Isabella Primary Voters Guide 2012

7/31/2019 Isabella Primary Voters Guide 2012

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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS • MOUNT PLEASANT AREA

ISABELLA

COUNTY LOCAL

VOTER GUIDE 2012

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The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization,

encourages informed and active participation in government. The League

never supports or opposes any political party or candidate.

I n s I d e are the CandIdates FOr theMt. Pleasant area

PrIMarY eleCtIOn

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PrIMarY eleCtIOnon Tuesday, August 7, 2012POLLS ARE OPEN 7AM TO 8PM

I n f o r ma t i o n o n ca n d i da t e s

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The League contacted candidates in contested races for biographical information and answers to questions on issues. The an-swers are printed as submitted and have not been edited. When a candidate exceeded the word limit the answer is ended with anellipsis (…). If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words “Material Not Available” appear under thcandidate’s name.

Isabella County sherIff - Vote for one

question one: What, i any, changes would you implement in

the operation o the sheri’s ofce?

question two: Do you see a shit in the types o crimes

Isabella County? I so, what are your plans to address this

CandidateBaCKGRound

& eXPeRienCequestion 1 question 2

Rbr Bb HRepuBlicanage: 40WeBsite: hallforisabellasheriff.comcampaign pHone: (989) 621-0961email: [email protected]: 209 N. Chippewa St.Shepherd, MI 48883

pResent occupation: Police Ofcer

education: Graduated Ithaca High School, Studied aerospacepropulsion at Community College of the Air Force,Studied Criminal Justice at Central Carolina Techni-cal College, Delta College, North Eastern BasicPolice Academy, and countless hours of in servicetraining specic to the position of police ofcer.

US Air Force Veteran, Shep-herd Police, Clare CountySheriff Dept, Sag Chip TribalPolice, Carrollton TownshipPolice, K9, Detective BAY- ANET, Isabella County emer-gency services team, shiftsupervisor, police instructor,eld training ofcer, Isabella

co trafc team, MSP meth labresponse team, marine & bikepatrol.

Immediately work on getting the road pa-trol deputy wasted on prisoner transport(a corrections ofcer job), back on the

streets protecting and serving. Utilize 12hour shifts, which will provide better patrolservices at no extra cost. Start a reservedeputy volunteer unit, which will be able todo numerous duties; that would otherwiseremove a regular deputy from patrol. Stop

scal waste, like take home cars for Sher -iff and Admin on the county taxpayer’sdime. Overhaul day to day operations.

I wouldn’t say there is a shift in theof crimes, but our community does erience crime sprees on occasion (mproperty crime in nature). The bestis prevention, which usually is acplished by visible patrols. This caaccomplished by stopping scal w

within the Sheriff Department and pmanagement of resources. I also fe

active Sheriff can help with day totasks at times, to keep road patroland about; rather than having them ning errands”.

l mzwkRepuBlican

age: 57WeBsite: sherifeo.com

email: [email protected]

addRess: 5115 E. Valley Rd.Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858pResent occupation: Isabella County Sheriff.education: Master’s degree in Public Administration, Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Business Administrationand Broadcasting. Graduate of the FBI NationalAcademy, as well as numerous Executive Leader-ship Institutes for Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

Full-time, certied law enforce-ment ofcer for the past 27

years. I oversee a budget of

$4.5 million, supervise over 50 employees and haveextensive administrative,supervisory, budgeting, grant-writing and human resourcemanagement experience. I amalso a trained K-9 Handler andHostage Negotiator.

The Sheriff’s Department is in the processof taking a regional approach to ghting

crime. We recognize that it is not uncom-

mon to have two or more police agenciesinvestigating crimes committed by thesame person. Recently, individuals werearrested for breaking into over 104 homesin a 6 county area, including IsabellaCounty. Without cooperation and informa-tion sharing between detectives from thesix counties, arrests in those cases maynot have occurred.

The Sheriff’s Department is seeing acrease in breaking & entering, larcenyidentity theft calls. Over the past 3 y

breaking and enterings have incre15%. The Sheriff’s Department has aggressive in addressing the issuepresenting Community Watch (Neighood Watch) and Identity Theft progto our citizens. The programs providzens with suggestions and informatiosimple steps that can be taken to helsure they do not become victims of c

thr Jh Vr democRatage: 45addRess: 7287 W Fremont Rd.Blanchard, MI 49310WeBsite: www.Visner4Sheriff.comcampaign pHone: (989) 561-2422email: [email protected] occupation:

Candidate for Isabella County Sheriff and student of laweducation:

Material Not Available. For a more complete answer to the ques-tion asked, please visit www.Visner4Sher-iff.com Reduction of civil suits againstthe dept from inside and out. Creating anIAD within the dept adding jobs. Improv-ing morale through pay and educationincentives. Restoring the public trust.Negotiating with the union to resolve cur-rent issues. Establishing a “mission state-ment” that includes the concepts behind“To Serve and to Protect”. Replacing man-agers that insist on forcing citizens to suethe depart.

