State politicians hear concerns from Range residents

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - The two men representing Gogebic County in the Michigan legislature were in town Friday visiting with local officials and holding a public town hall to hear the area's concerns.

State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) and state Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) said they visited the area repeatedly during their 2018 campaigns for the 38th senate district and 11th state house district respectively and didn't want the community to think it was forgotten once the votes were counted.

"Greg and I both made commitments to this area while we were running, and even right after the election, that we were not going to forget the time we spent here during the campaign and the concerns we were hearing from people," McBroom said. "We wanted to get back over here as quickly as possible once we were in our offices to listen, build relationships and work on a lot of the issues the community is concerned about."

The two had several stops throughout the area, including visits to Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Jacquarts and Gogebic Community College; as well as the public town hall at the Bessemer City Hall.

The two were positive about the visit.

"We're moving forward. Michigan is moving forward and we're going to bring the western U.P. with us," Markkanen said, prior to a meeting at GCC with local leaders.

At the college, Markkanen and McBroom discussed various issues - including the future of Ojibway Correctional Facility, the effort to reduce Michigan car insurance prices and trail funding in the area.

Regarding Ojibway, McBroom said he initially hoped a new governor and administration might take a second look at the decision to close the facility.

"Unfortunately, the governor reappointed or maintained Heidi Washington as the director (of the Department of Corrections). That ... to me destroyed all hope that I had of getting that re-evaluation, reconsideration from the new governor," McBroom said. "I'm not saying I won't try to get (Gov. Whitmer) to come here and tour (Ojibway), I will. I promise you I will."

At the town hall meeting, McBroom said the effort now needs to focus on how to attract attention to facility for a new use - such as a manufacturing, industrial or educational purpose.

"Most of the talk centered how do we market this facility? How do we get out there and publicize its availability," he said.

Auto insurance prices was another popular topic, with McBroom and Markkanen both saying there appears to be a real desire in the legislature for change - including the creation of a committee specifically focused on addressing the high cost residents pay.

The evening town hall wrapped up with a question period, allowing residents to express their other concerns that may not have been raised elsewhere.

Editor's Note: Bryan Hellios also contributed to this story.