LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – One Republican candidate for Michigan governor says he’ll plant a permanent flag in the Upper Peninsula — starting with an “ambassador” charged with giving Yoopers a direct line to Lansing.

Tom Leonard said that if elected, one of his first moves would be appointing an ambassador to the U.P. and establishing a dedicated executive office presence there to ensure residents have direct access to the governor’s office.

More U.P. representation in Lansing.

MORE NEWS: Solar Farm Advances as State, Not Locals, Holds Final Say

In an interview with Michigan News Source, Leonard said the math for U.P. representation in Lansing isn’t adding up.

The [three representatives and one senator] are doing an incredible job and fighting hard,” Leonard said, praising the efforts of GOP Representatives Greg Markkanen and Karl Bohnak, along with State Sen. Ed McBroom. They represent district areas that are entirely in the U.P.  “But that’s less than three percent of one third of state government.” Leonard explained that while the judicial and executive branches of government cover the entire state, the legislative branch has 110 lawmakers that primary cover Lower Peninsula interests. “It’s tough to get things done in U.P.,” Leonard said.

U.P. priorities.

In addition, Leonard said residents have highlighted rising energy costs, limited access to primary care and OB/GYN services, overworked sheriffs, lost mining revenue, and the lack of real mental health options in the U.P. Part of that is due to major services being spread out farther in much of the U.P.

“There is not one psych bed available there,” Leonard said, referencing the Upper Peninsula. “Michigan has mental health crisis [and] that is a problem we’ve got to address.”

“A partner in the governor’s office.”