In a down economy crimes turn towards crimes of opportunity, mawhich can be avoided through publiccation. Crimes are also becoming sophisticated. In order to maintain oeducating our LEOs is of top prioritthe types of crimes change, so doefforts needed to stop or prevent all together. Absent an extinction event, crime will continue to advanthe same or greater pace than technand to keep up, education needs to bpriority.



Isabella County ClerK - Vote for one

question one: What do you consider key issues to be

addressed by the County Clerk’s Ofce in the next our years?

question two: We have seen improvements in voting accewith the provisions o the “Help Americans Vote Act.” In you

view what are other steps that can be taken to continue providequitable, easy and air access to the polls?

CandidateBaCKGRound


p J HwkRepuBlicanage: 58addRess: 106 West Orchard,P.O. Box 432, Shepherd MI 48883WeBsite: facebook.com/paulhawkinscampaign pHone: (989) 828-6641email: [email protected]

pResent occupation: Owner of Hawkins Appliance Serviceeducation: Mid Michigan Community CollegeAssociate Business Administration, Shepherd HighSchool Class of 1971

Currently Coe TownshipClerk, Village of ShepherdZBA Chairman, Bus Driver for Shepherd Public SchoolsPAST: Village of ShepherdTrustee, Village of ShepherdPresident Pro Tempore, PoliceComm. Chairman, Fire Comm.Chairman, Zoning Comm.Member, County PrecinctDelegate, Delegate to StateConvention, 4-H Adult Leader

As Coe Twp Clerk, due to cuts in revenuesharing, I work within budget constraints. Iwill strive to keep cost down and continueaffordable fees without cutting countyservices. Elections are the most vitalcomponent of any clerk position. As TwpClerk I am fully trained in the latest elec-tion regulations. I will use this experienceat the county level. The relationship be-tween the Co. Clerk and Twp Clerks is keyto the successful system now in place. Iwill maintain these relationships.

Isabella Co is compliant with HAVAcan improve on informing seniorspeople with disabilities of these chaVisiting senior centers and civic orzations would be an effective, affordway to raise awareness. Another pwould be visiting high schools to edfuture voters of the ease of the vprocess and the importance of beinformed. While keeping up with techncal advances, tools, and opportunitiemust remember our citizens who duse computers.

m B lxRepuBlicanage: 38addRess: 1240 Buckingham PlaceMt. Pleasant, MI 48858WeBsite: www.mindelux.comcampaign pHone: (989) 773-3428email: [email protected] occupation:

Isabella County Register of Deeds Deputy Clerkeducation: Shepherd High School, Mid MichiganCommunity College studied in Business 14 Years of Governmental Experience

Isabella Co. Employee1994-Present: V.A & Register of Deeds. Co-Owner: LuxFuneral Home, Mt. PleasantPlanning Comm., Sheriff’sVictim Services Unit, Cert.Emergency Response Team,Comm. Cancer Servies.,Relayfor Life, Ganiard PTO, Cham-ber of Commerce, Past Mem-ber: 12 yrs. Isabella Co. Parks& Rec. Chair, Lions Club.

Key issues facing the County Clerk inthe next four years are the Budget andTechnology. With the decrease in staterevenue sharing, we could be facing cutsin employees & future budgets, unlessrevenue sharing is increased. Workingfor the County for 14 years has givenme the ability to foresee areas where wecan increase revenue utilizing the currentwebsite services. The county clerk needsto continue to make the ofce more self-

sufcient and conscious of how expendi-

tures are spent.

In my view examples of steps that cbe taken to continue providing equiteasy and fair access to the polls is toon top with state and local upgradtechnology to election procedures, vmachines, record-keeping and poll wtraining. We need to nd organiza

that are willing to sponsor I Ride buto and from poll locations for seniorsdisabled voters. Also, we need to msure all voter locations are 100% asible and motivate more people to vo

l a shRepuBlicanage: 54addRess: P.O. Box 338Shepherd, MI 48883WeBsite: louannschmidt.comcampaign pHone: (989) 330-3558email: [email protected] occupation: Teacher education: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree inEducation

Teacher for 31 years. The topics that I consider the key issuesthat need to be addressed by the CountyClerk’s Ofce in the next four years in-clude; the smooth transition from the cur-rent clerk to new clerk, budget alignmentwhile addressing potential budget cuts,education and training of election work-ers, and continuing attentive and personalcustomer service within the ofce and

through online resources.

