We recommend Jason Gillman in the 1st District, Ross Richardson in the 5th District and Christine Maxbauer in the 7th District.

Gillman is a newcomer who has never sought office before but has a longtime interest in politics and government. He is a local tea party organizer who says he’s “a little more conservative” than the board’s current conservatives. One issue that led him to run is the county’s take over of American Legion baseball and a possible takeover of a girl’s softball league. “We have lots of responsibilities in county government and that’s not one of them,” he said.”

He is also the son of Mike Gillman, who won a Traverse City Commission seat last year.

Now its time to live up to even increased expectations. Exactly.