Editor’s note: Three Dickinson County Board races are contested in the Nov. 5 election.

In District 2, the candidates are Democrat William Revord and Republican Kevin Sullivan.

In District 3, the candidates are Democrat Sandi Lefebvre and Republican Dan Harrington.

In District 5, the candidates are incumbent Democrat John Degenaer Jr. of Norway and Republican challenger Victoria Jakel.

Unopposed are incumbent Republican Joe Stevens in District 1 and Republican Peter Swanson in District 4.

Candidates were invited by The Daily News to address the question, “If elected, what do you plan to do for Dickinson County?”

Responses from participating candidates follow.

John Degenaer Jr.

Democrat

District 5

I am running for re-election to the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners. As your County Commissioner, I am committed to fostering a community where fiscal responsibility, proactive change, and innovative leadership are at the forefront of our progress.

I have had the honor of serving Dickinson County District 5 for 28 years. Here are a few accomplishments achieved:

— Executed infrastructure upgrades to Dickinson County fairgrounds, including electrical improvements, restroom facility upgrades and pavement of walkway for handicap accessibility. Paid for through grant funding and fair revenue.

— Secured the funding source for Norway Senior Center for stability and continued operations.

— Ensured county funds of American Rescue Plan relief money was distributed equally to all townships and cities for infrastructure projects.

My goals for the future are:

— Support community growth with local airport expansion.

— Find solutions to growing mental health crisis.

— Support new entrepreneurship and small business development.

My vision is to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all residents by ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and transparently. I will champion proactive policies that address the evolving needs of our community, embracing innovative solutions to enhance our quality of life. Through strong, ethical leadership, I will work tirelessly to build a county that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking, where every voice is heard, and every citizen has opportunity to thrive. I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 5.

Kevin Sullivan

Republican

District 2

My name is Kevin Sullivan, pastor at Family Baptist Church in Iron Mountain. My wife and I have been in the area for 32 years and we have been residents of Iron Mountain for 29 of those years. I desire to serve all of the citizens of Dickinson County and work with the other elected officials to steward the resources and assets we have. Accountability and transparency are necessary at all levels, and I promise to be both while we meet obligations to the citizens.

I have gotten involved in order to help all of Dickinson County, by working for the constituents of Dickinson County. Each person’s vote is a valuable right given to citizens of the United States and has great impact, beginning at the local level and reaching to the national. When your voice is spoken, it will be acknowledged, considered and you can be assured that you will receive an answer from your representative.

The decision will be determined through understanding and wisdom, and therefore it will be a decision with equity that will affect each of us in our county, for what is right. When constituents express their thoughts and desires, it’s important for them to know that they are heard and will receive an answer. Decision will not be based on personal preferences but based on what it right for all. This is actually a Biblical principle. The decisions will then be for the good of all people, not just for a few. Justice comes from the Just One and He is looking for truth in the inner person.

I humbly ask that you consider voting for me on Nov. 5 so that I may serve each of you in Dickinson County.

William Revord

Democrat

District 2

If elected, first and foremost, I would listen. I would consider all opinions involved in any matter before making a decision. As a board member, I would be one of five voices heard on any matter of the board. I will ensure that your voice is heard at the county level and represent you, the taxpayer. I have had over 20 years of experience having represented my community: Iron Mountain Board of Education for 10 years, 2nd Ward city councilman and mayor pro tem for eight years, and serving on other various boards.

Priorities for me and what I would like to see the board focus on include —

–Funding for our roads: Working in concert with our county Road Commission, I would like to find funding for maintenance of existing roads and the building of new ones as the county expands. We shouldn’t have to struggle every time we want repairs or expansion. Dickinson County is blessed with a top-notch Road Commission and the county board must do whatever it can to be a partner and help them reach their goals.

— Our airport: It’s frequently discussed, but it’s time to prioritize it. Whether it be a new building or a renovation, or where to find funding, Dickinson County needs this to become a major focus to continue to grow.

— The Dickinson County Library: The library system is a diamond in the state of Michigan. I will work hard to become a productive and supportive liaison partner to them. I am impressed with the system of checks and balances they already have in place to ensure every taxpayer has the resources they need. I have great faith and admiration for our director of the library and what she and her staff and board have done, but we need to ensure their needs are met to continue to help the community.

­– True partnership with Northpointe: Mental health organizations already face an uphill battle trying to serve communities. We have a wonderful partner in Northpointe that needs more support, not obstructionism. If elected, I will work hard to make the Dickinson County Board a better partner to those in Northpointe working hard to make a difference and taking care of some of our most vulnerable community members.

It’s been the honor of a lifetime to be able to serve my community, and I look forward to having another means to do so. I humbly request your support on Nov. 5.

Dan Harrington

Republican

District 3

If elected as county commissioner, here is what I would like to do. First, I will make decisions based on the values of this county. I am a conservative, along with what I believe are the vast majority of the residents of Dickinson County. I will make all decisions, both financial and social, based on that perspective

Several issues I would like to see implemented in Dickinson County would include the following. I would like to make Dickinson County a Second Amendment sanctuary county.

Next, I would like to see a comprehensive plan to keep illegals out of our county. Finally, I will keep abreast of the crazy woke agenda’s coming out of both Lansing and Washington and, consequently, do everything I can to keep them from being implemented in our county.

Finally, and generally, my view of government is less is more. Ronald Reagan summarized it best with his famous quote, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.'”

Sandi Lefebvre

Democrat

District 3

I have lived in this county for most of my life and have a personal stake in seeing it flourish. My husband and I were both raised here and we raised our children here and it is truly a wonderful place to live and raise a family. If the citizens of District 3 in Dickinson County should decide to elect me as their county commissioner, I can promise that I will use all available information to make the best decisions for them.

Although I am new to politics, I am not new to service. I have been involved with many organizations in the community, the longest being the Central UP Youth Football League. During the 20-plus years of my involvement, I have demonstrated my commitment to serve in an ethical, honest and enthusiastic manner and I will bring that same commitment to serving our beautiful county.

I will be committed to educating myself on any issues that come before the county commissioners and will act in the best interest of the county based on research and not on my personal opinions. I am going into this with no other personal agenda, except to try to do what’s right. In today’s political world, it seems more and more that there are very distinctive views on most issues. I would like to work on finding solutions that bring people together, rather than continue the division.

We have some wonderful assets in our county, such as our beautiful county parks, the Dickinson County Library, Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, Ford Airport, the Dickinson County Fair, etc. and I would like to see them continue to get the financial support they need, without putting an excessive burden on our citizens. Just like our household budgets, all municipalities are facing difficulty meeting all of their needs. With that being said, my hope is that I can help our county find a balance between excessive spending and the possible sacrifice to the quality of our county assets.

I would appreciate your vote in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. As a reminder, even if you vote “straight ticket,” you can vote for individual candidates from either side of the ballot. Thank you for your time.