KRAMER Re-Elected

Barb Kramer was successful in her bid for re-election to the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners with a 62% plurality. Final vote totals: Kramer, 1774 - Alessandrini, 1083

Also, congratulations are extended to Commissioner-elect Ann Martin. She regained her seat on the County Board with 54.5% of the vote over incumbent Kevin Pirlot (D).

It was a sweep for Republicans across the County.

Both Constitutional Proposals passed with wide margins.

The Dickinson County Healthcare Benefits Assistance Millage passed with a 500 vote margin. An identical millage passed in Iron County as well.

Barb Kramer for County Commissioner 2020
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healthcare benefits assistance millage

Medical Care Access Coalition (MCAC) (www.dimcac.org) has operated in Dickinson and Iron Counties since 2004, providing needed education, insurance and resources counseling, as well as access to medications for the poorest of our poor. Their state funding has long since dried up. They now rely solely on grants and donations, which are often insufficient for sustained and predictable operations. It is important to note that due to heavy workloads and other restrictions, state agencies do not provide these specialized services.

In 2019, MCAC staff (1.5 FTE and volunteers) worked with clients to identify their needs, advocated on their behalf and provided $1.2 million in medications, supplies and other benefits FREE OF CHARGE to those who needed it the most. The medications and supplies were most often donated by pharmaceutical companies, but if it wasn’t for MCAC, peoples’ needs would have gone unmet.

On the November 3 ballot, you will find a Healthcare Benefits Assistance Millage proposal, which is requesting your approval to increase taxes by .10 mill. or 5 cents per thousand of assessed valuation. That additional millage will adequately fund the operations of organizations like the Medical Care Access Coalition so that these valuable services can continue uninterrupted, and you will be helping those who have the greatest need.

Questions about the Proposals on the 11/3 Ballot?

Constitutional Amendment to Remove the Cap on the DNR Trust Fund...

In a Nutshell

Proposal 1 is a fairly technical and complicated proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution to change the disposition and allowable uses of future revenue generated from oil and gas bonuses, rentals, and royalties from state-owned land.

If Proposal 1 is Rejected, the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund (MSPEF) would continue to receive oil and gas bonuses, rentals, and royalties revenue annually until its principal balance reaches $800 million. This is not expected to occur for another three decades. After this time, all future oil and gas revenue would be distributed to the state General Fund; lawmakers have the most discretion making appropriation decisions involving the General Fund. Annual interest and earnings of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the MSPEF would continue to be available for expenditure subject to legislative appropriation.

If Proposal 1 is Adopted, after the MSPEF principal balance reaches its $800 million ceiling, all future oil and gas revenue would be deposited in the MNRTF instead of the state General Fund. The MNRTF’s current $500 million cap would be eliminated to allow future revenue to flow to this fund in perpetuity. The legislature would be allowed to appropriate up to 50 percent of the oil and gas revenue annually for MNRTF projects and the remainder of the revenue would be credited to the principal balance of the trust fund, thereby providing an ongoing revenue stream to allow the corpus of the fund to grow in perpetuity.

Major Issues to Consider Proposal 1 is a question on the use and sufficiency of oil and gas revenues for various conservation, environmental, and recreational purposes. The MNRTF and MSPEF were created as permanent funds in the Michigan Constitution to dedicate annual oil and gas revenue from state-owned land until each fund reaches specific principal amounts. These amounts represent the corpus of each fund and are not allowed to be spent, but interest earnings may be spent according to constitutional provisions. The MNRTF balance reached its $500 million limit in 2011 and the MSPEF is projected to hit its $800 million ceiling sometime in the early 2050s. After that time, all future oil and gas revenue would be deposited in the state General Fund. Proposal 1 asks voters to eliminate the MNRTF cap and designate all future revenue to the MNRTF to allow the corpus of the fund to grow in perpetuity and provide additional resources for natural resource, conservation, and recreation projects.

Some information on Proposal-2 in the 11/3 Ballot: Statewide Ballot Proposal 20-2:

Protection of Electronic Data and Communications

In a Nutshell

Proposal 2 is an amendment to the Michigan Constitution that would add electronic data and electronic communications to the existing protections against unreasonable government search and seizure.

