Editor’s Note: Last week, the Leader e-mailed questions to the eight candidates running for Addison Township offices. Seven of the eight responded. Incumbent Trustee John Sutphin did not respond. (Note: Sereal Gravlin will not be on the August ballot because he’s running as an independent, therefore was not sent a questionnaire just yet). Here are the questions:
1. Why are you running for township office? What experience, skills, talents or qualities do you have to offer the public?
2. What are the top three issues/priorities facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
3. What would you do to increase public involvement/input in township decision-making?
4. What is your position on the two fire millage increases (i.e. how do you plan vote and why)?
Supervisor
Bruce Pearson, 55, has lived in Addison Township for eight years and works in law enforcement. He has a son, Cody.
Question #1
I have worked in law enforcement for 33 years serving Addison Township since 1979. I know the area street by street and talk with the residents daily. I have heard their concerns and needs. The qualities that I would bring to the office of township supervisor are my dedicated work ethic, excellent communication skills with all people and a desire to listen.? I also have a strong foundation in mediation anchored in fairness to help meet the needs of our citizens.? The ability to network and establish relationships is also a necessary skill that I have. I participate in and support local events and organizations. I feel that now is the time to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my son, Cody.
Question #2
Our concerns in Addison Township are the same as many townships in America. We need to improve how we spend each tax dollar received. We can eliminate waste thereby diverting funds to more community type services.
I, as township supervisor, would oversee all property assessments to ensure each assessment is a fair assessment reflecting today’s property values.
One of the supervisor’s responsibilities is to be aware of the conditions of the roads in the community. I would work with the Oakland County Road Commission’to ensure safe roads are maintained in our community.
The parks that we currently have should be accessible to all Addison Twp. citizens. With the rising costs of fuel limiting our travels, we have an oasis in our own back yard that residents can enjoy. We need to open the parks up for all our citizens.
Question #3
I would have an open door policy with regular office hours. Office hours would be designed to fit the needs of the community. I want residents to know when and where they can reach me. There will also be evening hours so that residents will not have to miss work to discuss issues with me.
I would also like to develop a monthly community newsletter to inform all of the residents of upcoming events and issues that they need to know about. These issues would be placed in local businesses free of charge for people to read. This would add another source of information in addition to our local cable channel and newspapers. Hopefully better informed residents will lead to more participation in the local government process.
Question #4
My understanding is that this is not an increase for the fire millage but a combining of two pre-existing millages that are up for renewal. These are two millages that were originally passed several years ago to fund the daily operation of the fire department and ambulance service of Addison Township. I feel that I must support the renewal of these millages in order to continue funding the excellent fire department and ambulance services that we currently have. Without the continuation of these funds the fire department and ambulance service will not have the funds necessary for their daily operation putting them at risk for a shut down or decrease in services.
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A. Robert ‘Bob? Koski, 74, has served as Addison Township Supervisor for 16 years and has lived in the township for 41 years. Prior to serving as township supervisor, he served under three other administrations on the Planning Commission, the Board of Review, and the Zoning Board of Appeals, both as a member and as chairperson, since 1974.
His wife, Katherine, died in 2000 of cancer, and he has a daughter, Karen, sons Andrew and Axel; daughters-in-law Margaret and Betty Jo, and grandchildren, Clarissa, Andrew, Julie, Allison and Tyler.
Question #1
I wish to continue serving Addison Township and the residents deserve skillful, effective, and responsible government. At this point, there is no other candidate with any experience at all in local government. I have over 30 years of experience, with established relationships with other local, county and state officials that benefit the township; and I still have things I want to accomplish, like continuing to develop the township park system, and working with residents and officials alike to keep Addison’s rural character in an environmentally responsible manner. I want to continue the township’s gravel road improvement program. My administration has always tried to work with all parties to reach win/win situations, and I want to continue to offer accessible and efficient service to Addison.
Question #2
Taxes, to protect the environment/keep the township rural and keeping the township fiscally sound.
Taxes are something we all are concerned about. I will see that our taxes remain as low as possible, to make sure that our tax money is used here in the township as efficiently as possible to maximize every dollar. For 16 years I have balanced the budget without any increase in taxes.
Protecting and preserving our environment should be a primary concern for all of us. We are all on private wells and septic fields; maintaining the purity of our aquifer/water supply is of utmost importance. Our infrastructure cannot support uncontrolled growth. Through ordinances we can control growth while still allowing development, and through our commitment to creating a township park system, we can help ensure that the area’s natural beauty that drew us here in the first place is maintained for future generations.