I do believe some people avoid votingto limited education about the votingcess or in some instances becausedo not realize what is actually on the at each election. I would hope to chthis by visiting local schools addrecivics classes and senior English clain order to inform the students andcourage them to become involved ielection process. This should help ptial voters have a better understandinimpact that voting can have on their

K YRepuBlicanage: 42addRess: 8320 Upton DriveShepherd, MI 48883campaign pHone: (989) 828-5599email: [email protected] occupation:Textbook Buyer education: Bachelor of Science in BusinessAdministration

20+ years experience in cus-tomer service and managingdata. Volunteer for ShepherdMaple Syrup Festival. Summer Ball Board Treasurer. Lifelongresident of Isabella County.Dedicated loyal employeewith strong attention to detail.Ready and willing to learn andserve the citizens of IsabellaCounty.

I think the key issues that should be ad-dressed by the County Clerk’s Ofce in

the next four years are electronic deathcerticate ling, continued advancements

in making voting easier and more accessi-ble for the people of Isabella County, andmost importantly to continue to providean outstanding level of customer serviceto the citizens of Isabella County as wellas those from outside our County who re-quire the services of the Isabella CountyClerk.

I believe we should look at more waget the voters to the polls by providinmuch free transportation as possibalso feel we need to get the youngereration involved more also by educthem in the schools about voting andeasy it is and not something to be aof doing.



Isabella County reGIster of DeeDs - Vote for one

question one: What unique experience qualifes you to hold

this ofce?

question two: What do you see as the major work and ch

lenge in the Register o Deeds Ofce in the next our years

CandidateBaCKGRound


Krk s arRepuBlicanage: 53addRess: 2410 W. BaselineMt. Pleasant MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 944-4637Email: [email protected] occupation: Business Owner education: Bachelor’s of Science - BusinessAdministration Central Michigan University

Merrill Lynch FinancialConsultant; Isabella BankMortgage Department; MountPleasant Abstract ClosingExecutive; Extensive RealEstate experience; Lifelongarea resident and LocalBusiness Owner

I have over 30 years experience inInvestment and Real Estate. This requireda familiarity with Land Contracts, Trusts,Mortgages, Warranty Deeds, Quit ClaimDeeds, and numerous other recordabledocuments. I have owned numerousproperties in land and rentals. I havedeveloped sub-divisions which include Amber Lane and Chadwick Court inMount Pleasant.

To incorporate the current changes ieconomy using technology coupled wstrong customer service commitmenintent is to utilize the tax payers dollathe most efcient manner.

sh W Fx ii

RepuBlicanage: 44addRess: 808 Riverview CourtMt. Pleasant, MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 289-2101email: [email protected] occupation: Sales & Customer Serviceeducation: Bachelor of Science in PoliticalScience, Minor in History, Graduate Certicate in

Science Administration

Customer Service & Sales,Morbark, Inc. 2006 to 2011.

My ambition and education has alwaysbeen geared towards state, local, and

federal government employment andyet I have never been involved in anytype of public service due to family andemployment constraints. However, givenmy current unemployed status, I now havethe opportunity to pursue employmentthat ts my educational background.

Due to being a new candidate toposition, I have yet to recognize any

work challenges in the position. This the case, all I can do is provide youmy goals. First and foremost, continmaintain the great customer servicesecondly, provide updated technolas the position deems necessary.

Kr R. Jk

RepuBlicanage: 58addRess: 492 W. Wright Ave.Shepherd, MI 48883WeBsite: www.karen4isabella.comcampaign pHone: (989) 289-0698email: [email protected] occupation: Chief Deputy Register of Deedseducation: High school graduate with continuedcourses in computers and accounting. Classes indocument preservation, technology fund usage andpassport acceptance.

I have 23 years experience inthe Register of Deeds ofce.

Member of the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds. Certied U.S.

Department of State Passport Acceptance Agent. Past V.B.S.Director, Sunshine GuildPresident and Sunday SchoolDepartment Head.

I worked in the Kalkaska County Register of Deeds ofce for 5 years before moving

to Isabella County. I have 18 years of experience in the Isabella County Register of Deeds ofce, the last 8 years as Chief

Deputy. As Chief Deputy I am able toperform all duties of the ofce. I have an

excellent understanding of the intent andsignicance of all the statues that govern

the ofce and have a thorough knowledge

of the county budget and its constraints.

