More than 150 persons turned out Tuesday in Glen Arbor for the biennial Cherry Pie Debate , sponsored by the Leelanau Enterprise, Interlochen Public Radio and the League of Women Voters Leelanau County.
Incumbent State Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) was pitted against Republican challenger Lisa Trombley, and candidates for the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community. Leelanau Enterprise publisher and COO John Elchert and Interlochen Public Radio (IPR) News Director Ed Ronco moderated the debate and took turns asking the 103rd State House candidates questions.
Although the battle lines have been drawn for the 2024 elections, event organizers encouraged the candidates and county residents to get together and have “a good neighbor-to-neighbor conversation” — Elchert’s words — over Chimoski Bakery cherry pie, Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company drinks, and Cherry Republic ice cream. “The goal of tonight’s event is to allow candidates to clearly state why they should be elected to represent you. We expect everyone to be civil and respectful. Conversation is what we expect to rule the night; not confrontation,” Ronco said.
