ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – In the August 6 primary election, a new Delta County Commissioner will face a challenger for her seat.
Kelli Van Ginhoven is one of three commissioners who was elected in the May recall election, taking former commissioner David Moyle’s District 4 seat.
Van Ginhoven’s opponent in the primary election is Jason Sacco. Both Van Ginhoven and Sacco are running as Democrats. The winner will face Moyle, the only District 4 Republican on the primary ballot, in the November general election.
Van Ginhoven says she has dedicated herself to working well with the other commissioners and getting involved in as many local organizations as she can.
“I think, since the recall, I have proven myself to be a very calm voice,” she said. “I’ve been very diligent on making all of my board assignments, reaching out with members of the community, reaching out with people within my district, within the City of Escanaba. I’m very active on our DDA board, which I think is great at bringing the community together. The more that I’m at those events and those meetings shows people that I’m willing to work with them and listen to them.”
During the remainder of her term and if re-elected, Van Ginhoven says her goals include reinstating public viewing of commission meetings through Zoom and working toward positive outcomes for county employees and residents.
“I want the employees of Delta County to know that I am here for them,” she said. “I see that their wages are substandard. We’ll be working on the budget coming up, so I want to be very involved with that process. I want to bring more manufacturing jobs to the area. I think that Delta County is a great place to live right now. It has great opportunity for improvement economically through tourism. I think we’re on a good path, and I’d like to continue that.”
WZMQ 19 reached out to Sacco several times for an interview, but he did not respond. He also has not answered any candidate questions on Vote411.org, where voters can learn about the names they will see on their ballot.
