Mayor McLennan hosts Lt. Gov. on a tour of RC
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
Rogers City seemed to leave a lasting impression on Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, who followed through with his promise to visit Rogers City for the first time in his life.
Could it have been the small-town hospitality that made an impact or was it the natural beauty of the area, that’s what gets everybody? Or was it the Calcite burger he had at The Lighthouse Restaurant when he had lunch with mayor Scott McLennan.
“That it is welcoming,” said Gilchrist when ask his first impressions of Rogers City. “That is at the core of what makes our smaller towns so special.” He must have enjoyed the visit since he was here an hour longer than planned.
“I am just thrilled to be here in Rogers City,” said Gilchrist. “The mayor has been such an amazing host, and really, I have seen evidence of his and his whole team’s leadership.”
Gilchrist, who was decked out in a charcoal gray colored suit, made-in-Dearborn he proudly said, toured the community with the mayor starting with a meeting of the regional environmental group Huron Pines, who was having a board meeting/retreat at P.H. Hoeft State Park.
McLennan said it was just a coincidence that the Gilchrist’s visit coincided with the meeting at the historic pavilion building.
“He talked about the importance of the environment,” said McLennan. “He understands that for us here in northern Michigan, it’s a tremendous drawing card for tourists and those who choose to live here.”
Then it was off to lunch, where owner Brian Bannasch treated Gilchrist to one of his more popular menu items.
“Medium with no onions, with bacon and waffle fries,” said Gilchrist, describing his meal with another level of enthusiasm.
More importantly, during lunch, McLennan talked about the kit boats proposed by Moran Iron Works; the need for better broadbrand in Rogers City; as well as the city becoming the 50th Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan.
“He was very pleased that we had worked hard to achieve that,” said McLennan.
At the Rogers City Marina, Gilchrist, his entourage and McLennan caught up with harbormaster Wayne Saile, Jr, who was weed wacking around the grounds to make sure everything at his facility looked top notch for this week’s Nautical City Festival.
Gilchrist chatted with McLennan and Saile with a backdrop of a nearly full marina.
“To be here at this beautiful marina that I know is an anchor and a point of pride for the c
After a quick 10 minutes, it was off to the fast-charging station that went in this summer.
Gilchrist was pleased to tell McLennan that he and his wife own an electric, Chrysler Pacifica. He also said $.50 a minute is the going rate at a fast-charging station.
“Gilchrist said it was evident that Rogers City is a community on the move and the momentum is there,” said McLennan. “He was very happy that he had stopped here.”