Our Representatives
Representative in Congress, District 1: Jack Bergman
Michigan State Senator, 32nd District: Jon Bumstead
State Representative
103rd District (Almira and Platte Townships)
Benzie voters in Almira and Platte townships: let Democrat Betsy Coffia know your views on her policies.
Contact:
BetsyCoffia@house.mi.gov
Address: Michigan House of Representatives
P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Coffee Hours for Benzie County are virtual on the second Monday of the month. Time tbd.
State Representative, 104th District: John Roth
County Commissioners
District 1: Bob Roelofs
Almira Township, east of Reynolds Road
District 2: Art Jeannot
Platte Township, parts of Lake, Almira, and Inland Townships
Proven Record for Fiscal Responsibility
- Benzie County Commissioner since 2017
- Benzie County resident 25 years
- Local business leader, owner and developer of affordable housing
- 30 years administrative and executive management experience including president and chief executive officer of Honor State Bank
- Active member of the Benzie County Community
Current Activity Includes:
- Worked with the Whitmer administration to secure $5.2M grant for the Point Betsie Lighthouse
- Overseeing delivery of services to our seniors, with Benzie County considered a model for the State of Michigan
- Allocating the appropriate funds to provide public safety programs for youth and schools
- Working with State Senator Jon Bumstead in promoting senate bill 565 to protect our most valuable resource - water
- Partnering with a variety of internet providers to implement county-wide broadband at a competitive rate
- County Chamber of Commerce
- Benzie County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
- Solid Waste Commission
- Zoning Board of Appeals
- Benzie Senior Resources (Meals on Wheels)
- Economic Development Corporation
- Networks Northwest (MI Works) Workforce Development Board
District 3: Karen Cunningham (D)
Frankfort, Crystal Lake Township and part of Lake Township
District 4: Rhonda Nye
Benzonia Township
- Committed to working toward solutions to the issues facing Benzie County, including broadband expansion, affordable housing, childcare, infrastructure improvement, and protection of our natural resources.
“It has been my honor to serve as a Benzie County Commissioner for the last four years. My husband and I have raised our family in Benzie County and intend to retire in this beautiful community. I’m passionate about the issues facing our area and ask for your vote to work toward solutions for the next two years.”
- Resident of Benzie County for 44 years
- Small business owner
- Serves on the Benzie Leelanau District Health Department Board, the Central Wellness Board, and the Benzie County Economic Development Committee
- Michigan State University graduate
- Served as Benzonia village clerk for 11 years
- Liaison to the Benzie County Land Bank
District 5: Tim Markey
Homestead Township
District 6: Evan Warsecke
Colfax and Inland Township
District 7 | Gary Sauer
Gilmore, Blaine, Joyfield, and Weldon Townships
“I am retired from the United States Postal Service, having worked for 35 years in the Traverse City area, living in Benzie County. I was raised locally by my parents; my father still lives on our family farm on Mick Road and works the orchards. I am a proud veteran, having served in the United States Air Force during the 1970s. My wife of 46 years, Cindy, and I have raised 3 children and now have 2 granddaughters. My full-time job with the USPS started early in the mornings and left me with my afternoons free. To fill that time, I became a licensed builder and built houses in Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties. I know the value of honest labor and jobs completed and done well. I also developed skills in budgeting, both expenditures and income, to produce balanced budgets without deficits. I am considered to be a fiscal conservative by my friends and supporters and will continue to work to bring the county budget in line with the desires of the local residents while providing appropriate services to the county as a whole. I don’t want to spend a dollar if I don’t know precisely where it is coming from in advance. We can’t continue to spend money that really belongs to our children and our grandchildren. They should do that – not us. Our job is to look at our priorities today and take care of them within today’s funding limits. Setting those priorities is the most important thing a County Commission can do. I would like to express my gratitude for the past 8 years that the voters have given me to serve our community. I welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with all who are interested.