My rst priority will be to protec

integrity of the records while m

them more accessible and user frifor the public. In an effort to conexcellent customer service and brirevenue, I would continue procepassport applications and expand osearching capabilities. I plan to workother county ofces to ensure all time

cost savings are implemented, inclinternal electronic recording. I wiready on day one.

a lr WRepuBlicanage: 36addRess: 290 E Blue Grass RdMt. Pleasant, MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 560-0204email: [email protected] occupation: Closing agent for Corpo-rate Settlement Solutionseducation: Bachelor of Applied Arts, Minor inBusiness

Eight years in Title InsuranceIndustry as an experiencedClosing Agent for Real EstateTransactions.

I currently work at Corporate SettlementSolutions formerly Isabella County Abstract. This position over the past eightyears has given me an opportunity to seethe workings of the Register of Deeds fromthe vantage point of a customer, whichgives me a better idea of what the peopleof Isabella County need and expect fromthe ofce. I take pride in being involved

in the community and successfully takeon new challenges when faced with theunknown.

The major work in the next four ywill be keeping up with technologyscally conservative manner and m

sure the records are easily accesto those who need to do researchrecord documents. Utilizing the keeping it user friendly and efcie

access the documents, while still mmoney for the County of Isabella.major challenge will be the budget.

in the ofce I will be able to observ

behind the scene details and deterany changes.



Isabella County CoMMIssIoner continued

C Cmmii Diic f - Vote for one

question one: What are the main challenges the county is ac-

ing? How would you deal with these challenges?

question two: What practices are in place or would you l

to see in place to ensure unds allocated to county departme

are spent judiciously?

Candidate BaCKGRound& eXPeRienCe

question 1 question 2

J HrRepuBlicanage: 49addRess: 3089 Hunters TrailMt. Pleasant, MI 48858WeBsite: www.hortonforcountycommissioner.comcampaign pHone: (989) 779-8004email: [email protected]

pResent occupation: Pharmacist/Attorneyeducation: J.D.Cum Laude, Detroit College of aw 1992, B.S. Pharmacy, Ferris State University

987, Swartz Creek High School 1981

Shareholder/PharmacyDirector of 4 independentpharmacies (includingDowntown Drugs) in thecentral Michigan area1997-Present, PharmacyManager and Staff Pharmacist1987-1997, Union TownshipTrustee 2004-2008, MPPSSchool Board Trustee 1999-2004, Adjunct Faculty MMCC

(Pharmacy Law), Adjunct

Faculty Ferris and UM.

A problem facing local governments todayis being able to effectively manage their budgets given the uncertainty of fundingsources due to a struggling economy.Being able to work within a group,reach rational decisions, and maintain aharmonious environment is necessary toaccomplish difcult decisions concerning

the nances and the management of

affairs of Isabella County. My educational,work, and local government backgroundsprovide me with valuable experience in

solving budgetary issues.

Macro management by the BoarCommissioners is necessary to achiecontinuous ow of management. G

caught up in self serving or percauses can lead to decisions apolicies that do not adequately expthe viewpoints of County residenwould like to see County Commissiocontinue to disqualify themselvesmatters in which they have a venancial or secular interest. Consolid

of services with other local governm

should also be explored.

Jfr trr democRatage: 40addRess: 5134 E. Ward StreetMt. Pleasant, MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 560-7080email: [email protected]

pResent occupation: Chief Executive Ofcer

education:Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Saginaw ValleyState University

I have seventeen years of leadership and managementexperience. I am skilled atmanaging diverse teams,developing budgets,measuring performance, andachieving sustainability. Ihave been a resident of UnionTownship for 12 years and Iam currently the Chair of theUnion Township EconomicDevelopment Authority Board.

The nancial picture of the county is

growing worse and this will need to beaddressed very soon. The county alsofaces the difcult decision on whether

to absorb the Road Commission, dueto a new state law passed in February. Another key issue just coming to the

forefront is the continued decrease inrevenue sharing of sales tax by the Stateof Michigan. Difcult decisions will need

to be made in the near future. Conductingdue diligence and taking an analytical

approach will be important.

In order to achieve the goals the cohas, I believe taking a conservapproach to spending is impoThrough my past experience dewith large budgets and restructbusinesses, I have found that are often compromises that need tmade. This requires proactive thiand taking an active approach to

efciencies. I have a proven track re

of running successful businesses nding creative solutions to problems

Tak A

Frind TVoTe!

