Barbara Kramer
Dickinson County
Commissioner
District 3
Commissioner's Statement
I believe that our county offers much to its residents, but we can always do more to improve the quality of life and increase employment, recreational and cultural opportunities. I have consistently pursued this agenda during my first two terms in office.
The fact that I had no previous "political" experience has proven to be of great benefit. It has enabled me to consistently challenge the status quo and avoid pressure from special interests. My operative questions have been and will continue to be, "How will my decision (on any issue) impact the residents of Dickinson County as a whole?", and "What is in their best interests?" Although not all have agreed with my position, I remain committed to this apporach.
I have been blessed with the desire, motivation, strength of character, enthusiasm, energy and the skill set required to be a competent and efficient Commissioner.
As Dickinson County Commissioner, my goal is to be responsive to the needs of people, supportive of businesses and to improve the functionality of county government. I will continue to pursue intitiatives that will benefit my county and my community.
Key Accomplishments & Leadership Roles
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Cooperatively passed balanced County budgets
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Designated Grant Writer for Dickinson County
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Actively promoted economic development for the County:
- Met with Governor, DNR Director & MDOT Staff to promote County interests
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Envisioned, promoted and obtained approval for Michigan Showcase Trail Bike Route along US-2. Estimated economic impact for the southern UP: $$5 to $20 million annually. (Please see MI Showcase Bike Trail page)
- Negotiated new lease for YMCA
- The 911 System was upgraded with new equipment, because voters authorized an "equipment and operations" millage.
- Voted to ensure that The Senior Center will remain as is. There will be NO CHANGES to the building, even with the proposed YMCA expansion.
- Voted to authorize long overdue Airport T-Hangars at Ford Airport, to provide safe storage for small planes. It also encourages economic expansion.
- Supported the development of The Bay College West Welding Program, which was initiated in Sept. 2014 to provide students with a technical skills option and to meet the need of employers in our area.
- Proposed and enabled County Parks Wi-Fi: Through a grant from Charter Communications, Wi-Fi cable was extended into Lake Antoine Park. It is a free service to our campers and visitors.
- Badwater Bike/Hike Trail: With the Planning Commission, supported the development of a three-mile nature trail around Little Badwater. This is a work in process and will eventually provide more options for hikers and bikers.
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Voted to establish a Veterans Court in Dickinson County to assist troubled veterans who are involved with the legal system to get help rather than incarceration.
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With Planning Commission, updated the Five-Year Recreation Plan for Dickinson County, saving the County the expense of having it written by an outside agency.
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Participated in Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) training to learn and network with other Commissioners.
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Participated in Committees and County Activities as assigned (Please see Barb's Committees page) .
Community Involvement
- Involved with local politics since 2006.
- Board Member - Friends of the Braumart
- Member of The Women’s Club and past-president of Northwoods Garden Club.
- Past volunteer for Art Train USA, Dickinson County Council for the Arts “Art for All”, Iron Mountain DDA/Main Street Design and Organization committees, and Fundraising and Grant-writing sub-committees.
Education and Work Experience
- Elected to Office of County Commissioner, District 3, in November, 2012
- Completed Professional Certificate in Non-profit Management - University of Massachusetts-Amherst: Coursework in Financial Management, Economic Development, Strategic Planning, Board Development, Marketing, Fundraising, Program Evaluation and Process Improvement.
- Earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.
- Graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene.
- Graduated Iron Mountain High School
- 25 years as a college faculty member, admissions counselor and motivational speaker
- 20 years in the dental field.
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