If Proposal 2 is Adopted The Michigan Constitution would provide specific protections to electronic data and communications. Law enforcement would be required to obtain warrants to access information stored in these formats.

If Proposal 2 is Rejected Law enforcement would continue the current practice of seeking warrants to access electronic data and communications based on interpretation of the “Searches and Seizures” provision of the Michigan Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution.

Major Issues to Consider Article I of the Michigan Constitution contains many of the personal protections found in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. While neither constitution explicitly protects electronic data and communications, Michigan law enforcement agencies mostly treat this information the same as the protections for “persons, houses, papers, and effects/possessions” found in the U.S. and state constitutions. Proposal 2 attempts to remove any ambiguity.

CHALLENGING TIMES - EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP

In times like these, I believe experienced leadership is needed more than ever. Therefore, I have filed my paperwork to once again be re-elected to the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners, District 3. My opponent is the same as last time and two times before that. I appreciate your support. Thank you.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has placed new challenges on Dickinson County. Our offices and courts remain open, albeit on either a reduced schedule or by appointment. Please call ahead to make your appointment so that your needs can be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Be advised that security and health screening procedures are now in effect.

I believe that the public HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW what the COVID status is in our county. I encourage you to check my Facebook page (Barb Kramer). I will post any updates from legitimate sources as soon as I receive them.I

2020- A New Year and New Goals

Dear Friends,

I am honored and humbled to announce that I have been elected Vice-Chair of the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners for 2020. This new role has the potential to increase my responsibilities to the residents of Dickinson County, and sets the expectation that I will be in daily communication with our County officials. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve, and will do my very best to fulfill all of my obligations.

My goals for 2020 are to:

Complete the Dickinson County Master Plan to guide future planning and economic development
Complete the County’s Recreation Plan for DNR grants
Continue to serve a County Finance Committee Chair
Continue to review and update Commissioner Policy and Procedures
Continue Lake Antoine Park improvements through fundraising, capital campaigns, grants and County appropriations
Continue my membership on State and County committees, and
Support the employees and retirees of Dickinson County Healthcare System

It will be my great honor to continue to serve all people of Dickinson County, and I will run for re-election in November 2020. I am resourceful, focused, intelligent and productive. I have the experience and knowledge necessary to be efficient and effective as a county commissioner. I have proven I can get the job done! If you reside in District 3, please vote for me on November 3, 2020. If you live elsewhere, please share my achievements and plans with others. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Barb Kramer Vice-Chair, Dickinson County Board of Commissioners

August 2019 Announcements!

LAND BANK AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED IN DICKINSON COUNTY

DICKINSON COUNTY — The State Land Bank Authority announced the creation of a county land bank in Dickinson County and other places downstate. Creation of the land bank will provide the county with additional tools to assist in returning vacant and blighted property back to productive use.

“Creating Land Banks in these communities is a positive step toward transforming vacant properties in the Upper Peninsula, Mid-Michigan and Thumb regions,” State Land Bank Interim Director Jeff Huntington said. “I am certain their efforts will serve as a valuable economic and community driver and I look forward to working with each Land Bank in the future to help strengthen and revitalize their counties.”

The State Land Bank works statewide to help communities with blight and abandoned or vacant property. Creation of a land bank at the local level creates more opportunity for greater engagement within the community as well as returning unproductive properties back to the local tax roll.

“Creating a land bank authority in Dickinson County opens up many opportunities for our community. Our hope is this land bank allows us to eliminate blight and create more economic opportunities for our county,” said Dickinson County Treasurer Lorna Carey.

Prior to the creation of a local land bank, the state was the primary resource for land banking in Eaton, Dickinson and Huron County. With the creation of these local land banks, the state will move into a supporting role, helping these counties as needed with technical assistance for demolition and redevelopment as well as other tools needed as they build their teams and begin work in their official capacity.

In addition to the State Land Bank’s 2,500 available properties, local land banks also have inventory with a number of available properties. Visit Michigan.gov/LandBank to view the statewide listing of properties and to locate your local land bank.