Information on candidates running for national and state offices is available at the

Michigan League of Women Voter website: www.lwvmi.org or www.vote411.org



unIon toWnshIP suPerVIsor - Vote for one


this ofce?

question two: What practices are in place or would you l

to see in place to ensure the Board adequately responds to t

demands o township growth?

CandidateBaCKGRound


R awRepuBlican

Material Not Available. Material Not Available. Material Not Available.

J cRepuBlicanage: 69addRess: 4329 E Airport RdMt. Pleasant, MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 772-0278email: [email protected]

pResent occupation: Retirededucation: Associate Degree MMCC

30 years Mt Pleasant FireDept 16 years on UnionTownship Board

I have worked in government for 46years. I was with the Mt Pleasant FireDepartment for 30+ years where I retiredwith distinguished merit. I joined the Union

Township Board in 1992 when I waselected to the Board of Trustees. In 1996,I was elected to the position of TownshipSupervisor and held that position for 12years until 2008. In my tenure of 12 yearsof leadership the Township experiencedan exceptional amount of growth and

development plus upgrades of service toits residents.

I believe that the Township Board shposition itself to help growth. We shwork on making sure the developmeets the intent of all Towordinances. It should be the positioUnion Township to work with develonot get in the way. In that way, wecreate jobs for the taxpayers and rev

for the people of the Township stabilize the revenue of the Towgovernment.

Jh Brkr democRatage: 70addRess: 5411 East Hazel LaneMt. Pleasant, MI, 48858WeBsite: coming sooncampaign pHone: (989) 954-0299email: [email protected]

pResent occupation: Retired Executiveeducation: Central Michigan University B.S.Journalism,University of Maryland

Communications andMarketing Executive inprivate industry and publicentities including Senior VicePresident at Detroit Edisonbefore retirement.

My combination of practical experienceand advanced knowledge of localgovernment management may beconsidered unique for an elected ofcial.

When I earned my Masters degree inPublic Administration after serving severaldecades as both a corporate executiveand a high-level county and city ofcial

I gained a unique perspective of thestrengths and weaknesses along withbest practices in both business and localgovernment. That diverse background hasserved me well as a township supervisor.

Our new Smart Growth MPlan combined with infrastruimprovements is critical to the grof the township. My administrationworked to double the capacity otownship’s water system and weplanning to enlarge our waste wtreatment system. The soon tocompleted economic development is another step to prepare for grOur new regional Non-MotoTransportation Plan is another meawe have put in place to respond toeconomy growth.



LEAGUE Of WOmEN VOTERSOF ThE MT. PLEASANT AREA

VIsIT ouR Web PAGe

tpleasantarea.i. lwvnet .org

“LIke” us on fAcebook

www.ace.co/lwvpa



unIon toWnshIP ClerK - Vote for one


this ofce?

question two: Do you see a need or changes in the way t

ofce relates to the public or to the rest o township govern

ment?

CandidateBaCKGRound


mr HryREPUBLICAN


Kbry m RRepuBlicanage: 25addRess: 3113 South Concourse DriveMt. Pleasant, MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 560-0612email: [email protected] occupation: Studenteducation: BS from Central Michigan University:Health Fitness in Preventative and Rehabilitative

Programs Major, Business Minor expected in Winter 2012

I have been employed as aclerk for a private business,I am computer savvy, and Ipossess good people skills.I have been commended for my ling and organizational

abilities.

I have helped run township electionsseveral times, I have been a precinctchairperson on multiple occasions, andI have seen how other Township Clerk’sOfces operate behind the scenes. During

my time as a chairperson, I was closelyinvolved in the entire election processfrom beginning to end. In addition, duringmy private-sector employment I havebeen entrusted with handling sensitivedemographic and nancial information.

Although the public may not be await, I would like to improve the educand training of the persons workinthe polls to make for a better experfor everybody. There is always rooimprovement, especially with the reincorporation of electronic voting recI would like to focus in particulaensuring that Election Chairpersonscomfortable with running a voting preand all that it entails.

pr gdemocRatage: 28addRess: 2953 N. Concourse Dr.WeBsite: www.gogallinat.comemail: [email protected] occupation: Clerk of Union Townshipeducation: Associates Liberal Arts Ferris StateUniversity

Election Administrator The last four years I have served asElection Administrator in Union Township.I was the rst clerk in Union Township

to also introduce Electronic Poll bookson election day for a smoother votingprocess.

