Seventeen candidates are on the ballot Aug. 5 for Independence Township Board, all running as Republicans. In the absence of Democratic challengers, winners of Republican nominations will like go on to win November’s general election. Each candidate was asked a set of questions about their views on local issues, with a limit of 300 words. Here are their responses, edited for space.

Running for supervisor are incumbent David Wagner and challenger Daniel Travis, longtime trustee on the township board. The township supervisor runs board meetings, develops budget, and represents the township legally and to the community.
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David H. Wagner, 61, current Independence Township supervisor, resident since 1984, Independence Township trustee, 2000-2004; Independence Township supervisor since 2004.
Why are you running?
I am proud of the direction Independence Township has grown under my present term in office. The Sashabaw corridor is only one example of how controlled growth can be beneficial for our community. With many more positive projects to be implemented I would welcome the opportunity to continue serving our community.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I believe that these positions should remain full-time positions occupied by elected individuals who are dedicated and accountable to the voters of Independence Township. In regards to recent statements inferring that part-time positions would provide cost savings, I have to disagree, and believe that ultimately it should be the voters who decide. This very idea was presented by some of the current board members, and after the math was done ($450,000 to $500,000 including the part-time pay cuts) rejected as imprudent. Once again no substance ? no facts.
Top three priorities?
Continue with positive programs; maintain services; and continued protection of Master Plan.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Promises Made ? Promises Kept.
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Daniel F. Travis, 67, sales manager, Steel Mills, Bass Pro Shops, resident since 1968; trustee, 1980 to present; planning commissioner, 22 years; chairman, Parks and Recreation Commission, more than 10 years.
Why are you running?
I am running to continue to serve our Community, do my civic duty, and carry on my lifelong commitment to serve the residents of Independence to the best of my ability. I have always tried to live up to my Oath of Office.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
More accurately is to say flex-time. We will be fully involved and available. We will reduce our salaries to fund the hiring of an administrator. Independence has grown into what is in essence, a ‘big business? with an annual budget of $27 million and 106 full-time employees. We need the daily attention of a professional administrator who has the background, education, and skill-set to aid the Township Board in directing the most prudent use of our tax dollars and budgets. We need Human Resource management to help avoid any further employee related legal problems.
Top three priorities?
Reaffirm and adhere to our Master Plan, Set the criterion for and hire an administrator. Operate with transparency and openness. Involve more people especially younger residents; help mentor them.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I will and Our Team will work to put us back on track. I will steer a moral and ethical course. I will respect our employees. I will strive to provide the best of services to the residents at the least cost.

Two candidates are running for Independence Township clerk, responsible for maintaining records, minutes, and public notices, and conducting local elections. Incumbent Shelagh VanderVeen is running against challenger Joseph Lawrence, a member of the township Planning Commission.
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Shelagh VanderVeen, 60, township Clerk since 2004, attorney prior to becoming clerk.
Why are you running?
To continue my job serving as Independence Township clerk in order to bring excellence, efficiency and professionalism to our Township.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
There is no such thing as a part-time official. According to the Michigan Township Association and Michigan Statute, these are 24/7 positions. Elected officials (whatever office) must be available to fulfill their statutory duties at any time ? night or day. However, I am willing to take a pay reduction in order to being in a professional administrator to handle day-to-day internal township activities.
Top three priorities?
I would like to see records in all departments brought into a central electronic records management system.
Our budgeting process must be more thoughtful and extensive, with a longer outlook range period especially as we face tough economic times.
Ensure that as we continue to grow, we keep in mind a vision for our community.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I have a passion and commitment to this community and for its well-being.
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Joseph Lawrence, 55, public relations, business communications and marketing consultant; 16-year resident; appointed to Planning Commission, former member of the Independence Township Zoning Board of Appeals.
Why are you running?
I have a very serious interest in our township’s future, and want to take my business and township government experience to the next level by serving as our next township clerk ? on a full-time basis.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I strongly advocate that these three important elected positions remain full time, and elected by the people. Otherwise, our citizens risk receiving a lower level of services with no measurable guarantee of reduced cost.
Top three priorities?
First, I would lead an effort to improve and better manage services of the clerk’s office and improve badly-strained relationships between the clerk’s office, members of the township board, department heads, and employees.
Secondly, I want to ensure that our recordkeeping and communications efforts are accurate and up-to-date. Sadly, this has not been the case.
