Since longtime Leelanau County Drain Commissioner Steve Christensen is not running for reelection, the position is up for grabs and voters will decide in the general election who will serve in the role. This year, two candidates, Democrat Faith Hoekstra is running against Republican Timothy O’Non for the job. Despite efforts to reach Hoekstra regarding her candidacy, she did not respond by the time of publication.
O’Non brings 46 years of experience in land surveying as well as 41 years of civil engineering experience, with much of his work done concerning local landscape and water systems throughout Leelanau County and other states like Colorado and Arizona. He said his goal is to implement transparent water management practices that respect property rights and preserve Leelanau’s natural beauty.
As drain commissioner, O’Non said his primary responsibilities will be ensuring proper drainage and runoff management to prevent flooding and to protect homes, businesses, farmland, and to safeguard water quality. In order to achieve this, he explained that he will utilize engineered methods like checking dams to control the flow of water and to minimize soil erosion, as well as administer laws related to flood protection, stormwater management, and soil conservation.
