Robillard

Dan Robillard has announced his candidacy for Baraga County Commissioner, replacing Pat Reilley as District 3 candidate. Pat Reilley moved out of the area over the summer and his resignation was accepted by the County Board at their Oct. 9 meeting.

Robillard will be a write-in candidate. He wants to encourage economic growth for Baraga in the industrial, commercial and tourism sectors. He says that Baraga has the infrastructure and space for industrial growth in places like Dynamite Hill and Lambert Road industrial areas in L’Anse. He said the unloading of the engines for the new power plants in Pelkie and Negaunee is proof the infrastructure can support larger industry.

“The possibilities are there,” Robillard said.

Robillard has worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for 31 years. He handles and coordinates maintenance contracts with Keweenaw, Ontonagon and Marquette counties as well as many of the cities, villages and townships within them.

Robillard has lived in Baraga County his entire life. He has been married to his wife Lana for 20 years and has three sons and two grandchildren. His father and brother run the family beef farm outside of L’Anse and have for the last 50 years. His mother was county clerk for 20 years and his father retired from L’Anse Area Schools.

“He’s still out on the tractor,” Robillard said.

On June 17, during the flooding, Robillard had gone to Milwalkee for a brief trip, but coordinated recovery efforts over the phone and came back early to go back to work.

“When you’re committed to something you have to react,” he said.