Issue #56 March 2017
Infrastructure and economic development were the themes for the February session. Assertiveness, difficult conversations and communication were leadership skills taught to us by speakers and facilitators at the Lakeshore community room. The first speaker was Kevin Harju, Houghton County Road Commission went into detail how he and his team protect the needs of the motorists in Houghton area. With winter being their busiest months for snow removal purposes, nearly 2/3 of the budget is spent in the winter. The other 1/3 of the budget pays for patching the roads, and the department’s salaries. Both union and non-union workers work for the Houghton County Road Commission. During questioning it was asked if the recent increase in the speed limit in Michigan if it would influence revenues coming in? Mr. Harju explained that it would not increase the tax revenue. That is because the speed limit changes came from people who were going fast already. 85% of the cars were already going the faster speed. The law changed to accommodate the speeders. Most of the equipment is old and even when they bring in new equipment it’s dated and used. They are constantly having to repair broken down equipment. Continued on page 8
Our Superior Partners. Thank You!
Inside This Issue
Events Renewing Members New Members Leadership Keweenaw Want to Save Money?
2-5 6 7 8-9 21