Three Candidates Vie for Leelanau County Drain Commissioner Seat

An oft-overlooked elected position is shaping up to be one of the most competitive local contests in Leelanau County this fall. Following the March resignation of former county drain commissioner Tim O'Non and ongoing controversy regarding the handling of the Lake Bluffs Drain in Solon Township, voters will choose a new commissioner in November to serve out the remainder of the term through December 31, 2028.

The upcoming election features a three-way race between Democratic candidate Kristy Burns, Republican candidate Melinda Lautner, and independent hopeful Tim Lodge. Interim Drain Commissioner Chet Janik has been serving in the role since March following O'Non's departure.

Kristy Burns, a 37-year county resident and retired physical therapist, emphasizes nonpartisan collaboration and transparency as her primary goals. Having lived on a private road with drainage issues for decades and participating directly in the Lake Bluffs Drain project, Burns states that she wants to provide solutions and foster a more open relationship between the office and the public. “I want others to experience a more transparent and collaborative relationship with the drain commission than I have experienced,” she noted.

Melinda Lautner enters the race after spending 19 years as a representative on the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2024. Lautner has long raised concerns regarding spending and transparency within the drain commission, particularly concerning the Lake Bluffs project. During a recent League of Women Voters forum, she explained that she viewed the vacancy as an opportunity to address past issues and potentially downsize a department she believes has grown too large for the county's needs.

Tim Lodge brings nearly 40 years of engineering experience to the ballot, having served as the city engineer for Traverse City from 2003 to 2023. Lodge advocates for technical expertise, proactive infrastructure maintenance, and fiscal accountability to reduce the department's reliance on external consultants. “As drain commissioner, I will bring professionalism, transparency, technical expertise, collaboration, and accountability to every decision,” Lodge stated.

The handling of the Lake Bluffs Drain remains a central topic of discussion among all three contenders as they propose differing solutions to address project costs and resident concerns. While Burns advocates for evidence-based and fiscally responsible alternatives, Lautner and Lodge emphasize structural efficiency and improved project management.

The outcome of the November election will determine the permanent leadership for the Leelanau County Drain Commissioner's office as it navigates ongoing infrastructure challenges and community demands for fiscal responsibility.