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Keweenaw Heartlands Recreational and Natural Resources Authority Board {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

4-year term - Vote for not more than 3

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    Russ Bjorn
    (NPA)

  • Candidate picture

    Pete Clevenstine
    (NPA)

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    Gregg Patrick
    (NPA)

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    Jon Schubbe
    (NPA)

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    George Twardzik
    (NPA)

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    Joseph R. Vairus
    (NPA)

Biographical Information

What are your priorities and how can you accomplish them?

What in your background and experience particularly qualifies you for this position?

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Occupation/Education/Background Retired/BS Mining Engineering MTU, MBA Kent State/Held positions with US Steel, Cleveland Cliffs and Minnesota DNR
Number of years as resident 5
In the short-term we have a to-do list to ensure we are aligned with state law and our articles of incorporation. I am confident our short-term goals will be reached thanks largely to many residents that have given many hours to ensure the Board has the information and tools necessary to achieve our short-term goals. Longer term my priorities for the Keweenaw Heartlands are to: ensure public access especially for our trails; restore and maintain a healthy working forest; remain open to thoughtful development; and protect our natural features. I believe establishing trust should be our highest priority. Our Board will build trust through consistent actions, transparency, and strong relationships.
I have a BS in Mining Engineering from Michigan Tech and MBA from Kent State. I have worked for US Steel and Cleveland Cliffs. In 1998 I joined the Minnesota DNR as the Manager of Engineering and retired in 2022 as the Assistant Director of Lands & Minerals where I assisted in the management of 5 million acres of the state’s lands. Locally I live at the Agate Harbor Land Pool, which owns 600 acres of land that share a property line of over one mile with the Heartlands. I have been elected by the shareholders to the Board of Agate Harbor for over 20 years and am the current President. I have a unique experience set with Agate Harbor and the DNR that would be very helpful in advancing the Heartlands.
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Candidate has not yet responded.
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Occupation/Education/Background Restaurant Owner/BS Computer Science MTU, MS Educaton Administration NMU/Retired educator and currently self employed
Number of years as resident 31
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 69
Copper Harbor, MI 49918
My goal is to find a practical balance that protects the land, maintains public access, supports responsible forestry, and preserves recreational opportunities for future generations. I believe the best outcomes come from finding common ground. While we may not agree on every issue, and no single organization or user group will get everything it wants, we can achieve meaningful progress by focusing on shared goals. By emphasizing responsible stewardship, public access, and the long-term interests of the Keweenaw, I believe we can work together to ensure these lands are managed wisely for generations to come.

I was raised in the Keweenaw and have spent most of my life living and working here. My lifelong appreciation for the outdoors has given me a deep connection to the natural resources that make this region unique. Through my work in our schools, I have gained insight into the diverse experiences and needs of the people who call the Keweenaw home. As a local business owner, I understand the economic importance of our natural resources and their role in supporting our communities. As a landowner, I have firsthand experience with the responsibilities and challenges of land stewardship and management. I believe these experiences provide me with a balanced perspective that I can bring to the Board.
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Candidate has not yet responded.