Meet the candidates for Otsego County commissioner
GAYLORD — As the Aug. 2 primary election approaches, the Gaylord Herald Times will publish candidate profiles for contested offices in Otsego County.
Featured today are the candidates for Otsego County commissioner in districts 1, 3 and 4. All of the candidates are Republicans and because no Democrats have filed to run, the winner in August will assume office next year unless there is a successful write-in candidacy in November.
Republican incumbent Henry Mason in District 2 is running unopposed.
Republicans vying for District 1 include Terra Deming and James M. Flint. They will succeed incumbent Julie Powers, who declined to seek another term.
Incumbent Paul Liss is being challenged by Jonathan Turnbull in District 3. William Blaker is running against incumbent Brett McVannel in District 4.
All candidates received the same questions. The Herald Times reserved the right to edit responses from the candidates to account for space, grammar and Associated Press style guidelines.
District 1
Terra Deming
Q: In no more than two paragraphs, please describe your background (educational achievements, work history and how long you have lived in the area etc.) and if you are an incumbent, state how long you have held the position?
A: I grew up in Frankenmuth. I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and my master of business administration degree from Michigan State University. I moved to Gaylord in 1983 to begin my 38-year management career as director of human resources at Otsego Memorial Hospital. I met my husband, Jon, shortly after and we raised our daughters, Amanda and Katie, in Gaylord.
I have served on the Gaylord City Planning Commission for 30 years, over 10 years of that as chairperson. In addition, I served on the Otsego County United Way Board of Directors for 20 years, one year as president. Other past community involvement includes serving on the Otsego Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Gaylord Arts Council and Staff/Parish Relations Committee of the First United Methodist Church.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the county today and what can county government do better?
A: I believe that business development that is consistent with the safety and wellness of our residents and our environment should be an area of focus. Also, more affordable housing continues to be a need. We need to support the work of the Otsego County Economic Alliance to make additional progress in these areas.
Q: Does the county need a new jail?
A: The jail has been a concern for the county for the last five years. The very fact that you ask about it indicates that it is an issue and it will continue to be an issue until it is resolved. In addition to those who serve us in local law enforcement, most people that I talk to feel that something needs to be done about the jail. I do not have a personal agenda on this issue or on any issue. The issue will need to be revisited including a new data analysis. If all the data and common sense support it, I would be in favor of presenting an affordable solution to the voters.
James M. Flint
Q: In no more than two paragraphs, please describe your background (educational achievements, work history and how long you have lived in the area etc.) and if you are an incumbent state how long you have held the position?
A: I have been married to Janet Flint since 1966 and together we have raised two children, Christopher and Damon, who attended the Gaylord Community Schools after relocating to Otsego County in 1978. I hold degrees from Ferris State University (finance) and Ohio Northern University (juris doctorate). I retired after 23 years of service with the Michigan Department of State as an administrative law examiner in 2003. I am a member of the Michigan State Bar in good standing.
I coached youth basketball for the Bear Basketball Traveling Squad and Gaylord Community Schools. I also was proud to serve on the city of Gaylord planning commission. I am a published author of several legal articles and was a guest lecturer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Michigan State Bar and Walsh College.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the county today and what can county government do better?
A: We can begin the process of good government by taking small steps first. Compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act and following the Otsego County bylaws and rules, which to some extent have been ignored or overlooked, would be a step in the right direction. A better understanding of what the U.S. and Michigan Constitution requires of elected officials to provide the public with an opportunity to not only to petition for redress, but also the opportunity to “instruct” government officials would be welcomed, see Article 1, Section 3 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963. I am asking for your vote and assistance in making county government truly local and responsive to real needs because I intend to ask the right questions.
Q: Does the county need a new jail?
A: Otsego County needs a new jail. The real issues that need to be addressed by Otsego County commissioners is the proper number of jail beds that are needed and how to address those citizens with mental health issues without bankrupting or severely injuring median income families financially. Prior jail elections have failed because county officials have based their need for a 120-bed jail upon “common sense” with little else to support their claims. This is an example of failing to “ask the right question.” It resulted in Otsego County being ridiculed nationally, see “Smoke and mirrors: A cautionary tale for counties considering a big costly, new jail,” Prison Policy Initiative by Wendy Sawyer, July 6, 2021.
Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage
District 3
Paul Liss
Q: In no more than two paragraphs, please describe your background (educational achievements, work history and how long you have lived in the area etc.) and if you are an incumbent, state how long you have held the position?
A: My name is Paul Liss and I have been a county commissioner for almost 22 years, since September 2000. I am a Vietnam veteran. I earned an associate degree in electronics while I was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. We bought a home in Vanderbilt in 1972. I worked at Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company for 30 years. I am married to Christina and have six children and many grandchildren.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the county today and what can county government do better?
A: We need to be diligent in keeping track of the county budget and ensuring that the different departments are run efficiently. Another challenge is to actively listen to the concerns of the citizens, and act on those concerns and correct any problems that arise.
Q: Does the county need a new jail?
A: One of the main priorities and biggest challenges facing our county is a new jail. The county jail has been overcrowded for years. We need to take a closer look at the needs of the jail, making sure not to overextend with more than what is needed. Citizens of this county have legitimate concerns regarding the jail, and these concerns need to be addressed and not taken lightly.
