A Look at Leelanau County Commission Races: Part 1
Leelanau County’s entire board of commissioners is up for election this year, opening the door for a major shakeup on the county’s top governing body.
This is the first in a pair of stories focusing on races that are contested in the Aug. 6 primary. Here, we’ll look at two Republican candidates running in District 1 (a portion of Elmwood Township) and two running for District 2 (portions of Elmwood and Bingham townships). A later story will focus on the contested primary race for District 7 (Kasson and Solon townships).
In District 1, Deborah Allen and Tim McCalley are going head-to-head. The winner will face Democrat Rick Robbins in the November general election. The seat was most recently held by Jamie Kramer, who resigned.
In District 2, Mark Walter and Forrest “Bud” Welch will compete in the primary. The winner will face Democrat Scott Perry in November. This seat is currently held by James O’Rourke, who is not running for reelection.
The Ticker asked these candidates a series of questions. Their responses are below.
DISTRICT 1
Deborah Allen
Please tell us a little bit about your personal and professional background.
I am a proven leader who served as Leelanau County Administrator (2022-24), elected Elmwood Township trustee (2021-22), and was voted vice president of the Leelanau Peninsula Chamber (2018-19). I am a US Navy Veteran with strong Constitutional values instilled by my WWII veteran parents. Since 1989, myself and my husband, Mark, have called Northern Michigan home.
Why should voters choose you?
I’ve been elected previously to represent the residents of Elmwood Township (District 1), and I chose to leave that position to serve the entire Leelanau County constituency as the county administrator. I made way for the commissioners to hire the financial expertise they said they needed. That hasn’t happened. The financial system in place has not been updated since the 1990s. So, I believe I can help lend my voice and experience to establish a more effective and efficient county government and tackle the challenges that are facing Leelanau County.
What are the most important issues facing Leelanau County?
The county board of commissioners have not been able to agree to do strategic planning. Under my direction they finally agreed to use the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as a tool to set priorities for facility management, but setting a unified plan is essential for progress. The board has called policies and procedures “niceties not necessities,” and this is not the ideal way to run local government. Failing to plan is planning to fail… as a commissioner I want to help direct a more thoughtful and organized approach to getting things done, and trusting the skills of the county staff (the “subject experts”) is key to this process.
Tim McCalley
Please tell us a little bit about your personal and professional background.
My wife and I proudly call Elmwood Township our home, where we've lived for the past six years. Having lived in northern Michigan for nearly 40 years, we have raised our families in Grand Traverse County. Professionally, I spent 25 years as an air-traffic controller and supervisor at Cherry Capital Airport, during which I embraced values such as teamwork, trust, camaraderie, problem-solving, decision-making, and adherence to rules. These principles continue to guide me today, and I hold those years close to my heart. I am also a dedicated volunteer at my church and have been actively involved in Project Gifts for Kids through the “Keys to Freedom” Ministry. This program helps inmates with children during Christmas. Santa’s helpers from the ministry work hard to prepare for the "Gifts for Kids" celebration, ensuring that children receive gifts from their incarcerated parents. The program provides a sense of connection and support during the holidays, which can be especially emotional for families separated by incarceration.
Why should voters choose you?
I am compelled to run for the County Board of Commissioners in District 1 because I am deeply concerned about the crushing financial burden on our residents. Skyrocketing taxes, inflation, and the cost of living are squeezing the budgets of families, seniors, and small businesses. It’s time for relief. My overarching mission is to return your hard-earned dollars by reducing county taxes and fees. I will also make promoting transparency and ensuring accountability in government a top priority. As a champion for families, I’m committed to policies that support our most valuable resource—our children. I believe a strong economy is the backbone of a thriving community, and I’m committed to delivering solutions that put more money back in people’s pockets and support local economic growth. Preserving Leelanau County’s breathtaking natural beauty is a sacred trust. I’m steadfast in my commitment to responsible stewardship of our lakes, forests, and farmlands. We must ensure that our county remains a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family for future generations.
