Tourism Is Our Future. Sulfide Mining Is A Problem.
A very important primary election is coming up on Tuesday, August 8th. Your vote will help decide the future of our 109th District, and the rest of the Upper Peninsula. This campaign message introduces me to you. It tells you what I believe in, what I care about, and what I hope for the U.P. Your vote can make a difference.
My deepest beliefs are based on ideals and virtues we all learn as Americans, including a faith in the rights, responsibilities, and freedoms of the people.
Interests and Issues:
Tourism Responsible timber management Sulfide mining Water quality Availability of gasoline, propane, oil, alternative energy Real estate, small farmers, camps.
My strengths:
Jobs and the economy Willing listener and communicator Perceptiveness , sincerity, and optimism Diverse work experience Thinking “outside the box”, including Four Parks Economic stability Protective of the camp tradition and way of life
Worth Mentioning:
1984-86 Disassembled the McCormick Grand Camp
1987-88 Appraised 120 parcels for Cliffs Forests, causing a restricted cutting practice on waterfront property.
1980-90 Initiated a 10,000 acre wilderness preserve The Essence of the U.P is WILD Our Blueberry plains, our lakes, the freedom to roam among woods, hills, and streams We must choose our own destiny-- Tourism is the best alternative for nature and jobs.
Volunteers and donations: my campaign needs both, and I greatly appreciate any help. Please email me at rchendricksen at charter.net or from my website .
“We the People”
Big Bay, a little town in Powell Township, surveyed its citizens about sulfide mining. As you probably know, Powell Township is a “host community” for sulfide mining: the first such mine under the new mining law will be right in their back yard. The Big Bay survey showed more than 80% of its people against sulfide mining. Yet the State of Michigan will not allow this survey to play a part in deciding whether to issue a permit for the Yellow Dog Plains sulfide mine.
The principle of a vote is paramount in our society. It is enshrined in our Constitution. It is the foundation of our representative government. Since the current state government ignores and disregards the clear majority of those who will be most affected by sulfide mining, action in Lansing is needed to change that disregard. Big Bay, Marquette County, and the Upper Peninsula are not doormats for the rest of the state.
Please think about your right to vote and what it means. This is worth standing up for.
A second important principle is the community concept. One does not sit and watch one’s neighbor or brother get ambushed. You help him as he would help you.
My Stand on Sulfide Mining
For 13 days the DEQ held rules promulgation meetings on sulfide mining. I attended every meeting, and took extensive notes. Among my observations: important details were skimmed over, conversations were blunted and twisted, the fox was building the hen house, impartial expert input was barely used, bad-faith bargaining reared its head, standards were rendered inconsistent, and measures against catastrophic events given scant attention.
As I observed the DEQ and the mining interests during these meetings, it became clear that it is economically impractical to mine these reactive sulfide ores safely in the U.P., a region renowned for its abundant fresh water. Sulfide mining will irreversibly harm our waterways—that is the primary thing. But deserving of equal consideration are the disruptive, long-lasting effects this boom-and-bust industry will have on the existing economic structure.
But the siren-song of super-powerful sulfide mining interests enthralls our leaders. As competing interests, needs, and values are tossed overboard, even Lake Superior’s age-old songs cannot be heard. Tourism will suffer, scenic attributes will suffer, our long-established way of life will suffer, and clear sweet water will suffer. The damage will last for decades, maybe centuries…it depends.
If elected, I intend to submit corrective measures or bills to better protect the U.P. from sulfide mining.
Forests & Tourism versus Sulfide Mining--which is safer, which is wiser?
*Tourism is the U.P.’s top industry, while timber is second. My extensive background in remote real estate has taught me about both. Careful attention to the sulfide mining problem has added to my level of understanding of the issues facing us.
*After nearly 30 years in remote land real estate, I can tell you that sulfide mining threatens our U.P. way of life in an enormous and unprecedented way. Sulfide mining is the uninvited 600 lb. gorilla sitting in our living room. It stares at us, challenges our reputation as a desirable tourism destination.
It has taken 35 years to build up tourism in the U.P. Our state government encouraged and fostered this long-term economic growth. “God’s Country” became a well-known expression. During this time, forty-acre parcels were sold throughout the U.P.… the promotion of the of the “camp” experience.