I believe in friendly professional seI want to be a Clerk who engagescommunity, encourages voting always educates the public abouvoting process

Jrry HrdemocRatage: 62addRess: 2743 Eland Ct.Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858campaign pHone: (989) 954-2156email: [email protected]

pResent occupation: Adjunct Faculty

education: MBA University of Michigan-Flint,B.S. in Ed. & M.A.Administration of Sports CentralMichigan University

In past careers, in sales and

management and teachinghigh school and at MMCC Ihave successfully used allthe skills needed to performthe tasks necessary for the township clerk ofce. I

am procient in Microsoft

Ofce, and have organized

and managed large eventsincluding sales meetings,blood drives and clubs.

I am effectively prepared with extensive

successful work experience in boththe private sector in management, andpublic sector in teaching. This requiredorganizational, planning, management,technological and ofce skills also needed

in the township clerk’s ofce. I am a

lifelong learner signied by having taken

at least one class at CMU in every decadesince I was a freshman in ‘68 and mostrecently the summer session of ’11. I seethe ofce as a way to help residents, not

just a job.

When talking to other residents

ofcers of Union Township I have made aware of a consensus that a for improvement in the performancecommunication of the township cofce has existed for some time,

is why I am running. My main gto improve the relationships arepursuing best practices as outlined i“Township of Excellence” program, pro-active in addressing problemsface the township, timely oversightbeing accesible to residents.

LEAGUE Of WOmEN VOTERSOF ThE MT. PLEASANT AREA

VIsIT ouR Web PAGe

tpleasantarea.i. lwvnet .org

“LIke” us on fAcebook

www.ace.co/lwvpa



unIon toWnshIP treasurer - Vote for one


this ofce?

question two: What do you see as the major work and ch

lenge or this ofce in the next our years?

CandidateBaCKGRound


p J svkRepuBlicanage: 61

addRess: 2196 McDonald DriveMt. Pleasant, MI 48858

campaign pHone: (989) 775-8735


pResent occupation: Treasurer, Charter Township of Union

education: Bachelor of Science in Business Adminis-tration and a Master of Business Administration

25 yrs as an owner of a local

small business, 12 years asa manager at Dow ChemicalCompany, 11 years as amanager at Central MichiganUniversity, 5 years as aninstructor at CMU, 3 1/2 yearsas a treasurer at Charter Township of Union, and 8years as a member/boardmember of Humane AnimalTreatment Society

As Treasurer of Union Township, I

implemented an integrated computer system for taxes, cash receipting,accounting, accounts payable, specialassessments and delinquent personalproperty taxes. I also reorganized thetreasurer’s ofce to include all treasurer

duties. I was given little assistance andrequired to learn the entire job on my own.

I overcame all obstacles and am meetingall requirements in a timely fashion,including, settling tax collections with thecounty.

The major work/challenges for this of

collecting all taxes and implementingtax laws. Several tax changes have passed and many more are currently discussed at the State level. Most of tchanges have far reaching consequeto the amount of taxes levied and thefor applying those taxes. It has takcomplicated tax system and added twist that have to be followed. Some oproposals being considered will requdepth knowledge to implement.

srvj chwhrydemocRatage: 64

addRess: 774 Stoneridge DriveMt. Pleasant, MI 48858



pResent occupation: Retired

education: PhD Animal Science MBA Finance andInformation Technology

Research and teaching,insurance and nancial

adviser, consumer protection,independence consultant,business owner

I have worked as teacher and researcher that equipped me well with organizationalskills, effective communication and teamwork. Working as Consumer Safety Ofcer

for Federal Government & independentconsultant trained me to interpretrules and regulations, serve as liaisonbetween industry and government, andcommunicate with different stakeholdersfrom different walks of life. As businessowner, I oversaw all aspects of runninga business: hiring, training, maintainingaccounts effectively

Timely deposits, optimal investmand effective strategies for licensingproperty taxes are some of the challethat need to be addressed.

Tak A

Frind TVoTe!





unIon toWnshIP boarD of trustees - Vote for four

question one: How will you encourage Smart Growth in the

township?

question two: What is your position regarding the sharing

governmental services such as fre; police; parks and recreat

water and sewage treatment among local units o governmen

CandidateBaCKGRound


Rr HkRepuBlicanage: 50

addRess: 1682 S. Bamber Rd.Mt. Pleasant MI 48858

campaign Phone: (989) 506-3317


PRESENT OCCUPATION: Unit Insulator (Deleld

Co.)education: Beal City High School 1980Central Michigan University 1980-1983

I am a small business owner in Union Township. This hasassisted me in learning tomanage people, make toughdecisions, and work within abudget.

A balance between residential, agriculturaland commercial interest must be kept. Toachieve this balance, we need to have asound master plan. We need to appointquality people to the appropriate boards.We need to trust the plan. I feel the mostimportant way to encourage smart growthis to have elected ofcials who are willing

to work together and put aside their personal interests for the good of all theresidents of the township.

