1. Water and land quality:  The quality of our lakes, streams, & groundwater is a critical issue in Leelanau County, not only for property owners, but for everyone(including government!).  I think our primary goals ought to be to include economic growth while the health of our land and our water is maintained.  To that end, sewers & septic systems must be healthy, water must remain pure, and growth must be intelligently managed so it doesn’t become sprawl. comments

2. Farmland and Open Space Preservation.  The health of the county’s economy is closely tied to the quality of its beauty and its land.  Over and over again I hear from citizens that this is the #1 issue they’re concerned about, and the #1 issue that they are frustrated with the Board of Commissioners for not taking more of a lead in.  Public resources should be used to contain sprawl and other unplanned growth, so Leelanau doesn’t end up looking like Detroit. comments

3. Bicycle paths are needed  This is an economic issue as well as an environmental one.  We want to encourage our economic base (i.e., tourism) in as “green” a way as possible.  We want visitors to utilize our great county in a way that causes the least damage to its primary assets (i.e., its land). comments

4. The work of the Board. The Board of Commissioners must address the key issues facing the county in ways that lead to solutions.  Commissioners should provide good stewardship of our resources, both economically and environmentally.  We must plan for sustainable growth that preserves the beauty and integrity of our natural resources.  comments

5. We need a vision.  The current “Grand Vision” should be supported by county and local government.  County government must provide the framework for the future.  If it doesn’t, who will?  Long-term planning is an essential part of what government ought to be doing.  Failing to provide the framework for the future is a failure of good government.  comments

6. Cooperation between governments.  I don’t think the county should usurp any township authority (in such matters as zoning, for instance).  But an important function of the County Board should be to facilitate cooperation between governmental units so the most effective, efficient government is provided to the people of Leelanau.  comments