To the editor:

I am writing to encourage District 2 voters to support Houghton County commissioner candidate, Ms. Valorie Troesch. I have known Ms. Troesch for more than 10 years and am extremely impressed with her knowledge and skills. As a trained lawyer, she will be a valuable addition to the Houghton County Board. As a thoughtful, collaborative, and organized individual, she will bring much needed planning and priority-setting to the board to address local issues and concerns, from protecting the Houghton Medical Care Facility from privatization, to promoting recycling and developing a workable solution for the Houghton County jail.

I want to thank Mr. Albert Koskela, current District 2 Houghton County Commissioner, for his years of public service, however, we cannot address new challenges with old ways of thinking.

Mr. Koskela is out of step with Houghton County residents, as evidenced by the current board majority’s attempt to privatize the Houghton Medical Care Facility, their lack of planning in providing for the Houghton County employee pension fund, their lack of leadership to resolve the jail issue, and their failure to invite input from all Houghton County residents to address county-wide needs.

Ms. Troesch will bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the Houghton County Board!

Joan Chadde

Schoolcraft Township