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Residents raise Road Commission governance and insurance concerns during public comment
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 26 Mackinac County meeting, Lee Kanitz asked whether proposals to add two Road Commission members would require voter approval and Christina Schalk said the Road Commission canceled her son’s health insurance after an accident; commissioners said the matter is under legal review and that the Road Commission operates independently.
During the public‑comment portion of the Mackinac County Board meeting on Feb. 26, resident Lee Kanitz asked about discussion over adding two members to the Road Commission and whether that change would require voter approval. Chair Mike Patrick said the issue "is still under discussion with the County Attorneys. And it may have to go back to the voters of the County," and Commissioner Austin Kimberling raised a legal concern about creating five districts. Commissioner Daryl Schroeder suggested staggering terms if membership is increased.
Another commenter, Christina Schalk, said her son — then employed by the Road Commission — wrecked his snowmobile, was unable to work and that "the Road Commission cancelled his health insurance a few days later." Commissioner John Kling responded, "per the union contract, that is proper procedure," while Chair Patrick emphasized that the Road Commission is a separate entity and the county does not control its personnel or insurance policies.
Board members did not take formal action on either public comment item during the meeting; Chair Patrick said the governance question remains under legal review. The comments were recorded for the meeting minutes and may inform future discussion or referrals.
