VOTE411 Voter Guide

I’m a lifelong Marquette County resident with a broad understanding of our community’s needs. I earned degrees from Northern Michigan University in biology/chemistry and public administration, plus a master’s in environmental and industrial health from the University of Michigan. I have more than 30 years of experience, including 24+ years with the Marquette County Health Department, where I advanced from environmental health supervisor to health officer. I managed programs such as WIC, SNAP, tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, suicide prevention, HIV/AIDS services, and rural housing. I’ve also served on county boards for solid waste, wastewater, and aviation, building expertise in budgeting, human resources, labor relations, program development, and contracts. After retirement, I volunteered through Young Eagles, flying more than 600 local children. In April, I was appointed to the District 3 commissioner seat and am running for re-election to continue serving Marquette County.

As a county commissioner for Marquette County District 3, the main challenges are fiscal responsibility, rural infrastructure, housing and skilled labor shortage, and expanding mental health access.

District 3’s top priorities are expanding access to affordable health care, mental health, addiction treatment, and transportation while supporting an aging population. Residents also need relief from rising utility and living costs through stronger accountability and cost control. Affordable housing remains critical, and local government should work with the Land Bank, update zoning, and support practical development to increase supply and lower costs. At the same time, we must improve roads, bridges, broadband, and workforce retention so residents and small businesses can access jobs, services, and housing opportunities.

We need to focus on incentivizing infill development, expand housing rehabilitation funds, and promote conservation-style zoning to protect natural resources and shorelines. Actions that support these objectives include, expanding Housing Rehabilitation Funds by continuing to maximize federal and state pass-through grants. Directing new residential construction to areas with existing infrastructure and public services using tools like Brownfield Plans helping developers clean up underutilized, polluted, or abandoned properties. We must partner with local township planning commissions to adopt ordinances for "cluster" or "conservation" subdivisions. This groups new homes closer together on smaller footprints, preserving natural wooded areas while maintaining community character. We must continue to collaborate with the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) to identify community needs, support developers, and the availability of subsidized and market rate housing.

I believe direct communication is the best way to stay connected with constituents. I am available through several channels: • Work email: fbenzie@mqtco.org • Cell phone: (906)250-7110 (texts welcome) • Public forums, public comment periods, and after Board of Commissioners meetings After 30 years of working with the public, I have found that face-to-face and verbal communication are often the clearest and most effective. Written communication can sometimes be misunderstood, so I value opportunities to meet and speak with constituents directly.

I have been in local government for the last 22 years on the Marquette Township Board, 4 years as a Trustee, 2 years as Deputy Clerk, and 16 Years as Clerk. I want to run to bring my experience and successes to the Marquette County Board. I know how local government works and would not need a learning curve for the position. I want to bring my common sense approach from the Township to the County Board.

Affordable and Work Force Housing - use tools available to help developers create this type of housing for residents. Core essential services need to be maintained at no increased cost to residents. Police and Fire Services need to be maintained or expanded to create a safe environment for County Residents in all districts. Create an environment that spurs job and economic growth. Protect and Maintain our current Natural Resources and Park Systems.

1. Zoning and Land Use Policies Flexible Zoning: Implement zoning that allows for mixed-use developments, accessory dwelling units, and smaller lot sizes to increase housing diversity and affordability without sprawling into natural areas. Conservation Zoning Overlays: Designate sensitive natural areas and shorelines as protected zones that restrict high-impact development while allowing limited, compatible housing close by. 2. Incentives for Affordable Housing Density Bonuses: Offer developers increased density allowances if a portion of their units are affordable or workforce housing. Tax Incentives or Credits: Provide property tax reductions or credits for developers who build or renovate affordable housing units, especially targeting seniors, young families, and people with disabilities. 3. Partnership and Funding Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborate with non-profits, housing agencies, and private developers to pool resources and expertise for affordable housing projects.

1. Multi-Channel Communication Use Diverse Platforms: Combine traditional methods like newsletters, town halls, and community meetings with digital tools such as social media, email updates. 2. Regular and Transparent Updates Consistent Messaging: Provide frequent updates about ongoing projects, policy changes, and upcoming opportunities to get involved. 3. Two-Way Engagement Active Listening: Create opportunities for constituents to share their views, concerns, and ideas through surveys, public forums, and interactive online platforms. 4. Personal and Community Focus Community Presence: Attend local events, visit neighborhoods, and hold informal conversations to build personal connections. 5. Clear and Positive Messaging Highlight Benefits: Emphasize how initiatives will improve quality of life and community wellbeing. 6. Crisis and Issue Management Timely Responses: Address concerns quickly and transparently to prevent misinformation.

I bring seven years of experience on the Marquette City Commission, including three years as Mayor, where I helped oversee a $78 million budget and guide long term planning for our community. During that time, I worked on housing, infrastructure, and economic development, and helped deliver projects like an inclusive playground, public art highlighting Indigenous culture, redevelopment of blighted properties, expanded lakeshore access, recycling improvements, and a downtown social district that supports small businesses. I also partnered on major decisions like selecting NMU’s president and improving trails and infrastructure. Combined with my background in human resources, I understand both policy and real world impacts. I am running to continue serving and give voters a clear voice in their representation.

One of the main challenges in District 3 is maintaining and improving infrastructure while keeping services reliable and affordable for residents. Roads, sidewalks, utilities, and broadband all require ongoing investment and thoughtful planning, especially as our community grows and ages. Another key challenge is supporting a strong and stable local economy that allows people to live and work here long term. Through my work in human resources, I see firsthand how workforce attraction and retention depend on quality of life, access to services, and economic opportunity. I would advocate for smart, strategic investments in infrastructure, continued regional collaboration, and careful budgeting to ensure long term stability. My approach is to focus on practical solutions that keep our community strong, connected, and accessible for everyone.

The 2040 Marquette County Master Plan calls for expanding housing while protecting the natural character that defines Marquette County. I support focusing growth within existing communities through redevelopment and infill, which helps use current infrastructure and reduces pressure on natural areas. My experience redeveloping underused properties shows how we can add housing while strengthening neighborhoods. I would also support a wider range of housing types so seniors, families, and workers can all find a place to live. I have worked on housing initiatives in Marquette County for over a decade and will continue to do so whether I am elected or not. I served on the Marquette Housing Commission from 2015-2017, as Mayor I personally institand the City of Marquette's first Ad Hoc Housing Committee in 2020, and I currently serve on Lake Superior Community Partnership's Housing Now Leadership Council. This complex issue is critically important to me, and to our community.

My communication style is rooted in being accessible, consistent, and honest. While serving on the City Commission from 2017-2024, I focused on clear and transparent communication, and I would continue that at the county level. I plan to use social media to keep the public informed of County-level happenings, and I am very responsive to emails, phone calls, and texts from constituents. I also truly enjoy meeting residents around the community and speaking at various events. I believe it is important not just to share decisions, but to explain the reasoning behind them and listen before decisions are made. I have an excellent track record of meeting attendance, as I take these elected positions incredibly seriously. Strong communication builds trust, and that means showing up, being straightforward, and following through on commitments to the people you represent.