Republican and Democratic parties will sponsor a forum on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Ontonagon High School Cafeteria, 701 Parker Ave. in Ontonagon. In Houghton County the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country and the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting a candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Lakeview Manor Community Room, 1401 Quincy Street, Hancock.

Ontonagon County forum to include 1st District U.S. Congressional candidates and 110th District State Rep candidates

The candidate forum sponsored by the Ontonagon County Republican and Democratic parties will  begin at 6 p.m. ET with a "meet and greet," which will give voters the opportunity to meet forum candidates as well as candidates in Ontonagon County contested races.

The forum begins at 7 p.m. ET and will include 1st Congressional District candidates Lon Johnson (D) and Jack Bergman (R) and Michigan’s 110th District State Representative candidates Scott Dianda (D) Greg Markkanen (R). The forum moderator is Ontonagon District Court and Probate Judge, Janis Burgess.

"We are excited that the candidates are making time to meet with voters to share their views," said Roger Halquist, chair of the Ontonagon County Democratic Party.

The Chairman of the Ontonagon County Republican Party, Bob Niemela, remarked, "It's refreshing to see both our Ontonagon County Republican Party and the Ontonagon County Democratic Party work together to host this Candidates Forum, especially in such a heated campaign on a national level."

Bergman and Johnson are running for the seat being vacated by Dr. Dan Benishek of Iron River.  Republican Greg Markkanen is challenging incumbent 110th District State Representative Scott Dianda, who was first elected in 2012.

League of Women Voters welcomes questions for Sept. 29 candidate forum

The League of Women Voters of the Copper Country and the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce forum will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Lakeview Manor Community Room, 1401 Quincy Street, Hancock. Candidates in the following contested races have been invited to the forum: 110th District State Rep race, Sheriff Race, Prosecutor Race, and contested County Commissioners. If you have questions for the candidates please submit them to info@keweenaw.org. All questions will be submitted to the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country. All questions will remain anonymous.

Scott Dianda, sworn in as 110th District State Rep, outlines priorities

By Michele Bourdieu

Hancock Mayor Bill Laitila, left, administers the oath of office to newly elected 110th District State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet), accompanied by his wife, Debbie, during a Dec. 8, 2012, ceremony and celebration at Michigan Tech University. (Photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- While his official term does not begin until the Michigan House of Representatives meets in January, newly elected Michigan 110th District Rep. Scott Dianda has wasted no time since his election in November to the House seat held by Republican Matt Huuki for the past two years. Dianda has been meeting with constituents, listening to their concerns and presenting his own priorities for the future of Michigan -- and especially for the future of the seven counties he represents in the Western Upper Peninsula.*

Dianda recently spoke to two very different audiences. On Dec. 6, 2012, he addressed members of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and on Dec. 8 he was officially sworn in as a state representative during a ceremony attended mostly by his Democratic supporters. Jack LaSalle, Dianda's campaign manager, introduced Dianda, his wife Debbie and Hancock Mayor Bill Laitila, who administered the oath of office.

Here is a video clip of the swearing-in ceremony, held at Michigan Tech University:

Scott Dianda (D-Calumet), newly elected State Representative for Michigan's 110th District, accompanied by his wife, Debbie, is sworn in to his office in a ceremony at Michigan Technological University on Dec. 8, 2012. William Laitila, Mayor of Hancock, Mich., administers the oath of office. Dianda thanks the audience of supporters for their work during the campaign and mentions education as his top priority for the future of Michigan and his district. (Videos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

Dianda outlines priorities for business growth at Chamber of Commerce meeting

"We have to do it together," Dianda told Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce members at their Dec. 6 "Eggs and Issues" breakfast meeting, outlining his hopes for the future through education, technology, agriculture and improved transportation to attract new business and industry to the Western Upper Peninsula.

In this video clip Dianda speaks about his Calumet family roots and his confidence in this area's potential for future growth:

Scott Dianda, newly elected Michigan 110th District State Representative, addresses members of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce at their "Eggs and Issues" breakfast meeting on Dec. 6, 2012. Dianda outlines his priorities and ideas for attracting new business to the seven counties he represents in the Western Upper Peninsula.

Dianda mentioned the need for dredging the Keweenaw Waterway (aka Portage Ship Canal) to facilitate commercial transport by water.

The Keweenaw Waterway was last dredged in 1994. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers Web site, it is due for dredging soon, but this work has been backlogged for lack of funding.**

Keweenaw Now asked Noel Urban, director of Michigan Tech's Center for Water and Society and professor of environmental engineering, about the environmental impacts of dredging the Keweenaw Waterway, especially since several public beaches are located on it. In his research, Urban specializes in water quality, including sediment contamination.

"There are mine tailings throughout the whole of the waterway, and dredging will re-suspend those fine, copper-rich particles," Urban explained.

Urban said the water would be turbid for a while after the dredge but he wasn't sure whether that would impact the beaches.

"Just from the copper there aren't really health issues for humans," Urban added. "There may be some implications for wildlife. It's primarily the aquatic invertebrates that would be affected."