Finally, I plan to work with Clarkston Community Schools to consolidate school district elections with township elections. The current election schedule is confusing and wasteful.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I have the business experience, civic involvement, and energy required to improve our township’s operations, both as full-time clerk and member of the township board. I pledge to keep careful watch on our spending, while looking for new and creative ways to improve our tax base through careful, responsible land use planning.

Treasurer James Wenger is not seeking reelection, leaving the position open to one of four challengers, Curt Carson, Sandy Dubre, Cheryl Karrick, and Jeff McGee. The treasurer collects and accounts for local taxes, spending, and investments. Karrick did not submit a response by deadline.
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Curt Carson, 51, businessman, 20-year resident, third year on Independence Township Planning Commission – appointed.
Why are you running? After the budget battle in Lansing in 2007, resulting in one of the largest tax increases in history, hundreds of millions of dollars in new programs and a huge budget surplus, I decided to run.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I don’t believe four members on the township board should be able to decide who should run the township. I place much more faith and confidence in the voters of this community to make the right choice. Let the people vote a referendum. A township manager would most likely not save money and could be quite costly if we had to write in Golden Parachute clauses.
Top three priorities?
Jobs. I would like to build an atmosphere that encourages small businesses to grow and prosper here, allowing their owners and families to live in this community with high expectations.
Fiscal Responsibility. The homeowner and the small business owner should never be the first asked to shoulder the burden in a weakened economy, but should be the last.
Good communication in addition to setting attainable goals and objectives in the township will allow us to move in a positive direction.
Why should voters elect you into office?
My college education, my vast business experience, my history of fighting tax increases and my long term commitment to this community and its ideals. I can promise this, I will work hard and in good faith for the people of Independence Township.
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Sandy Dubre, 47, real estate professional, 20-year resident, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
I have proved to be a trustworthy person, by keeping the people informed of every option available to help them. I enjoy helping people and believe I can help them as Treasurer.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
The treasurer should be a full time position. Why would anyone think a township of our caliber should be a part time position? There needs to be a treasurer available, to the people, for questions, help or direction.
Top three priorities?
Educate myself, by taking the 13 classes available to the treasurer every year, regarding grants, bonds and government programs. These would help both business and residence.
Keep business in our community. Beginning with the out sourcing of Township business.
Work with the board, in keeping projects moving. While protecting the residents from any harm to their property.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I have been a trusted Realtor for 14 years. My record and reputation from this experience is perfect. I have always kept the peoples best interest and concerns a top priority. I will continue to do that, as the treasurer and an elected board member.
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Jeff McGee, 45, mortgage banker and private lender, 19-year township resident, Independence Township trustee, 1992-2000, two terms on Zoning Board of Appeals.
Why are you running?
I am running for treasurer along with a group of others to move the township progressively toward professional management. I believe it is time that the township engage the services of a municipal administrator who has a education and experience in the day to day operations of a municipality.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I will be throughout my entire term fully engaged in fulfilling my statutory duties and serving the community. The addition of a professional will allow elected officials more time to focus on policy and procedure and will generate efficiencies throughout the township. The size and complexities of our community have grown significantly. In my view, the township has not kept pace with this evolution. We have professional consultants for most issues facing the community with the exception of our important day-to-day operations. I along with other full time candidates have pledged to a reduction in compensation and some management responsibilities in an effort to hire a full time professional without any added cost to the tax payers.
Top three priorities?
Seek out with input from all departments and interested citizens to determine the precise nature of the administrator’s role and to find the right individual to fill the position.
Create a budget process that acknowledges each departments needs and balance those against revenues in a way that involves the entire board.
Third, encourage a work environment within the township that fosters ideas and openness where change can be seen less as a threat and more as an opportunity for an improvement of services to our community.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I have a background specifically suited for the position I am seeking. I am aware of some of the tough decisions that will face the township in the near future and am equipped to provide specific financial leadership. I took a leadership role in navigating our township through the investment losses experienced from a previous treasurer. Those changes have been implemented by our current treasurer and are another reason why I believe our proposal for professional management is warranted.

Nine candidates are running for four trustee seats. Trustees are the township’s legislators, voting on all issues and serving on committees as assigned by the board. Incumbents Charles Dunn and Larry Rosso are running for reelection, challenged by candidates Bart L. Clark, David Lohmeier, Dale Allan Massey, Sam Moraco, Mark A. Petterson, Andrea Schroeder, and Neil Wallace.