Jonathan Turnbull
Q: In no more than two paragraphs, please describe your background (educational achievements, work history and how long you have lived in the area etc.) and if you are an incumbent, state how long you have held the position?
A: I am a retired U.S. Army Major and I am a native of Gaylord. After graduating from Gaylord High School, I joined the Army. During my 15 years of service I was deployed six times to combat zones. During those deployments my teams and I rebuilt local governments to enhance the capability of a foreign government to better serve the people. I was critically injured by an ISIS suicide bomber in 2019 while securing freedom for the local people. I am a published author, an inspirational speaker, involved with local government, and a family man.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the county today and what can county government do better?
A: The biggest challenges facing the county government are federal pressure on programs, policies, and spending. The county can do many things better, but as a whole the county-elected representatives must be transparent with the people. The people have the right to know what the county is doing, especially when taxes are utilized. County representatives need to be a champion of the people with the people's interests in mind.
Q: Does the county need a new jail?
A: There are many different opinions on if the county needs a new jail. Rather than spending the people's money on building a new jail, there are many programs and policies that can be enhanced to prevent incarcerations. Can there be a better plan than building a new jail that benefits all the people, local law enforcement officers, and the county?
District 4
William Blaker
Q: In no more than two paragraphs, please describe your background (educational achievements, work history and how long you have lived in the area etc.) and if you are an incumbent, state how long you have held the position?
A: I married Angel Dunn and we moved back to Gaylord, in the mid 1990s with our two daughters, Jordan and Gabriel. I have an undergraduate degree in business from Central Michigan University and a master’s in business administration from Wayne State University and earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. I have been a real estate broker since 1998 and started Blaker Realty, a family business with my two daughters. I have served on numerous nonprofit and church committees/boards, including being the chairperson for the annual United Way campaign and on the Leadership Team at E-Free Church. I was elected to the Gaylord City Council prior to moving to Chester Township.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the county today and what can county government do better?
A: The biggest challenges facing the county today are the same challenges facing our families, especially the elderly, renters and others — trying to make ends meet with the soaring rate of inflation while on a fixed income. The county must look at spending on needs and not wants. The current county commissioners voted for a $4,486,800 lease/option on a building that was purchased last year for nearly $1.2 million. This type of irresponsible spending has to change. The county is challenged with owing their employee’s retirement plans $9.5 million (not including the road commission). The county is challenged with not enough money for road repair and replacement. They are challenged with an Alpine Center that requires $10 million of necessary repairs. The county can do better in these areas and more. A vote for me is a vote for more financial accountability and honesty to taxpayers.
Q: Does the county need a new jail?
A: We need a better solution than our current jail. The current county commissioners gave the voters two choices. The first option was for a 120-bed jail/justice complex. Of the voters in my district, Chester and Charlton townships, 70 percent voted to reject that proposal. The second millage didn’t offer a solution the voters wanted either. I have been to the 96-bed jail that recently opened in Alpena County and it cost $11.6 million.
Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage
Brett McVannel
Q: In no more than two paragraphs, please describe your background (educational achievements, work history and how long you have lived in the area etc.) and if you are an incumbent, state how long you have held the position?
A: I have lived in Otsego County for my entire life. I graduated from Gaylord High School and continued my education at Grand Valley State University where I graduated with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. I retired from the Gaylord Police Department where I spent 23 years. I served as chief of police for my last eight years with the department. I have served as county commissioner for the last two years in District 4 for Chester and Charlton townships.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the county today and what can county government do better?
A: I feel one of the short term challenges facing the county right now is starting over with a new county administrator. Losing our administrator after 17 years of service makes it extremely difficult to fill this position. I am confident we will find a great replacement for Rachel Frisch, but it will come with challenges. Our county commissioners, department heads, employees and members of the community will now have to learn a new way/philosophy of that individual's management style.
I feel a long-term challenge is staffing issues. The county has seen extensive staffing shortfalls in the public safety sector (police, fire and EMS). The county has been fortunate enough to receive a public safety grant to assist in recruitment and retention. We have seen a significant shortfall in staffing within these departments. So it is imperative to find ways to fill these position as they are the backbone to our health and safety in our community. And there is always the concern with the economy, the cost of goods, and our budget. We have a strong budget process to help mitigate any issues throughout the year.
Q: Does the county need a new jail?
A: I feel that the county is in desperate need of a new jail. Our jail is outdated and with the number of inmates in the jail it makes it a safety hazard for our corrections officers as well as our inmates. The sheriff’s department has had to declare an over-crowding emergency for the last 20 years. The over-crowding emergency limits law enforcement in its ability to take individuals to jail. During over crowding status, law enforcement can only take felonies, assaultive misdemeanors and alcohol offenses, such as drunk driving individuals, to jail. Our judges explained how they have to sentence convicted criminals in a way that they have never had to before. As chief of police there was nothing more difficult than trying to explain to a victim of a crime, why the person who committed that crime did not go to jail. Individuals who commit crimes in Otsego County have no fear of committing crime because they know they won’t go to jail if they get caught.
The county needs to work with the members of the community to find common ground when it comes to a new jail. We need to work together to build a building that’s not too big, not too small, but fits the need today as well as for years to come. We need to work closely with the community on what is the best way to go forward on how to pay for the project.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Meet the candidates for Otsego County commissioner