One issue in the Ripley area is a plume of hydrocarbons at the bottom of the canal, he said

"The EPA and DEQ are now trying to figure out how best to clean it up," Urban said. "If one were to dredge that and stir that up over a large area it could spread the problem."

These are oil-related products, denser than water, that have a relatively small impact while on the bottom; but they are probably carcinogenic and toxic to aquatic organisms that come in contact with them, Urban explained.

According to the US Army Corps of Engineers Web site, "The Keweenaw Waterway Confined Disposal Facility has adequate capacity for at least the next 25 years of dredging."**

Dianda told Keweenaw Now the Keweenaw Waterway is presently only used by the Ranger (the passenger boat that takes visitors to Isle Royale), pleasure craft and a once-a-year delivery of salt for the roads; and it has potential for shipping manufactured products, which would attract business and create jobs.

"I want to be sure we're sticking to the federal schedule for dredging the canal, making sure that's a viable waterway," Dianda said, "but I also want to make sure that we're doing things correctly and not hurting anything."

Dianda noted he plans to work with US Senators Levin and Stabenow and Congressman Dan Benishek on the dredging issue.

During the Chamber meeting, Dianda also spoke about local government control and government efficiency:

At the Dec. 6, 2012, meeting of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Scott Dianda, recently elected Michigan State Representative for the 110th District, speaks about local government control and his own experience traveling in various parts of the state.

During a question and answer session, Steve Karpiak, Osceola Township supervisor, asked about property taxes for small local units of government and about road issues. Dianda, who has worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) said he was aware of the urgent need for funding maintenance of roads and bridges. He also expressed concern about the impacts of salt on the roads in the U.P.

Following his presentation, Representative Elect Scott Dianda fields questions from members of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. In this video clip he discusses the problems with roads in the U.P., the need for rail to take some of the burden off the roads and the need for funding. Steve Karpiak, Osceola Township supervisor, expresses concerns about the stamp sand used on the roads and the fact that the DEQ no longer allows re-use of it because of toxicity.

Others in the audience asked Dianda for his views on welfare fraud, funding "Pure Michigan" for tourism, and the latest legislation on ATVs.

Glenn Anderson, Hancock city manager, asked Dianda what his position is on allowing ATVs to use major trunk lines, including crossing bridges such as the Portage Lift Bridge.

The pending Senate Bill 1020 would allow ORV/ATV ("4-wheeler") vehicles to cross the bridge on the roadway.***

According to Anderson, the City of Houghton recently passed an ordinance to allow ATVs to cross the bridge from the Houghton side. The Hancock City Council has not taken any official position but they are supportive of the bill.

"I'm hoping the bill passes," Anderson told Keweenaw Now.

The ATV trails end on each side of the bridge, so there is a gap. At present, ATVs can cross the bridge from the Hancock side only with an escort. Anderson pointed out that ATVs can now go the same speed as the traffic on the bridge and might actually cause more of a hazard with an escort, requiring them to go more slowly than the 25 m.p.h. speed limit.

Scott Dianda answers questions from members of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce at their Dec. 6 meeting in Houghton. Glenn Anderson, Hancock city manager, third from left at table in background, asked about new pending legislation on ATVs and on the mining severance tax.

Dianda said he is supportive of allowing ATVs to cross the bridge.

"As far as the bridge crossing goes, I think they should be able in the summertime to go across there with a 4-wheeler (if they have a 5- or 6-foot red flag on the back)," Dianda said. "We can't have a tourism area where they can't cross and get on this island."

Dianda also fielded questions on the current legislation for a mining severance tax and on eliminating personal property taxes. Here is an excerpt from the discussion on taxes:

Scott Dianda answers questions on the mining severance tax and personal property taxes. Gov. Snyder signed recent legislation on both of these yesterday, Dec. 20, 2012.

Dianda said he was in favor of the original severance tax that gave 100 percent of revenue to the local units of government, schools, etc.-- who would normally benefit from the property taxes that the severance tax would replace -- but he is concerned now that the tax is 65 percent local revenue and 35 percent to a state fund. He said he hoped the Governor would be fair since the UP has only four votes (in the House) compared to 106 for the Lower Peninsula.****

In his talk with Chamber of Commerce members, Dianda expressed his wish to stay in communication with them. He has publicly posted his cell phone number and invited constituents to contact him. While his official State House of Representatives Web site will not be available until the January session, Dianda can be reached at (906) 369-3338 or by email at sjdianda@gmail.com.

Notes:

* The 110th District includes these counties: Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette (partial), and Ontonagon.

** Click here to see the US Army Corps of Engineers Web page on the Keweenaw Waterway.

*** Click here for SB 1020.

****The mining severance tax (HB 6007-6012) was passed by both houses of the Michigan Legislature this month and was approved by Gov. Snyder on Dec. 20, 2012. Click here to access these bills, now referred to as PA 410 of 2012. Click here for an article on Gov. Snyder's approval of this severance tax legislation and also the personal property tax bill. Click here for the Michigan.gov article on bills Gov. Snyder signed on Dec. 20, 2012.