Baraga County is another rural county within the U.P., and because of this reliance on natural resources for food sources through hunting are often not only for recreation but also substance. Due to this the resources including wildlife need to be accessible but protected to ensure a healthy population for each game species. Bohnak emphasized that when it comes to preserving wildlife that an approach needs to be taken which includes other topics and keep them in mind while discussing preservation. He said that the approach to keeping healthy animal populations should be included when discussing the topics of logging, tourism, mining and sport. He believes that the U.P. is responsible in working with all these things equitably and that the consideration of the balance amongst them all should continue as to not inhibit on one’s access to animals or minerals as a resource. Hill has concerns with accessibility to game animal resources from not enough revenue being made to efficiently address natural resource needs. She said with much of the land in Baraga County being owned by the state and federal government that there are limited sources of income to funding work regarding natural resources. Hill said that she wants to make sure that land owners, whether they are citizens or government, work with community members to address wildlife management.

Hunting is mostly conducted with firearms, and both Bohnak and Hill complimented U.P. residents for a mostly responsible gun ownership and culture in the U.P. Bohnak said that as long as citizens handle firearms safely and because it is an amendment of the Constitution, that no further laws are needed to regulate firearms and that current laws are sufficient. Hill said that her concern regarding firearms is violence, but specifically suicide. She supports law enforcement and medical professionals stepping in to help those in need suspected of harming themselves. She also said that background checks are necessary because not everyone can be relied upon to be responsible when accessing firearms.

The natural resources that residents rely on come from the same environment, and the concern of a changing climate is an issue many voters express. Hill said that there needs to be an effort to keep cold water fisheries and the aquatic environments healthy for not just fish but wild rice for farmers. Hill also said that with the region being so far north that while a transition to energy efficient technology is desirable, an effort must be made to make the technology accessible, economically efficient and functional in a cold climate. Bohnak believes that the climate works in cycles and that the Earth is in a mild warming cycle.  He said that he had studied the atmosphere for over three decades and believes the current climate is natural but that people do effect the climate and that there needs to be responsibly in its care.  He said that there needs to be care in preserving forests and responsibly extracting resources to not permanently damage the land, water and atmosphere.

The environment of which Baraga County consists of is home to the KBIC, of which both Hill and Bohnak promised to honor all agreements and treaties that the tribe and government officials have conducted. Bohknak said that he open to communicating with anyone to ensure all past and current agreements are upheld and Hill stated that she will continue her communication with the tribe citing the Michigan legislature’s formal liaison between the tribal and state government which she voted in favor of creating.

Hill

Within Baraga County is farmland, and Hill said that this was an issue close to her since her family has a history with the profession. Hill said that the government needs to be sure that the system to keep water clean for farmers is not too burdensome for them and that farmers have access to markets that will get their products out to citizens wishing to purchase their crops. Bohnak said that farming is a vital part of Upper Michigan’s culture and that it is a service that must be maintained. He said that he is new to approaching the subject of farming and agriculture from a political sense, but said that he will consult with Michigan State Sen. Ed McBroom for issues regarding farming since McBroom is a working farmer.

Another resource that is being explored for use in Baraga County revolves around mining, with Talon Metals Corp recently finding significant deposits of nickel. There is potential in the future for mining operations opening in the county and the presence is a large topic of discussion amongst residents. Both Bohnak and Hill have stated that they are fine with the opening of more mines in the U.P. if the extractions are performed in environmentally conscious ways, and they both pointed to Eagle Mine as an example of environmentally conscious and responsible mining.

The two candidates also find common ground on the staffing crisis of Michigan’s state prisons with both attending the pickets with corrections officers. They both believe that corrections officers need better pay, benefits and a pension to better the profession’s attractiveness for potential hires. Hill has made her disagreements of certain handlings of things by the Michigan Department of Corrections leadership known to her colleagues and Bohnak said that he would be willing to work with anyone regarding this issue though to what extent he does not know since he cannot know the extent of the position since he has not held office before. Hill had also toured the prisons within the district to better understand the issues that have formed in the prisons ever since the staffing crisis.

While the Baraga Correctional Facility does provide well paid jobs, there are many who desire to have other options for efficient careers and salaries. Bohnak believes the best way to bring more jobs to this area of the U.P. is to build up infrastructure. He said that putting better efforts into road restoration, expand more mining operations and to overall better the environment can entice more businesses to the area. Hill said that she is very proud of making career technical education available to those under Copper Country ISD, which makes training for technical professions available in Marquette.

With careers comes the reason one has it, which is income. Bohnak and Hill both understand that residents of their districts are struggling to financially get by and that healthy careers can be difficult to find in Baraga County. Bohnak said that he would like to keep costs of goods or utilities under control or lower it wherever it is approachable by the House. He believes that recent energy legislation will increase energy bills and that that legislation needs to be amended and if not that, repealed. Bohnak said that this was the biggest reason that made him want to run and that energy costs becoming a larger part of budgets harms those on fixed incomes including senior citizens. Hill said that to help with the financial issues facing the district’s residents that she supported the feeding of Michigan schoolchildren with free breakfast and lunch which is funded through general fund tax dollars. She also pointed out to the removal of a pension tax for seniors and wishes to look into making downsized housing available for seniors who wish to downsize but stay in their community.

Both candidates have pointed out that in regards to rising political and cultural divisions that more dialogue and discourse amongst fellow citizens is necessary. Hill pointed out that when people sit down and discuss issues that it is often discovered that they share similar goals but the methods to pursue the outcomes is what is the source of the disagreement. She said it is not a political issue to just be good neighbors. Bohnak echoed very similar sentiments and said that people should not view one another as enemies and common humanity needs to be sought out. He emphasized the need to find equitable solutions and come together as much as possible.

When it comes to the issue of free expression, Hill brings up that citizens need to be able to speak up and be their full selves in order to have their concerns heard. She does point out that one cannot shout “fire” in a crowded theater and that the dignity of the life one lives needs to be respected. Bohnak said that there are too many excuses made to silence speech by labeling expressions as hateful, damaging or threatening. Bohnak said that he refers to the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  He said that free speech is free speech and there should be no bargaining when it comes to the First Amendment.

The two candidates also shared thoughts they would like the residents of Baraga County to hear for the upcoming election.

Hill said that she wants to keep government away from infringing on women’s healthcare, and that she has enjoyed representing the residents of Baraga County.

“I’ve really appreciated how people have shared their stories with me when I’ve gone and visited,” she said. “I know what good hardworking people are there and how much we care about our communities and each other, and the land and the water. It’s really an honor to have gotten to represent that region for two years, and I really want to continue to do my best for the region. I know access to health care is top of mind for people and housing is top of mind. We look to the future and what the new opportunities are and I want to make sure that everyone’s at the table to make sure that we are fighting to get that. I’m fighting for you down in Lansing, but I am coming back and listening to you so that I am taking on the highest priorities and not wasting my time on things that aren’t really important to the community.”

Bohnak said that he believes that the U.P. and Michigan as a whole have residents who are not being properly respected and heard.  He wants to be part of the solution to this problem.

“For over 30 years I became a part of households across Upper Michigan,” he said. “I’d give the weather forecast so people could prepare for what’s ahead. So what I’m doing now, I don’t think is all that much of a difference. I love the U.P. I care about our state. But I believe that the U.P. and our State is under attack, and I’d like to make people aware of this. I would like to do what I can to help and make sure that our voice is heard, and that our Peninsula, and specifically Baraga County, is properly represented in Lansing. I pledge to do what I can, I pledge to No. 1: listen, and No. 2: work with my fellow legislators to make sure that our values are properly represented.”