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Bart L. Clark, 63, project manager, Auto/Steel Partnership, Southfield, Mich., township resident since 2005, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
During my military career, I have lived all over the country. Of all the places I have lived, none matches the overall quality of life that Independence Township provides. I want to help preserve and protect this pleasant, family-friendly area.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I support the hiring of an experienced, trained township administrator who would assist the elected supervisor, clerk and treasurer in managing the day-to-day affairs of the township. With a population of more than 32,000 and a budget of over $27 million, the elected officials need the backing of a full time professional township administrator to provide the taxpayers with efficient, effective local government. The elected officials, working flexible hours, will oversee the work of the township administrator and will have time to be more responsive to voters.
Top three priorities?
Hiring of a professional township administrator
Protecting the quality of life in Independence Township by strict adherence to the Master Plan
Increasing opportunities for citizen participation in local government.
Why should voters elect you into office?
My military background brings strong leadership and management skills
My automotive background brings a sound understanding of the issues facing Michigan’s automotive industry.
My local civic activities provide a solid understanding of local community issues and problems.
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Charles Dunn, 46, environmental attorney, Plunkett Cooney, Independence Township Trustee first elected in 2004
Why are you running?
I want to continue many exciting projects, including McLaren, senior center, Corridor Improvement Authority on Sashabaw Road, Intellectual Technology initiative, and several water and sewer projects.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
Since the Township Board is already part-time, the concept of now including part-time administrators is a drastic change in government and puts the day to day operations of the township in the hands of an out-of-town bureaucrat, not beholden to the people. Claims of “cost savings” are nothing more than political puffery as I have reviewed the sky-high budgets estimates of such a change. If changing our form of government is such a grand idea, I suggest we allow the people to vote on an initiative.
Top three priorities?
Tighten spending, as water and sewer infrastructure costs rapidly increase in the face of falling revenue due to the drop in housing prices. As the sponsor of the board’s Intellectual Technology Subcommittee, I will continue to find savings and efficiencies in township operations with proven, yet innovative technologies in communications and asset management. Finally, I will urge the board to monitor the senior center and programs to serve that growing segment of our community.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I am urging the voters to cast their vote for “individual” thinkers. I believe I have brought to the board a unique talent as an environmental attorney, which has served the community well. I hope to institute further refinements in our local government assuring the community someone is keeping a watchful eye over administration, which I believe is the primary function of a trustee.
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David Lohmeier, 42, GM program manager for Full Size Trucks, precinct delegate for the Republican Party, appointed to Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation.
Why are you running?
I believe we need to move forward with an evolutionary change in our board structure, which includes incorporating a professional administrator. I believe I am well qualified to serve as trustee.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
We can improve services, as other municipalities have done, by selecting and hiring a full time, professionally accredited and trained administrator. We can then reduce compensation and benefits of the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer. This would re-define the board as policy and decision makers, remove overlapping responsibilities and administrative responsibilities, create a more efficient and effective administration and save tax dollars.
Top three priorities?
With diminishing revenue and increasing costs, our township government must become efficient, smart, proactive, and provide high value for residents.
Second, improve planning and budgeting for capital improvements. We need to have a common plan for major expenditures based on need and urgency.
Third is how we address development. Independence appeals to many developers even in the current economic downturn. This will give us many opportunities to enrich the services available to our residents.
Why should voters elect you into office?
My work on supporting committees has given me that basic knowledge and skills required. As a father of two young girls, I am involved in school activities and the community. This will help me carry the voice of residents into policy. Finally, the unique ability to see problems down the road and plan for them as a good steward of the citizen’s tax dollars.
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Dale A. Massey, 47, food service director, Kowalski Companies, first-time candidate
Top three priorities?
I am a strong proponent of the Independence Township Parks and Recreation programs and the Senior Center.
I will work to maintain forward momentum while focusing on the development and implementation of the community’s Master Plan.
I believe in the people of Independence Township and look forward to working with them to provide a unified voice for all while maintaining the beautiful character and charm of our wonderful community.
I also look forward to working together with the Township Board and other elected officials to achieve cooperative relations to accomplish these goals.
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Sam Moraco, 44, residential builder, self employed since 1991, appointed to Planning Commission, chairman, Wetland Board, Construction Board of Appeals
Why are you running? I have been working with the township’s various departments for over 12 years and have a complex understanding of how it works. I feel that I can continue to help the twp move forward.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
We don’t need an outsider to run the township. We finally have people willing to go to school on their own time to educate themselves on how to properly manage the township. The manager idea is great for those who wish to continue to do the minimum and still hold position. We need full time committed people to keep us on track. There’s more than a full time amount of work to do if you do more than pay the bills. Savings proposed for outsourcing our government have never been substantiated.
Top three priorities?