I believe if there is an opportunity to taxpayers money by sharing servicshould be considered. However, stand research should be completedevise a proper plan for utilization wall parties needs are met.

Jff swRepuBlicanage: 38

addRess: 2112 Cobblestone CTMt. Pleasant, MI 48858



pResent occupation: General Manager of Bucks Run Golf Clubeducation:Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Science from Michi-gan State University

I grew up in a small farming

community in Jackson County,MI. Came to the Mt. Pleasantarea in 1999 when I beganwork at Bucks Run Golf Club.I married my wife Melissa in2001; we have two wonderfuldaughters, Alexis (3 years old)and Ava (2 years old). I haveno prior political experience.

Much time and effort was put into the

Township’s Master Plan, as we look atgrowth in the township we need to startwith the Master Plan. We need to continueto attract business’s that will provide jobs

to our residents while also enhancingthe quality of life for Union Townshipresidents and our surrounding neighbors.We also need to protect our rural areasas agriculture is a major part of Union

Township.

I believe it is imperative that the town

city and county work together in explways that we can better utilize the serthat all three entities have to offer.township has a great relationship witcity with shared re protection servic

believe that we should explore a srelationship with either the IsaCounty Sheriff’s department or the MPleasant Police department to prexpanded police protection for residents.

l cydemocRatage: 31

addRess: 2953 North Concourse Dr.Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858


pResent occupation: Waitstaff education:

By using all available resources and

working together with all units of government.

I am for sharing governmental servic

save money.

Jh ddemocRatage: 69

addRess: 1206 E. High St.



pResent occupation: Retired Political ScienceProfessor education: AB University Of Michigan, MAWestern Michigan, Ph.D. Indiana University

I have lived in Union Townshipfor 20 years and Mt. PleasantCommmunity for 41 years.Since 2008 I have beena Trustee on the UnionTownship Board, served onthe Planning Commission, andon numerous Township Boardcommittees. I also have beena member of the Commissionon Aging Advisory Board sincethe year 2000.

Being on both Union Township’s PlanningCommission and Board, I helped developa new 10 year Master Plan and a PolicyGovernance Document, both of whichincoprorate Smart Growth principles andvision for guiding the Township’s future.I have been actively involved in creatingarea non-motorized transportation andsidewalk plans. I have supported thesustainability of the Township throughimplementation of a successful recyclingprogram and actual Township greenenergy projects and practices.

Local governments should be cooperative in sharing servicehave strongly supported cooperelationships and projects between

among Union Township, Isabella CoMt. Pleasant, the Saginaw ChipTribe, and CMU. Actual succecollaborations between the Towand foregoing entitites have taken since my and the current board’s elein 2008. These include a comprehearea wide non-motorized plan, parksrecreation, planning and county projects.





unIon toWnshIP boarD of trustees continued - Vote for fou

question one: How will you encourage Smart Growth in the

township?

question two: What is your position regarding the sharing

governmental services such as fre; police; parks and recreat

water and sewage treatment among local units o governmen

CandidateBaCKGRound


t ldemocRatage: 51

addRess: 1129 Meadow Dr.Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858



pResent occupation:Fire Safety Ofcer

education: Bachelor of Science in Education, CentralMichigan University, 1986 Associates in Fire Science,Mid-MichiganCommunity College, 2006 Township Governance Academy,Graduate, 2012

Charter Township of UnionTrustee, Currently

As a township trustee I actively thinkabout “smart growth” as I consider anddeliberate on issues before me. RecentlyI voted in support of the Smart GrowthMaster Plan that was adopted by theTownship. This plan provides insight anddirection into the Township’s prioritiesthrough planning and zoning. I supportthe non-motorized transportation plan ini-tiative for the region. It is my belief thatthere is a public health benet along with

an increased feeling of community to begained when (...).

Fire and police services are life sservices. These services regularly geographic governmental boundThe professionals providing thesevices understand the importance for lines of communication and jurisdic

authority, and therefore follow the IncCommand System during an emergBoards of local governments cershould consider all options availabimprove services, safety, recreationaportunities and facilities for its citiThis would (...).