Lake antoine Park beach wall build is COMPLETE!

Help restore and improve the LAKE ANTOINE PARK BEACH! The old wall is long gone. Erosion has taken its toll. A new wall is necessary to preserve the beach for future generations. It will be reminiscent of the old wall. Designed as a "sitting wall" only 2.5 feet high, it will provide unobstructed views of the lake. The new wall will define an area of fresh clean sand, and expand the beach to 370' X 35' (from the water's edge). 1200 blocks are needed to complete this project. Construction begins on June 1, and we need those blocks to get it done.

You have the option to purchase as many bricks as you wish. All donors' names will be listed on a plaque, unless anonymity is requested. Your donation will also be acknowledged by Lake Antoine Park Partners. Thank you for your generous support. Follow this link to place your order: https://store16073582.ecwid.com/ Not comfortable with online purchases? Request a mail-in form. Email lappdonations@gmail.com. Or click the links below for more information. We'll be glad to accommodate you.

LAPP Beach and Park Donation Form.2019.p[...]
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LAPP.DonorPacket.2019.pdf
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Check out the LAPP story in the Iron Mountain Daily News: http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2019/04/beach-wall-lake-antoine-group-conducts-buy-a-block-fundraiser/

Check out the LAPP Story on TV6: https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Lake-Antoine-Park-Partners-selling-bricks-to-build-shoreline-wall--508616101.html

Upper Peninsula Arts & Culture Alliance in dickinson county

I had the opportunity to host the UPPER PENINSULA ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE QUARTERLY MEETING on March 7 and 8. Lots of great feedback from our Creative Community and a tour of the Downtown Tavonatti Murals. Thank you Braumart Theatre for hosting our Evening Reception.

Dear Friends,

My goals for 2019- 2020 are to:

Rewrite the Dickinson County Master Plan to guide future planning and economic development
Update the County’s Recreation Plan for DNR grants
Review and update Commissioner Policy and Procedures
Continue Lake Antoine Park improvements through fundraising, capital campaigns, grants and County appropriations
Continue my membership on State and County committees, and
Support the employees and retirees of Dickinson County Healthcare System

It will be my great honor to continue to serve all people of Dickinson County. I am resourceful, focused, intelligent and productive. I have the experience and knowledge necessary to be efficient and effective as a county commissioner. I have proven I can get the job done! If you reside in District 3, please vote for me on November 6. If you live elsewhere, please share my achievements and plans with others. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Barb Kramer

Dear Friends,

My goals for 2019- 2020 are to:

Rewrite the Dickinson County Master Plan to guide future planning and economic development
Update the County’s Recreation Plan for DNR grants
Review and update Commissioner Policy and Procedures
Continue Lake Antoine Park improvements through fundraising, capital campaigns, grants and County appropriations
Continue my membership on State and County committees, and
Support the employees and retirees of Dickinson County Healthcare System

It will be my great honor to continue to serve all people of Dickinson County. I am resourceful, focused, intelligent and productive. I have the experience and knowledge necessary to be efficient and effective as a county commissioner. I have proven I can get the job done! If you reside in District 3, please vote for me on November 6. If you live elsewhere, please share my achievements and plans with others. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Barb Kramer

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them". – Albert Einstein –

Beliefs and Values

Unprecedented challenges require bold leadership to find the right solutions.

The time has come for us to proactively and aggressively seek out new options for growth and development for Dickinson County so that the tax base expands and reduces the burden on our residents. County Commissioners no longer have the option of sitting back and simply maintaining the status quo. As a County Commissioner, I am committed to working with local government leaders to develop long-range strategic plans and goals for economic, recreational and cultural development. We will strive to make our County more attractive for our residents and to individuals and businesses that are considering making Dickinson County their home.

Your Voice Will Be Heard

I like to converse with my constituents in personal encounters.

We can meet for coffee and conversation about your concerns. Send me an email or give me a call to set something up.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Barbara Kramer, County Commissioner 135 Bradley Street, Iron Mountain MI 49801