Damoose accepts over $2,400 in gifts

Student investigative journalists recently uncovered the lobbyists treating Leelanau County’s representatives in Lansing to free meals and trips.

Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City, accepted just under $85 in gifts in her first year in office, and John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, is on the fast track to becoming one of the top takers in the Michigan Legislature.

Coffia represents the 103rd District, which includes Leelanau County and parts of Benzie and Grand Traverse counties, in the Michigan House of Representatives. Damoose represents the 37th District in the state Senate, which spans from Leelanau County and Traverse City to Sault Ste. Marie, north of the Mackinac Bridge.