Candidate Statements for 2026 Board Elections
Craig Reiter, Schoolcraft County, Region 1
I have been a commissioner for over 16 years and am very active in and outside my county. I have over six years of experience as board chair and several years as finance chair and vice chair.
I have also been very active in MAC. Over the years, I have been on almost every committee that MAC has and always attend conferences. Right now, I am serving on HHS and Finance committees at MAC.
I am in Lansing often with the Community Mental Health Association and other boards that I am on, and I never miss a chance to visit our lawmakers to advocate for the Upper Peninsula. One thing I have painfully learned is that with the Upper Peninsula representing about 3 percent of Michigan’s population, 97 percent of the state really isn’t concerned with us or our needs.
I have always been a strong voice for the Upper Peninsula, and I am never afraid to ask the hard questions of our lawmakers. They know my name. We have a unique area with challenges that are unique to us, and our issues need to be brought forward to our lawmakers, and I will continue to be that voice.
Being a Board member at MAC will just give me one move venue to have our voice heard, and at 3 percent, we need to be loud.
Joe Derocha, Marquette County, Region 1
No stateme
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Jeff Dontz, Manistee County, Region 2
Over two decades as a commissioner and over a decade as chairman, I have lots of experience to be an effective MAC Board member. I’m a lifelong resident of Region 2 and I’m very aware of concerns throughout the region and state.
Josh Brugger, Ottawa County, Region 3
As Michigan approaches an election that will bring a new Governor and may result in significant turnover in both the House and Senate, our region will benefit from steady, experienced leadership capable of navigating change while advancing the priorities of local governments.
Region III is home to the fastest-growing population in the state. Our communities are diverse, with economies driven by manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. They are places where people want to live, work and raise their families. While that growth brings tremendous opportunity, it also presents significant challenges — none more pressing than housing availability and affordability.
My educational background in political science from Hope College, combined with my professional experience as a licensed general contractor in residential construction, has given me firsthand knowledge of the housing issues facing our communities. In addition, my service as a member of the city of Grand Haven’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission, an elected City Council member, Ottawa County commissioner and chair of the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development Corporation has provided me with a broad perspective on land use, economic development and local governance. Together, these experiences have equipped me with a practical understanding of both the challenges before us and the opportunities to address them.
If elected, I look forward to working collaboratively with the members of Region III to advocate for our communities and to help address the opportunities and challenges that accompany growth in one of Michigan’s most dynamic regions.
Dwight Washington, Clinton County, Region 4
Over my tenure as a commissioner, I have been deeply privileged to step into central leadership discussions around our state. And, by embedding myself within our local public health departments and community mental health agencies, I have worked to ensure our counties have, and our region has a seat at the table.
As the incumbent Region 4 Board Director, I am incredibly proud to stand with the leadership at MAC to champion the life-saving work happening on the ground — including the opioid settlements and other timely guidance on issues that impact Michigan Counties.
As a member of the MAC ENRAT Committee, water has always been my driving passion, and I’ve had numerous conversations of a critical nature and ones that highlight our awe of water and the Great Lakes. These conversations continued across the county line to National Association of Counties (NACo) events. Today, I am proud to say that I’m recognized at NACo for my advocacy and thought leadership regarding water security and the Great Lakes.
Furthermore, I served on the core MAC team that helped elect Wayne County Commissioner Aleshia Bell as the next NACo president in 2027. This victory, combined with my established partnerships on Capitol Hill, secures a direct line to federal connections capable of bringing vital resources back home. Your vote ensures a proven, powerful advocate in Washington, D.C., fighting for a pure Michigan environment, public health and mental health funding priorities. Thank you for your support.
Gary Sauer, Benzie County, At-large
I have been blessed to represent Benzie County’s District 7 for 10 years. My focus on the MAC Board would be to continue to represent commissioners and counties in Michigan. My primary focus will be on improvements from the state and financial stability for the counties. Thank you for your consideration.