Sulfide mining won’t just remove ore. Camp owners will discover that the bottom has fallen out of their property values. Not all at once, but a few…at first. Slowly, one by one, potential sales will collapse due to disclosure as implied in real estate law. You see, some people just won’t buy into a sulfide mining vicinity. Some people will become more, and more people become many.
*My work background in the Upper Peninsula includes: historic and contemporary log structures, woods road building, water quality examinations, portable sawmills, surveying, marketing, easements, and more. All this provides a better understanding of the U.P. and where its power resides today: in forests and waters.
*If you nurture the private sector lands with good solid timber management, that timber provides life for the mills. This nurturing works hand in hand with tourism, but not sulfide mining.
*We are faced with the difficult question of economic growth on a finite amount of land. And that means difficult choices. It means balancing future needs against present demands. It means deciding what to save, what is worth risking, and what kind of growth is best.
“If You Build It, They Will Come”
Our U.P. woodlands and lakes possess much in potential future value, because desire for recreational space increases every year in our country. It is my firm belief that tourism offers the best compromise between the demand for job growth and the need to preserve our remaining wild U.P. for future generations.
Let’s imagine a bold vision: the formation of five large parks (about 1 million acres total) across the northern part of our land base. I call this idea Four Parks (one already exists). These parks would be located mostly in the Lake Superior watershed, because land is still available there to obtain through land trade.
Large parks attract visitors on a grand scale. Statistical data proves this. With these new parks, the U.P. will compete in the big leagues, with the likes of Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Why think less of ourselves?
So often we hear defeatists saying that nothing can be done. But the Four Parks proposal is feasible. It will rearrange scattered U.P. public lands into more solidified blocks…parks for all people. The key here is that from a timberman’s point of view his disposable land blocks are low in timber value, and he will gladly trade with the state for their superior timber lands. And by fortunate coincidence, the timberman’s reject lands possess high recreational and scenic value.
Four Parks is a way to co-exist with the needs and demands of the U.P. timber industry. The trees will grow and cutting will take place, but with wisdom, and an eye on the future. Four Parks tourism will create more jobs and encourage a stable economy. Studies show 25% of tourism jobs are low-wage positions. The remaining 75% are better-quality jobs: contractors, retirement and second homes, investments circles, support businesses. Because the parks are protected, people will want to live around them. A book could be written about the economic value of “protected places.”
Thus Four Parks represents hope for future generations: steady U.P. jobs based on permanent resources and protected places. Four Parks also offers a needed economic alternative to sulfide mining. We must think “outside the box” to see it--be hopeful, not defeatist in our attitude. If it can be seen, it can be done.
Making the Right Choices
Years ago, exercising freedom of choice, I chose to live here. At 56, I am a 30-year resident of the U.P.
Given the complexity of today’s society and economy, it is a wonder how a single human legislator’s mind can make the best decisions at all times. Lobbyists ply their trade to influence that mind for their particular interest. In my opinion, listening is key. A Representative must be able to listen and judge the words of the lobbyist, seeking the truth in an issue, while keeping in mind what the people want.
For example, education lobbyists speak of the need for “flexibility” and insist that our schools are in pain--both of which appear true. But should that push aside the needs of small farmers who are being driven out of business because of government policies? What of the college student who goes deeply into debt yet after college there is no job? And what have we become if we forget the needs of the elderly? We have to be able to listen and balance all needs.
To me, you take the gifts you have and make them shine, now and for the future. Four Parks
What should be the qualities of a State Representative? How about a concerned citizen, motivated to action by the threat of sulfide mining? A person with no political baggage or obligations, but a person of heart. Part of my decision to run for Representative is based on my ability and determination to step forward with conviction and a plan, and to do the right thing.
One-on-one communication with other Representatives in Lansing is one way to do the right thing. Sincere communication embodying likeability, friendliness, respect, civility, and vision—such is one of my goals, that and an earnest desire to listen, to try to hear all sides, and see the good in everyone.
My deepest beliefs are based on ideals and virtues we all learn as Americans, including a faith in the rights and freedoms of the people, as opposed to greed and like philosophies.
Please mark your calendar and choose me August 8th. Watch for future flyers highlighting my campaign and my perspective on other issues.