Meet the Candidates:
Leelanau County:
Tom Van Pelt (Incumbent)
Candidate
Director for Leelanau County
Term: 2029
I own and assist with the operations on our family farm near Northport.
(I am 3rd generation, with 4th & 5th also working the farm).
- Leelanau Township Emergency Services
- Leelanau Energy
- Prospectors ( A Leelanau County organization that provides scholarships to high school graduates, for both academic and career oriented education)
Everyone should be involved within their community. Electricity is needed and used by everyone.
RELIABILITY & AFFORDABILITY impacts all members, residents, and visitors to our beautiful community.
My experience as a Credentialed Director, a former Leelanau County Commissioner, and organizational training received as a Captain of Leelanau Emergency Services combined with 2 college degrees have given me the skills to understand Budgets, Policies, and Proper Procedures.
As part of the election process, Cherryland’s policy requests candidates to disclose any financial campaign contributors in order to best inform member voting.
Disclosures will be submitted on the following dates:
April 16, 2026 – Click To View
May 15, 2026
June 10, 2026
At Large:
David Schweitzer (Incumbent)
Candidate
Director At Large
Term: 2029
I am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and owner of Schweitzer Capital Group LLC, which I launched in 1996. I have been in the investment industry for forty years and have a degree in Finance and Economics. I also served as an adjunct instructor at Davenport University for ten years, where I taught corporate finance and economics. I have been married to my wife, Debra, for forty years and have two adult daughters
- I represent Cherryland on the Wolverine Power Board
- Thrive Medical Board
- NMC Business Advisory Board
- Northpointe Property Owners Board
- Along with my wife, Debra, we are longtime volunteers with Single MOMM.
Serving as your director is an immense honor. Cherryland Electric is recognized as a national leader, and I am committed to keeping it that way. My primary focus is ensuring continuous service by delivering best-in-class reliability (as evidenced by our recent weather events), upholding uncompromising standards of safety, and prioritizing affordability through disciplined fiscal management. I answer only to you—the members’ interest is the only interest.
As a business owner with a financial background, I can provide the financial acumen necessary to maintain a close eye on the cooperative’s fiscal health. Excellence isn’t a destination; it’s a constant pursuit, especially in the fast-paced environment that we live in today. If reelected, I will continue advocating for innovative technologies and common-sense policies to preserve our “best-in-country” status for the next generation. I am grateful for your past support and ask for your vote so we can keep our cooperative strong, safe, and member-focused.
As part of the election process, Cherryland’s policy requests candidates to disclose any financial campaign contributors in order to best inform member voting.
Disclosures will be submitted on the following dates:
April 16, 2026 – Click To View
May 15, 2026
June 10, 2026
Brian Fenlon
Candidate
Director At Large
Term: 2029
I work as a production winemaker for Black Star Farms in Leelanau County. This gives me valuable insight into the local agricultural economy, and the complex systems from crop growers to production and distribution of wines. Prior to winemaking I graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
- Chair of Leelanau County Planning Commission
- Leland Township Planning Commissioner
- Leelanau Energy
- Michigan Association of Planning
Being born and raised in Leelanau County, my wife and I are now fortunate to raise our own daughter here. I have a strong passion for public service instilled by my grandparents military and civil service and believe that effective policy can have a positive impact on people’s lives. Weather patterns have changed here in northern Michigan, severe (100 year) storms are more frequent and cause more damage. We need to make sure our electrical grid and communications services are prepared for the increasing occurrence of severe weather events such as we’ve seen in recent years.
I have a record of fiscal responsibility as President of the Maplewood Hills Condo Association from 2015-2020. Under my leadership, we balanced the budget of a multimillion dollar condo complex encompassing 61 homes. As an appointee of the Leelanau County Planning Commission since 2023, I studied the materials to provide valued feedback resulting in my election to Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026. As a Director of Cherryland Electric Cooperative I aim to be a voice of working families in northern Michigan, ensuring reliable service, affordable electric bills, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
As part of the election process, Cherryland’s policy requests candidates to disclose any financial campaign contributors in order to best inform member voting.
Disclosures will be submitted on the following dates:
April 16, 2026 – Click To View
May 15, 2026
June 10, 2026
