Bohnak, Aho Rink outline priorities in District 109 House race

Voters in Michigan’s 109th House District will decide Tuesday whether to retain Republican state Rep. Karl Bohnak or elect Democratic challenger Anna Aho Rink, with both candidates identifying affordability, economic development and rural services as priorities for Upper Peninsula communities.

Bohnak, a longtime Upper Peninsula meteorologist, was elected to the Michigan House in 2024. He said nearly 40 years of working in the region helped him understand the challenges facing its residents.

Since taking office, Bohnak said his staff has responded to or resolved more than 6,000 constituent cases. He also noted his efforts to work across party lines.

Aho Rink, a Marquette native with family roots in Marquette and Alger counties, has worked as a physician assistant for more than 20 years. A mother of two and the wife of a police officer, she said her experience helping patients navigate health care and financial challenges motivated her candidacy.

Both candidates identified the need to strengthen year-round employment beyond the region’s seasonal tourism economy, but emphasized different approaches.

Bohnak supports small-business growth, expanded winter recreation and protecting industries that provide stable employment. He identified affordable, reliable energy as essential to attracting employers and retaining jobs.

Aho Rink favors investments in broadband, workforce training and partnerships among schools, colleges and regional employers. She also supports public-private investment in manufacturing, energy and technology.

“Economic development should mean more than attracting summer visitors,” Aho Rink said. “It should mean creating stable employment, supporting local entrepreneurs and building communities where families can afford to live and raise their children.”

Affordability was a central concern for both candidates.

Bohnak cited his support for legislation addressing corporate purchases of single-family homes, property tax relief and efforts to maintain affordable electricity. He also advocated state budgets that prioritize essential services without raising taxes.

Aho Rink called for stronger consumer protections against price gouging and pricing practices that use artificial intelligence to monitor consumers. She also supports income-based property tax credits, changes to state zoning laws and greater local authority to regulate short-term rentals.

On energy policy, both candidates support protecting the Upper Peninsula’s 13 natural gas-powered reciprocating internal combustion engine generators, commonly known as RICE units.

Bohnak identified passage of bipartisan legislation protecting the generators as a leading priority, arguing that reliable electricity is necessary for economic development.

Aho Rink also supports legislation allowing the generators to remain in operation while advocating longer-term renewable energy investments, including home solar programs and energy-efficiency assistance.

Rural health care, schools and infrastructure also featured prominently in their responses to The Beacon’s questions.

Bohnak cited his support for the bipartisan fiscal year 2026 state budget, which included $250 million in federal funding for rural health transformation grants. He also pointed to the state’s road funding package, which the Michigan House Fiscal Agency projected would increase county road agency funding by about 35.5% compared with fiscal year 2024 levels.

“We need practical solutions that lower costs for families, seniors, and small businesses rather than placing additional financial burdens on them,” Bohnak said.

Aho Rink identified rural health care access as an immediate priority, expressing concern about the potential effects of federal health care funding changes on hospitals and clinics.

She supports prescription drug cost controls, expanded health coverage, mental health services and preventive care programs. She also identified Munising Memorial Hospital’s Mobile Health Unit as an example of an innovative approach to delivering care in rural communities.

Looking ahead, Bohnak identified affordable energy, rural hospitals, roads, schools and small businesses as priorities for another term. He said his legislative proposals have attracted bipartisan support.

Aho Rink named health care, affordability, public schools and child care among her leading priorities. She also proposed restoring pensions for Michigan corrections officers and improving their pay, benefits and workplace safety.

The candidates’ responses reflect both shared concerns and different approaches to addressing them: Bohnak emphasizing his legislative record, energy reliability and infrastructure funding, and Aho Rink emphasizing health care access, consumer protections, housing affordability and workforce development.