Two republican state representative candidates for the 107th district, introduced themselves at the Sault Ste. Marie regular city commission meeting Monday.
Neil Friske and Jonathan Scheel shared their thoughts with municipal leaders.
Scheel seeks to create jobs and strengthen the economy to help ensure a bright future for generations to come.
“I am here with my son, Creston, who is a sixth generation in Northern Michigan,” said Scheel. “I want a seventh generation for my family, his family in Northern Michigan. I want that for your children and your grandchildren. We have to have an economy to make that happen.”
Scheel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in city planning from San Diego State University.
For more than 15 years, he served as a zoning administrator and planner in Charlevoix City, East Jordan City, Hayes Township, Norwood Township, South Arm Township and Bay Township.
Scheel also served as Emmet County Commissioner, Vice Chairman of the Emmet County Board of Commissioners and on the Bear Creek Township Planning Commission. He has a professional background in contracting, development, nonprofit housing, and land-use consulting.
Scheel puts his focus on record inflation, supply chain shortages and state administrator business relations.
“I believe the state legislature, right now, thinks they know more about Sault Ste. Marie than you do in this room,” said Scheel. “There are numerous mandates that come from them that do not help your city or its economy.”
He seeks to improve Michigan roads, referencing budget surpluses and billions of dollars in federal government funds.
“The funding formula for that (roads), I believe, is just wrong,” said Scheel.
Scheel is a supporter of the second amendment, environment and small government. He stands behind pro-life policies and supports veterans.
He also spoke on the importance of housing and broadband in future growth.
“We are not going to be successful without more housing,” said Scheel. “I started out as a carpenter. I moved into being a licensed contractor in Michigan, and I worked for both nonprofit and profit developers building over 200 buildings in Northern Michigan. One of those buildings was right here in Sault Ste. Marie.”
Friske grew-up on the Friske Orchards family farm near Charlevoix.
He and his brother Richard Jr. were second-generation owners for about a decade. Friske has owned and operated over 40 businesses in Northern Michigan, citing the challenging regulations and taxation as issued that need to be tackled.
Friske supports election integrity, taking questions regarding the 2020 presidential election seriously.
“What I am hearing over and over again from the district is that a lot of people are concerned about the election process,” said Friske, who seeks to restore confidence in the election process.
He stands behind reduced taxes, second amendment rights, freedom of speech, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, Michigan Constitution, small businesses and governmental transparency, while supporting seniors and veterans.
Friske opposes vaccine and mask mandates, government overreach, abortion, critical race theory, wasteful government spending and socialism.
To learn more about either 107th republican state representative candidate, visit their websites: Neil Friske for State Representative and Jonathan Scheel for State Representative.