Bry d mkdemocRatage: 49

addRess: 3791 Greenacres Dr.Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858



pResent occupation: Small Business Owner education: Master of Science in Computer Sciencefrom CMU 1991 and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from CMU 1986

Current member of Union Township PlanningCommission, Current Member of Union Township EconomicDevelopment Authority,Serving on the Sign OrdinanceRevision Committee, Servingon the Green CommunityLeadership team, Servedone term as Church CouncilPresident, Served two termson Church Council

I serve on the Planning Commissionwhere we created a Smart Growth Master Plan detailing a vision for the township.Smart Growth requires collaboration withthe city, CMU and the tribe. I will focuson enhancing those relationships assmart growth planning without the entirecommunity will yield limited results. I willwork to discourage sprawl, encourageeconomic development and expandthe townships sustainability programs.I will also continue the work of the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan.

I am not opposed to sharing governmservice nor do I blindly support the There are many challenges and instance of proposed sharing reqdiligence in planning if the percbenets show promise. An examp

where this works very well is the towhiring the City of Mt. Pleasant Fire Some services make sense to do oall local communities are involved, as the Non-Motorized Plan supportethe township, the city, CMU and the t

ph mkdemocRatage: 57

addRess: 2163 Cornerstone Dr Mt. Pleasant MI 48858



pResent occupation: Recycling Manager andEnvironmental Advocateeducation: Central Michigan University Broad-cast and Cinematic Arts major, with Business/Marketing

minor.

Past chairman of the MichiganRecycling Coalition. Currentlychairman of the Friends of theBroadway Theatre, an activemember of the CornerstoneProperty Owners AssociationBoard of Directors, chairmanof the Township CitizensSustainability AdvisoryCommittee and a member of the Elections Committee.

I will be supporting the elements of thecommunity which create a welcomingcommunity. Those elements includeNon- Motorized Transportation; providingpathways and sidewalks that allow non-Motorized travelers to get to work andto shopping centers using foot or bicyclepower. There are areas in the townshipthat do not have adequate pathwaysfor pedestrians. Bluegrass Road eastof Mission and Deereld Road west

of Mission are two areas where wemust provided improved safety for our residents.

I will support the cooperative venbetween the Township and City underway and will look for opportunities to colaborate with units of government in the future. Th

protection for Union Township is provby a contract with the City and arrangement is tremendously bene

to Township residents. A high qualre protection is provided to resid

for only two mills a year and could nreplicated by the township on its owthe same reasonable price.

Jh p VrwydemocRat


RemembeR to vote

August 7th



County WIDe ProPosals

reneWal of fIXeD oPeratIonal MIllaGe

Shall separate tax limitations be established for a four-year time period, or until altered by the voters of IsabellaCounty, for the County of Isabella, Townships and Intermediate School District within the County, the aggregate of which shall not exceed 7.89 mills as follows:

County of Isabella ........................6.6100 mills

Townships .................................... 1.0000 mills

Intermediate School District......... 0.2800 mills

Total .............................................7.8900 mills

YES [ ] NO [ ]

transPortatIon CoMMIssIon MIllaGe reneWal ProPosal

For the purpose of continuing to fund the capital and operational needs of the public transportation services of theIsabella County Transportation Commission and its successor within Isabella County, at the same level previously ap-proved by the voters in 2008, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessedin one (1) year upon all property within the County of Isabella, Michigan, previously increased by up to 0.9929 of one(1) mill ($0.9929 per $1,000 of Taxable Value) be continued and renewed for a period of four (4) years, 2012-2015,inclusive?

If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $1,611,230 for the County-wide public transportationservices in the rst calendar year of the levy. In accordance with State law, a small portion of the millage may also

be disbursed to the Downtown Development Authorities of the Cities of Clare, Mt. Pleasant, and Union Township; theLocal Development Finance Authority of the City of Clare; the Tax Increment Finance Authorities of the City of Mt.Pleasant; and the Browneld Redevelopment Authority of the City of Mt. Pleasant.

YES [ ] NO [ ]

ParKs anD reCreatIon MIllaGe ProPosal

For the purpose of operating, maintaining and improving the Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission

parks and programs as provided by PA 261of 1965, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxeswhich may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Isabella, Michigan, be increased byup to 0.3500 of one (1) mill, ($0.35 per $1,000 of Taxable Value), for a period of six (6) years, 2012-2017, inclusive.

If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $567,963 for the Isabella County Parks and Recre-ation Commission parks and programs in the rst calendar year of the levy. In accordance with State law, a small

portion of the millage may also be disbursed to the Downtown Development Authorities of the Cities of Clare, Mt.Pleasant, and Union Township; the Local Development Finance Authority of the City of Clare; the Tax IncrementFinance Authorities of the City of Mt. Pleasant; and the Browneld Redevelopment Authorities of the Mt. Pleasant.

YES [ ] NO [ ]

Isabella Primary Voters Guide 2012

Documents

Transcript of Isabella Primary Voters Guide 2012