We need to evaluate every department’s budget line by line till we feel every bit of fat has been trimmed, then implement new cost management strategies. We need to find a way to get a new township hall that’s handicap accessible and relocated into the township without going to the taxpayers. Enlist residents’ participation and input to help guide us into the future. This is our township and we need to protect it.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I am a dedicate person who will work hard to educate my self on municipal management, as I did when I was appointed to planning commission and shortly after was certified from MSU in municipal planning.
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Mark Petterson,44, operating engineer for F. Allied Construction, grew up in Independence Township
Why are you running?
I want to represent the average tax paying citizen. I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I am not in favor of a part time government. It will cost more. Now is the time to find ways to cut expenses, not add to them. A manager would not have to answer to citizens, only the board. We can not allow a board of any type to have absolute reign over our lives. In these tough economic times we need to concentrate on finding new ways to bring new business and residents back to the community, not experiment with changing the whole way our government is run.
Top three priorities?
Provide a voice for the average family on our board; maintain our services for fire, police, and water, without an increase in our taxes; ensure the public has the right to speak their mind in our board meetings and have the board respond verbally or in writing to their concerns.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I believe we need board members who think independently and not as a group. I will bring a fresh perspective to the board and work hard to make sure that the citizens of this community have their voices heard. My time in the military and 22 years in the construction business has taught me discipline, tenacity and working hard. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work hard for this community.
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Larry Rosso, 64, educator, 41-year resident, trustee for three four-year terms
Why are you running?
I am seeking re-election to maintain quality of life, residential character, and retail and commercial services that support this community within the scope of our strategically developed master plan.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
It is time to make the transition to an administrative manager form of government over the next two years. This should be decided on the 2010 ballot. The township, with a $27 million budget, is in need of more sophistication in light of major commercial development and infrastructure needs.
Top three priorities?
Manage growth and development within the context of our newly revised Master Plan. My special priorities would be better enforcement of our building height ordinance of two stories and the traffic load and safety issues that is being challenged by new development.
I will continue to vote for all millage “rollbacks”. I will never vote to increase our general revenue.
I believe our primary function in the service sector of our community is to invest our existing tax dollars in meeting the quality of life needs of residents of all ages. I will insist our recreational and senior activities be promoted and expanded to meet the physical and emotional needs of every participant within the scope of our budget.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I believe my 11.5 years serving as your township trustee speaks for itself. I have established a record of proven accomplishment. I have taught many of you and your children. I have served this community in so many ways as an involved citizen.
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Andrea Schroeder, 44, business consultant, 10-year resident, first time candidate
Why are you running?
I believe that the privileges of citizenship carry an obligation share our talents and time in public service. I have a passion for effective public policy and good government, and decided to put this to use as trustee. I entered this race because I have the skills, knowledge, and experience to make a positive difference.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
This decision requires thorough due diligence which I haven’t seen, making it impossible to form an educated opinion. I support fully investigating the possibility and would endorse it if it provides financial or operational benefit to the township. I also believe the process should include public participation.
Top three priorities?
My priorities are responsible growth and responsible governance. I will focus on maintaining the rural character of our hometown, seeking out economic development opportunities that complement our Master Plan, and looking for ways to reduce our costs. I will also exhibit civil behavior toward citizens and other Board members, remembering my responsibility to always represent Independence in a positive manner.
Why should voters elect you into office?
As a strategic planning consultant, I understand the importance of fiscal management, policy analysis, and good communication. I completed a prestigious Fellowship at MSU in government and public policy to learn more about being an effective community leader. I’ve prepared myself for the challenges and demands of public office and am enthusiastic about what I can contribute as Trustee. I will serve honorably and will represent Independence in a positive manner.
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Neil Wallace, 58, attorney, 32-year resident, Independence Township Board of Trustees, Planning Commissioner
Why are you running?
I am running for trustee with a group of people to bring on a professional municipal administrator. In addition, I hope to restore some balance to our long-standing tradition of creating and maintaining a quality community through carefully planned development.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
With the growing complexities and multi-million dollar budget, the township will benefit and save money’with the efficiencies and consistency of someone specifically educated, trained and experienced’in municipal government.? Supervisor, clerk and treasurer will relinquish some management duties and compensation but’will fulfill statutory duties. They will be freed to focus on important planning and policy matters to provide better service to citizens.
Top three priorities?
Obtaining services of a professional administrator to accomplish, among other improvements, a more sensible budget planning process.
Encourage citizen participation in government and foster a next generation of leadership for our community.
