Two Millage Proposals,Candidates on Ballot at Bois Blanc

Shelby Newhouse

About 110 registered voters on Bois Blanc Township will head to the polls in the primary election August 5 to consider two proposals and board seats.

The township is seeking a renewal to cover costs to operate a transfer station on the island. The 0.8968 mills would go into effect in 2009 and continue through 2011. The millage is estimated to generate $23,700 the first year.

Also, the township is seeking a millage increase to cover operating and capital expenses for police protection from 2008 until 2011. The millage is expected to raise about $52,000 the first year.

Two candidates formally filed petitions to run in the primary on Bois Blanc, including incumbent treasurer Cheryl Gahn and trustee Shelby Newhouse. Candidates running for the positions of supervisor, clerk, and a second trustee have filed petitions to run as independent candidates and their names will appear on the November 4 general election ballot.

The following candidate profiles were obtained from questionnaires sent by The St. Ignace News; photographs are published if available.

Township Trustee

Incumbent Shelby Newhouse, 82, a World War II veteran, is married, is an innkeeper on the island, and is a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Mr. Newhouse is a Democrat.

He has served on the following boards and committees: the Michigan Council of Crime and Delinquency, Michigan State Department of Education, Curriculum Planning Committee, Better Human Relations Sub Committee, Birmingham- Bloomfield Better Human Relations Committee, Michigan State Advisory Board, Anti- Defamation League, and he was an officer for the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

"As a resident, business and property owner of this township," said Mr. Newhouse, "I wish to participate in seeking solutions to existing and future potential problems affecting our community. My personal agenda is to maintain the pristine beauty and natural characteristics of Bois Blanc Island."

The island needs to take ownership of the entire Straits of Mackinac highway, he said.

"The recent extension and paving of our airport has solved our winter transportation problem. Though the summer ferry transportation service has been and continues to be excellent, the township only owns and therefore controls the island end of our Straits of Mackinac highway. Our destiny, future prosperity, and very survival also requires ownership of the Cheboygan end of our road. This issue is currently being addressed," he said.

Maintaining the environment through ordinances will help control future over-development.

"It has come to my attention," he said, "that islands like Bois Blanc are no longer being created. This township has ordinances in place to protect the natural beauty of the land and waters. Wisdom and continued vigilance are required to maintain and protect this environment."