LeeAnne Johnson, from East Tawas, is trying to flip the seat blue by earning more votes than Republican incumbent Sue Allor, who is seeking a third term. Because of term limits, Allor can serve only one more term in the House.

Johnson, a retired journalist, said she believes there needs to be stricter term limits, revamped campaign finance laws, and more focus and preserving and protecting the environment. She said the state also needs to do more to help seniors and prepare to help those who are on the verge of becoming seniors.

She said she would listen to the voice of her constituents and use that voice to get things done in Lansing.

“I noticed that she hasn’t been fighting hard enough against Line 5 or protecting us from PFAS,” Johnson said of Allor, referring to Enbridge Inc.’s oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac and to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, contaminants found throughout the state. “I’m an ordinary person like you, and I care about your opinions and ideas. I will fight for you and speak for you.”

LeeAnn Johnson

Allor said she has a solid record in protecting the environment.

She said her record proves she has been tough on Line 5 and she’s one of few Republicans who have spoken out against the pipeline and supported shutting it down.

She said she also has concerns about a proposed underground, concrete tunnel through which Line 5 would run in the Straits. She said she was the only Republican to vote against a House resolution that would have expedited permits for the tunnel’s construction.

“I support the concept of a tunnel, but I have serious concern and don’t want things rushed through,” she said. “When things are done too quickly, that is when mistakes are made, and this is too important to have any mistakes.”

Earlier this month, the House passed an Allor-sponsored bill that would improve safety protocols for the handling of firefighting foam, a source of PFAS contamination. The bill has yet to pass the Senate.

“So far, we have taken 50,000 gallons of this chemical off shelves, so they aren’t being used,” she said. “That removes any potential that it could threaten out groundwater, and that is huge.”

Johnson said she would fully support directives and initiatives established by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to limit the spread of COVID-19. That includes a second lockdown, if one is needed.

“We will be dealing with this COVID thing for years, and I would support our governor as a part of the Legislature,” Johnson said. “I will make my decisions based on what the experts tell us in order to keep everyone in Michigan safe.”

Allor said that, because the pandemic impacts different parts of the state differently and at different times, she believes local officials should play a larger role in establishing policy.

She also believes that the health care regions established by the state — in which multiple counties reopen or stay closed together based on virus data — need to be redrawn, because some northern communities, like Alcona County, are lumped in with larger cities farther south that have larger spreads.

She said lawmakers also need to plan ahead budget-wise to be sure there is adequate financial support for schools, small businesses, and health care providers.

“The impacts from COVID are not over, and there will still be consequences and we need to be ready for them,” she said. “Right now I’m more inclined to grant more power to the local health departments, because they are the ones best equipped to assess the situation in their area and react accordingly.”

Sue Allor

AGE: 65

RESIDENCE: Wolverine

OCCUPATION: Retired, state rep

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: Two terms in the state House

FAMILY: Married, three children

AGE: 54

RESIDENCE: East Tawas

OCCUPATION: Retired journalist

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: None

FAMILY: Single, four children