What are the most important issues facing Leelanau County?
Leelanau County faces many important issues, but they all converge on creating a stronger community through a robust economy. Here are my key focuses:
1. Economic Growth: A thriving economy strengthens our community. I will champion policies that attract new businesses, support existing ones, and drive local growth.
2. Financial Relief: I will work to reduce county taxes and fees to alleviate the financial strain on families, seniors, and small businesses. Lowering these costs will help keep more money in your pockets amid rising expenses.
3. Lowering Taxes and Limiting Government: I’ll focus on reducing county taxes and fees to ease the financial burden on residents. Additionally, county government must operate efficiently and remain open to public scrutiny.
4. Family Values: I am committed to policies that support our families and make Leelanau County a great place to raise children.
5. Protecting Rights and Freedoms: As a champion of liberty, I will ensure our county government upholds the Constitution and protects individual rights.
6. Affordable Housing: I will work with developers and community partners to simplify regulations and create housing solutions that benefit everyone.
DISTRICT 2
Mark Walter
Please tell us a little bit about your personal and professional background.
I am a sixth generation Leelanau County resident and a veteran with 22 years of service with the Michigan Army National Guard. I was deployed in the Global War on Terror from 2003-2004. I am a retired Lieutenant with the Michigan Department of Corrections, where I worked for 30 years. I have been married to Sandra for 32 years and have three adult children. I have a BA degree in criminal justice. I was a Leelanau County commissioner in District 2 from 2002 to 2008.
Why should voters choose you?
I’m a fiscal conservative candidate, which means I believe in limited government and encourage individualism in capitalist achievement with limited government intervention. I served as a District 2 Commissioner from 2002-2008, so I have experience as a county commissioner. I have experience as a member on the Leelanau County Brownfield Authority, the land bank, planning commission, zoning board of appeals, solid waste board, veterans affairs, community corrections board and assorted other boards and committees.
What are the most important issues facing the county?
Three things I’d like to accomplish are: To work with local providers to improve the county’s electric and internet grids. To ensure we optimize available funding to increase safety in our school systems. This ties directly with mental health awareness education within our school systems and public safety offices. And of course, continued emphasis of our fiduciary responsibilities to our citizens by keeping their tax burden down, assisting in their opportunity to succeed.
Forrest “Bud” Welch
Please tell us a little bit about your personal and professional background.
Originally from Saginaw, I spent many summers on the family farm in northern Michigan. After earning my BBA from Saginaw Valley State University, I began my career in sales. In 1992, after seven years in the workforce, I co-founded Michigan Switchgear Service, specializing in electrical testing, maintenance, and repair for industrial and utility clients. In 2002, I founded Great Lakes Power Service, offering similar services. In 2007, I started my current company, Transformer Exchange LLC, which provides large substation power transformers to the industrial and utility market. My wife, Millie and I are proud to call Leelanau County home.
Why should voters choose you?
To limit government overreach and rein-in excessive spending to reduce your tax burden. I will bring a fresh perspective and understand the unique concerns of Leelanau County residents. These include sustainable development, workforce housing, environmental stewardship & preserving our community's character.
What are the most important issues facing the county?
1. Economic Growth: A robust economy enhances community well-being. I will advocate for policies that attract new businesses, support existing ones, and stimulate local development.
2. Financial Relief: I will strive to reduce county taxes and fees to lessen the financial strain on families, seniors, and small businesses, ensuring you can keep more of your hard-earned money as costs continue to climb.
3. Tax Reduction and Efficient Government: I will focus on reducing county taxes and fees, while ensuring that county government operates efficiently and transparently.
4. Stewardship of Natural Resources: I am committed to preserving Leelanau County's natural beauty and resources through sustainable practices that safeguard our environment for future generations.
5. Workforce Housing: I will collaborate with developers and community leaders to streamline regulations, creating a favorable environment for building affordable workforce housing that supports our local economy and meets the needs of residents.
Photo: Clockwise from top left: Walter, Welch, Allen, McCalley