Create specific and consistent procedures for responding to citizens? requests for information and make board meetings more transparent and responsive.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I know how government can and should work. As a business lawyer my clients have trained me to analyze a problem directly and promptly find a creative solution consistent with my principles. For the township, the key principle is: What is best for the township and its citizens. I have been and can continue to be very effective in making this a better place to live.

Here are the responses received from candidates for Springfield Township Board, edited for space. All 16 are running as Republicans, meaning winner in the Aug. 5 primary will likely win in November as well.

Longtime Supervisor Collin Walls is not seeking reelection, leaving the seat open to three challengers, Bill Leddy, Danny O’Neill, and Mike Trout.
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Bill Leddy, 67, realtor, developer, retired teacher, 33-year resident, Springfield Township Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission
Why are you running?
Over the years I have found Springfield Township a wonderful place to live and raise my children. When Collin Walls told me he was retiring, I felt that somebody who genuinely cared about the township and its residents should step up. I feel that my years of service in the community make me an ideal candidate.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
My goal will be to administer the position of supervisor as efficiently as possible. I believe in reducing government burreaucracy. If I find that reducing my position or any other position with a corresponding reduction in salary will meet the needs of the township, I will take that course of action.
Top three priorities?
My priorities will be to work toward protecting environmentally sensitive areas, preserving farm land,creating bike and walking pathways, preserving and restoring the hamlet of Davisburg, and carefully planning the commercial and mixed use area along Dixie Hwy. so that Springfield Twp. remains one of the most desirable places to live in Oakland County.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Voters should elect me not only for my knowledge , leadership ability, and years of service to the community but more importantly because I respect the rights and interests of our residents and will treat them openly and fairly as I would any member of my own family.
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Danny O’Neill, 43, executive administrative assistant of warehouse operations for Pepsi, life-long area resident, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
Due to the retirement of our current supervisor, I have chosen to run because I am concerned about the future of our township.
One of the first challenges will be to maintain current levels of township services as their costs increase. I will assist in forecasting future township needs and services. I feel I can do more with less.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I do not see this job as a part time position as the mandated duties coupled with the permisive duties of our township supervisor require he or she be employed full time.
Top three priorities?
Seeking to increase cooperative purchases and services with neighboring communities.
Continuing progress on current development, new development and redevelopment.
Leading the new board to become more transparent on all issues and budget matters.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Voters should elect me because I will be a strong voice for our townships residents and businesses.
I will encourage all residents and business owners to voice concerns, and welcome any idea.
Having been a life long resident of this area I can attest to the fact that I have seen first hand what has happened in our township and will strive to continue making this area the best it can be for everyone. I will always remain a public servant and not a politician.
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Mike Trout, 49, former deputy director, Bishop International Airport in Flint, resident since 2003, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
I am running because I am have an extensive administrative background and a sincere desire to preserve our quality of life, safety and security, and the natural beauty of Springfield Township, while maintaining its rural character through orderly growth and development based on a master plan.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
I believe the community deserves to have a full time experienced supervisor to provide leadership and perform the day to day duties required of the office. Being supervisor is not a part-time or even 40 hour a week job. It is a 24/7 commitment to the community.
Top three priorities?
I place a priority on police and fire service and believe safety officers are community ambassadors. Staffing, equipment needs and training should be continually emphasized.
The township must aggressively pursue grants and supplemental funding to relieve pressure from the general fund and avoid new taxes.
We should be actively involved in SEMCOG and utilize their vast resources in areas particularly related to proposed legislation affecting development rights, special assessments and other growth issues.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Voters should select the best qualified person for the supervisor’s position. My professional career includes 12 years as deputy director of Bishop and Detroit City airports, and five years with SEMCOG. Managing the daily operation of an airport is very similar to performing the duties of supervisor. This experience will enable me to identify problems and opportunities well in advance.

Tim Birtsas, Donna Clancy, Marc Cooper, Laura Moreau, and Kathy Paul, are running to replace longtime Springfield Township Clerk Nancy Strole, who is not seeking reelection this year. Clancy and Paul did not respond by deadline, and Cooper’s photo is not available.
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Tim Birtsas, 47, real estate investment manager and small business owner, 13-year resident, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
I decided to run for Township Government upon learning that Supervisor Collin Walls and Clerk Nancy Strole were both retiring, leaving ‘open seats.? Both were well-respected leaders in our community and I felt the loss of their experience could lead to a misguided change in direction for the township.
Full-time or part-time supervisor/clerk/treasurer?
The clerk position was a better fit for me due to my business background in this community as a Real Estate Investment Manager with historic preservation credentials bringing valuable experience to the administrative and finan