Question #3
I think the township is pretty open in that respect. All the regular board meetings are televised, and many of the committees and commissions also televise their meetings. Also, I have a show I do on a regular basis. Our residents are pretty vocal also, and they do come to township meetings when they have something to say. There are times when I wish they’d come more often! There are various newsletters from the committees that go out on different topics. We’re also starting to work more with the township’s website and ways to get input via the net. The ways we communicate are changing, and we need to respond to that.
Question #4
It’s important to know that it’s not strictly an increase ? it’s a renewal of millages that were reduced by the Headlee Amendment. Renewing them will bring them back to the original amount approved. There are actually two millages for approval, one for capital and one for operations. Because there is still outstanding debt on the new fire hall, I definitely support renewing the capital millage, which is the source for paying down that debt.
For operations, we have been judicious in using it, but since the addition of a union, we don’t know what the final settlement will be ? so I have to support the renewal of the operations millage so we can meet our operations obligations. The township has the option not to collect the entire millage also, which we have done in the past.
Trustees
Linda Gierak, 46, a resident of Addison Twp. for 31 years, is employed by the Village of Leonard Clerks Office. Her governmental experience: Support Staff for Local Municipality -President, Clerk, Treasurer, Building Dept., DPW, Planning Commission, etc., work with State and County agencies, legal, planning and engineering. She was also the interim manager for the Polly Ann Trail for seven months.
She has a husband, Andrew, and three children in Oxford Schools.
Question #1
I would like the opportunity to bring a wealth of municipal understanding and a new perspective to Addison’s board. If I were to be given the trust and support of my community, I would work tirelessly towards making well informed decisions that would include all the families of Addison Township. The priority of any community leader should be the health, safety and welfare of it’s residents.
Question #2
There are many challenging issues facing Addison Township today. What will be a priority when I am elected may be different than what I can talk about today. I do not have a personal agenda, a big campaign platform, nor do I want to insult the honored board before me.
Question #4
I will support my community by supporting the fire millage. Our lower ISO rating reflects the outstanding job done by Addison Twp Fire Dept. and new lower homeowner’s premiums!
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Ed Brakefield, 58, has been a resident of Addison Twp. for 36 years and is a sales engineer. His governmental experience includes: 12 years as a township board member, Planning Commission 16 years, has co-authored the Master Plan and ordinances, is a liaison for to the Polly Ann Trail Council and is a certified Citizen Planner from the MSU Citizen Planner Program.
He and his wife, Catherine, have two children, Kim and Derek, as well as two grandchildren, Zander and Logan.
Question #1
First, I wish to thank God for allowing me to have the privilege of representing our citizens for the last 12 years.?
Addison Township’s budget has been under fire for the last few years. I continue to strive in bringing our budget back in line, and re-establish partnerships with surrounding townships.
One of my goals is to continue to harmonize development and ecology. Over the years I continue to see challenges of’protecting our rural areas and to make every effort to keep Addison rural by moderating these developments
Question #2
The roads in Addison Twp are very poor and improving them will be one of my top priorities.
I set a goal to get the property taxes down to an affordable level. This year, I made a motion to reduce our millages by 3 percent which our voters discovered when receiving their tax statements. Lowering property taxes takes dedication on my part, which I am willing to offer.
Michigan equine population has risen more than 20 percent over the past 12 years. Addison Twp. is a key part of this community. I am dedicated to the equestrian community and will continue to support them.
There are so many more issues, such as controlling developments, supporting our parks and Polly Ann Trail, and much more that I would like to include, but space is limited.
Question #3
Communication is key to any decision making. As trustee, I discuss issues with our citizens to get input. I may change my decision based on new information presented during these conversations. I invite our citizens to attend meetings and to present their agenda’s to our board. When a person finally gets to present issues, they must receive total attention. In many cases, this is the most important issue in their lives, and that demands our attention.
Question #4
I am absolutely against any tax increase ? period.
It is however, our obligation to financially support our fire department. Millages pay for payroll of both full time and paid on call fire personnel which fall under the title of Operating expenses. The equipment required to put out fires, such as fire trucks, hoses, SCBA’s, and more, falls under Capital Expenses. These items which are required to put out these fires are very expensive. This costs the taxpayer in the form of millages, and there is no other way to go about it. Without this money to run the fire department ? it will run out of funds and close its doors, and I do not believe anyone wants that to happen.
It is my belief that the Fire Department can exist on the present operating and capital millages, as it is today, and increasing it back to its original voter approved (…)
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E. Joe Schnur, 75, and his wife, Pat, have lived in the township for 10 years with their son, Joseph Michael. He’s a retired chief electrical engineer.
Question #1
I feel that I have budget and management skills that will augment the township board. I like people and enjoy working with them.
