ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, the Delta County League of Women Voters held a candidate forum ahead of the August 6 primary election.
The forum began with the Republican race for the County Clerk’s Office, a position that also serves as the Register of Deeds. Nancy Przewrocki, sitting clerk of nearly 24 years, faces newcomer Elizabeth Moberg.
“I know my office very well,” Przewrocki said. “I know the elections, the Circuit Court. We have a lot of changes coming in Circuit Court, and we’ve had a lot of changes coming in the elections…that I’ve been implementing this year and teaching to our city and township clerks and our election workers.”
“Issues lie within voter knowledge and education,” said Moberg. “…As new voters arise, I think it’s important that they know why they’re voting, not just behind a name but what they’re actually voting for. I believe it’s really important to make that information as available to them as possible.”
Then, voters heard from candidates in contested primary races, with the exception of District 4. Democrat incumbent Kelli Van Ginhoven attended, but opponent Jasson Sacco “declined.”
“I have proven that I’m a doer, I’m a go-getter, I am a critical thinker,” said Van Ginhoven, who has been in office since defeating previous District 4 commissioner David Mole in May’s recall election. “I am a calm voice. I’m organized, effective. I do my homework before I bring items to the table for discussion.”
Sitting District 1 Commissioner John Malnar will face fellow Republican Sandra Skiba at the polls. They both say they are what voters need.
“I am the most experienced,” Malnar said. “I have three years already… I can’t even begin to tell you how many boards I’ve been on. I’ve been on the Road Commission, also… I have received the certificate from the Michigan Association of Counties for being a commissioner, which very few commissioners get that.”
“The people want their commissioner to be someone who while serving the communities will also work to unite Delta County and bring back integrity to our local government,” said Skiba. “I am that someone. Delta County is stronger together, and that’s what the people want… I am the voice of the people and I represent ‘We the People.'”
Among other issues, District 5 Republican candidates discussed maintaining and growing local industry.
“You need two things for economic growth in the community, a seaport and an airport,” said sitting Commissioner Matt Jensen. “We have an airport… One of the things going forward is the security portion to get larger planes, but the slightly larger planes also make us more competitive… There is plans for the Park and Rec programs as well.”
“We need some career-type jobs to move into this area,” said former commissioner Robert Petersen, who lost the seat to Jensen in the May recall. “We can’t sit and wait for them to come to us and say, ‘Do you have a place for us?’ We have to do some research, go to them, and say, ‘We have a place for you here. Please come and check out our county.'”
No-party District 3 Commissioner Myra Croasdell will face either Bob Barron or Christine Williams, who are both running as Republicans. Barron held the seat before Croasdell won the May recall vote, and Williams is a former Escanaba Planning Commission member.
“We had a lot of things that were rolling, and I’d like to bring a level head to what takes place at the county level,” Barron said. “…Emotion will always dominate for a time but reason will always prevail, and that’s where I work from.”
“I will ensure government transparency and I will ensure fiscal accountability,” said Williams. “I also want to let you know that my career in technology…I think would be a huge asset to the Delta County Commission. I am an honest, competent, and experienced candidate.”
District 2 Republican Commissioner Steven Viau is being opposed by Republican Patrick Johnson, who previously served on the Board of Commissioners for eight years. Viau and Johnson addressed the issue of trust between the board and county residents, which has been a growing debate over the last few years.
“One thing I would like to do is build goodwill back into the county,” said Johnson. “…It seems to me with the massive jumps of FOIA requests, that we don’t trust the answers that we’re given by our administrator. If you think the only way to get an answer is a FOIA request, well, we have administration for that. They will often give you an answer.”
“If you’re genuinely concerned about what your elected officials have said or supported, please make an effort to ask and hear it firsthand from your elected representative,” Viau said. “I think that would stop a lot of confusion and earn a lot of trust with the citizens and our board and your elected officials… That’s what you need to do.”
The League of Women Voters encouraged Delta County residents to make sure they are registered and cast their ballots in the primary. To view the candidate forum in full, click here.
