Upper Peninsula politics isn't limited to the older set. People in their thirties are entering into politics with a fresh set of eyes and different priorities than commissioners who are often retired community members. In the rural communities of the Upper Peninsula, this often means a dramatic shift in the traditional mindset. Three commissioners from Munising and Marquette share their goals for change and how they expect to make that happen.
Sara Cambensy, Marquette City Commissioner
Cambensy is among the youngest members of the Marquette City Commission but also the only woman. These two characteristics, plus having her master's degree in public administration, all lead to her success in the position, she says.
"I think all three things work in my favor collectively and that's what makes someone say that a person my age can serve in government successfully," she says.
Cambensy's main priority is policy revision; she points out many Marquette policies haven't been updated in decades and that's something she hopes to do.
"When you have documents as important as zoning ordinances that make the majority of houses and buildings in the city 'non-conforming,' policy revision is needed," she says. "When you have good policy, you have a well-operating community."
Though Cambensy recognizes the benefits of being on the city commission and being the voice for younger generations, she says it's important that young people consider whether they're willing to dedicate the time to the task before committing.
"This means often putting your personal time outside of work, your hobbies, vacations, time with friends and family second when important community issues are at stake and need immediate attention," she says. "It isn't something many people my age or younger are willing to do but I strongly believe you need to be ready to put the time in if you throw your name into the political arena."
Tom Dolaskie, Munising City Commissioner
Besides his service on the Munising city commission, Dolaskie also founded U.P. Overland, and the accessible nature of the company is reflected in his view of local politics. He embraces social media and including a younger generation in decision-making. But to get there, he feels that some of the people already in city government need to start thinking differently.
"I would definitely just like to see this town and the people who run it be more supportive of outside influence," Dolaskie says.
Dolaskie worries that if rural communities like Munising don't adapt, then they will be pushed further into depending only on seasonal tourism.
"Small businesses will get smaller and the larger companies will have a harder time with budget and seasonal attributes will start to plague us more than they already do. That's where the warning signals come from for me."
The involvement of a younger generation is essential, Dolaskie says, in helping rural communities move into a new economic and social future that's fast-paced and technologically driven.
"The biggest challenge that I see, especially for communities like Munising, is that we're in an evolving economic climate that I don't think people recognize," he says. "I absolutely am concerned that there's a complacent approach, within small communities, to adapting and reaching to that digital culture."
Though Dolaskie believes it's the younger generation that will drive this change, he admits the importance of dedicating time to the position is a struggle not only for others but for himself. Dolaskie says his career demands more time and he doesn't know if he'll be able to run for commissioner in the near future.
"For someone to get involved they've got to want to get involved, they've got to be very passionate about it and put service to their community parallel to family," Dolaskie says, "and that's not the value of young families in the U.P. It's very, very tough to incentivize younger people to get involved in city politics."
Jason Schneider, Marquette City Commissioner
Jason Schneider, another of the youngest members on the Marquette City Commission, feels his entry into politics was more of a natural extension of his passion for social progress than a choice to be a politician.
"Getting 'involved' in politics is just a matter of realizing that we all have to live together, which means we have to figure out how to live as neighbors, decide what our community's priorities are and how to use the limited resources we have," Schenider says.
Since joining the Marquette commission, Schneider has made "quality of life" his primary goal by doing what he can to make sure people embrace the non-materialistic aspects of life.
"It's about reducing regulations to the absolute minimum. No one likes rules. It's also about building up an infrastructure that helps people slow down and enjoy their lives."
Like Dolaskie, Schneider agrees young people in U.P. communities can help save local economies by encouraging new, up-and-coming industries.
"With our history of resource extraction, we're used to large companies employing most people, but our economy is changing and it's not that way anymore," he says. "I think we need to focus on ways of removing barriers to small, locally-owned businesses to start, grow and expand."
Other things Schneider would like to see are improved relationships with other local municipalities and better ways to receive local news in a digital culture.
Schneider says it's good to have a wide range of ages on the city commission so everyone in the community is represented and decisions are made intelligently--and that it's the combination of these people that will create beneficial change throughout the U.P.
"The tag line that I have on my e-mail is 'Every day, talk to at least two people who don't agree with you. It's the only way things get done.' I really believe it," Schneider says. "I don't have any actual power. Only the commission as a whole has power, and I have one vote out of seven."
Lucy Hough is in the English master's program at Northern Michigan University. She helps write a blog about NMU history called The Northern Tradition and is an associate editor for The Awesome Mitten.