Question #2
Issue 1-Maintaining services in difficult financial times. I will review the budget in minute detail to make sure we are as frugal and effective as possible. Issue 2 -Control growth. Growth is a fact of life but, properly controlled, we can have a well ordered community without urban sprawl. Every large project must include recreational facilities. Issue 3 – Maintain the rural flavor of our township. We will review each topic that appears on the board’s agenda to make certain it fits in with the constituents? concept of Addison.
Question #3
Because leadership goes both ways I want to make myself available to the constituents so that I may do a good job of representing them. Our phone number and e-mail address will be available. I will answer every communication.
Question #4
These two millage requests are not increases but are a return to the rates that existed before the Headlee Amendment reduced them. Fire and rescue operations are areas that we feel should be well supported.
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Christine Sypitkowski, 56, owner and physician at The Country Doctor Family Practice Lake Orion, has lived in the township with her mother, Louise Sypitkowski, for 12 years. She’s currently a trustee on the board and has been involved with the Planning Commission.
Question #1
I am running for trustee because I love and care about our township and it’s future. Even after 12 years in Addison Township, I am still in awe of our natural beauty. We truly live in ‘a rural oasis.? While on the Planning Commission, I became aware of the threat of over development and it’s consequences on our roads, wetlands, woods, and way of life. Subsequently, as a trustee, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation of the process of local government. I am honest, reasonable, and fair and will work diligently in behalf of the residents of Addison Township.
Question #2
Over/Unmanaged Development – Infringement on wetlands, woods, and wildlife’s natural habitat – Erosion of dirt roads Preservation of Addison Township’s Rural Character: Dealing with these issues is challenging and requires carefully thought out decisions regarding development and it’s consequences. Our Master Plan For Future Land Use and updating/enforcing our Zoning Ordinances are a first step and function as a guide toward this goal. Conservation of Wetlands, Wildlife, and Woods: While operating within a balanced budget, we can still achieve harmony with the environment by taking advantage of grants for parks, seniors, and community development projects. Promoting the Maintenance of Dirt Roads: Our dirt roads are an important aspect of our rural charm. Improving and maintaining our dirt roads can be attained more economically through Tri-Party participation. Driving down our tree lined country roads seeing fields, horses, deer, turkey, and other wildlife should not be a bone-jarring/car- rattling experience.
Question #3
Involvement in township government, by what ever means( letters, attendance at township meetings, neighborhood committees) really does make a difference. From personal experience, I learned that my voice along with my neighbors? voices was heard. By attending meetings and speaking up, residents can have a significant impact. As a Trustee and a former Planning Commission Member, I assure you the residents? opinions weigh heavily in decision making. Hopefully, this knowledge will encourage citizen involvement.
Question #4
I am in favor of the fire department/ ambulance millages. While the millage language must present this as an increase, I regard these proposals more as a reauthorization/renewal of the existing millages which were previously voted in by the citizens. The safety and well being are the residents of Addison Township are of the utmost importance.
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John Boehmer,51, a marketing manager, has lived in Addison Township with his wife since 1985. They have four children and four grandchildren. He is currently a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Question #1
The primary reason I am running for office is that I feel my increased involvement in Addison Township will have a positive impact on the community not only for the near term, but its future as well. My involvement with the Addison Township government began in 1991 by an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals and subsequently to the Planning Commission. I am currently a member of the ZBA. My years of service have provided experience in the workings of township government and allowed for the demonstration of good judgment on the issues put before me.
Question #2
Fiscal responsibility, effective governance and a sense of place are important issues for Addison Township. Fiscal responsibility comes with being a member of the board and it is my intent to insure solvency is maintained. As for effective governance it is my intent to work with the other board members to resolve the issues put before us with the best interest of the public in mind. Identity might be the biggest issue that Addison Twp. will face in its future as development occurs. Identity or a sense of place may be terms not very well recognized by the public at large, but they are important to everyone’s quality of life. The terms go hand and hand with sensible sustainable development. It is my intent to work with the various township boards and public to bring greater awareness to the latter mentioned and effect changes that will allow for and promote smart development rather than sprawl.
Question #3
The only thing that keeps the public from being involved in township government is the public itself. Township government is one of this great nations most fundamental and democratic forms of government, yet at some township trustee meetings you can count those in attendance on one hand and others they are out the door. The issues drive involvement.
Question #4
First response and fire protection are important public services not to be taken for granted and Addison Twp. is fortunate to have the dedicated staff we have. The fire department’s efforts have resulted in ISO ratings that should help reduce most every homeowner’s insurance premium cost. However, the fire department is not into deficit spending, so I am inclined not to support the tax increases proposed and hope to be able to support revised millage proposals in November that maintain spending at current levels.