Editor’s note:Earlier this month, The Citizen e-mailed questions to candidates in Atlas, Brandon and Groveland townships.

Candidates were limited to 30 word responses.Key: Incumbent (I), Republican (R), Democrat (D), No party affiliation (NPA)

Groveland Township Supervisor

Name:

Robert DePalma (R) (I)

Age:68

Years in the township:37 years

Number of township meetings attended in the last year:

All board meetings and many Planning Commission meetings.

Education:

1.5 years of college.

Occupation:

Groveland Township Supervisor for 20+ years.

Government-related experience:

16 years as Chairman of Groveland Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. 20+ years Groveland Township Supervisor.

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

No. The Michigan State Police Detachment has been fully staffed with excellent service. A police department would require a 3 to 4 mill tax increase.

What is your plan to improve the township’s economic condition?

Our current economic condition is excellent. There are no unfunded obligations. We will continue to pursue the five guiding principles by which we currently manage the township.* Protecting our citizens.*Keep taxeslow and Improve roads,

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

To review the Township Master Plan with the community, to insure we are improving quality of life issues.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years?

Improved property values.More family related recreational opportunities* The same or lower township tax rates* Continued road improvements.

*******

Name:

Steven D. Hoffman (NPA)

Age:

64

Years in the township:

Lifelong resident of Flint and Clarkston. We are in our fourth year of living in the township.

Number of township meetings attended in the last year:

Three in 2013; three in 2014; three in 2015 and zero in 2016.

Education:

Associate’s from Mott Community College, bachelor’s from the University of Michigan, master’s from Central Michigan University.

Occupation:

Facilitator at Camp Tamarack, retired automotive executive, part time business and management consultant.

Government-related experience:

Director of Government relations (local, state and federal); American Axle & Manufacturing and the Gulf Oil Corporation. Served on the government advisory council for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association.

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

I would consider any proposal after studying the facts and meeting with township business owners and residents at length.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition?

By working with business owners and residents interested in our economy. I would search for businesses that would be a good fit for our township while collaborating with all parties, public and private.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

Being accessible to everyone. I will work (collaborate and cooperate) with all parties private and public to maintain and improve the quality of life in our township.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years?

Groveland Township Clerk

Name:Pam Mazich (R) (I)

Age:

69

Years in the township:

Lived in Groveland for 39 years.

Number of township meetings attended in the last year:

Excused from several meetings in the past 2 years.

Education:

MMC – Master Municipal Clerk

Occupation:

Clerk full-time.

Government-related experience:

28 years service to the Township

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

I would NOT consider a proposal for a township police department.

What is your plan to improve the township’s economic condition?

Controlled growth along the Dixie Highway Corridor, shared services between communities and staying within our fiscal year budget to allow a strong fund balance.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

My top priority in office is and has always been the citizens of Groveland, protecting our resources and upholding the values of my office.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

The development of the ORV Park and controlled growth along Dixie Highway, new businesses bringing services both to the park and citizens. I envision a stronger economy and long-term revenue for services in our township.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? A quality of life that people rave about. Increased property values and less property taxes. Identifying new revenue streams that enhance and increase our township satisfaction and experience in everyday life.

Groveland Township Treasurer vote for one

Name: David Ax (R) (I)

Age: 67

Years in Township: 34

Number of township meetings attended in the last year:With 2 knee operations I attended 11 of 14 meetings (including 2 special meetings) in past 12 months.

Education:

BA U of M, Thomas Cooley Law School; Michigan Government Finance Officers Association multiple seminars and certification, Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association multiple seminars, Oakland County Treasurers Association quarterly meetings, Michigan Township Association 24 year member.

Occupation:

Treasurer since 2008; Trustee from 1992 to 2008; horse farm manager since 1982. Volunteer and former VP and Recording Secretary Oakland County Fair since 1997. Past 1st VP OCCMTA.

Government-related experience:

Township Treasurer almost 8 yrs.; Township Trustee 16 ½ yrs.; while not at same time both Planning Commission and BZA member for 16 ½ years; Federal Mine Safety Inspector 2 years

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

Due to the very high cost of a police force, $300–$500 per $100,000 of Taxable Value, and with the quality of the MSP, I would not be in favor of our own police force unless a clear majority of the residents agree.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition?

Work with elected officials and community to maintain balanced budget and opening the Oakland County-State Adventure Park in 2018 with new businesses.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

Remaining debt free through sound economic development and environmental protection.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years?

Increasing property values and additional recreational and support businesses to increase the tax base while remaining debt free and having sufficient fund balances to meet future needs.

Groveland Township Trustee vote for two

Name: Christopher Johnesee (NPA)

Age:

43

Years in the township:

5 Years

Number of township meetings attended in last year:

Including BZA, 6

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University in Mathematics Education, Master’s degree from Marygrove College in the Art of Teaching and a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Educational Leadership

Occupation: Mathematics teacher

Government-related experience:

Appointed to Board of Zoning Appeals June 2015

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

I would consider it, but there would need to be a thorough analysis of cost vs benefit for all possible options.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition?

The economic condition of Groveland is very good right now. I would work to keep the conditions as favorable as they are by keeping our spending below township revenue.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

To learn as much as possible in a short time and to review the Township Master Plan to see if any changes need to be made.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years?

I envision a township in which there is growth, but we also keep the rural atmosphere that makes this area so special.

*******

Name: Merilyn McGee (R)

Age: 77

Years in the township: 43

Number of township meetings attended:

Every one until my retirement. As I realized I was bored with retirement, I again began attending.

Education:

Attended Healds Business College and San Jose State. I continued my education at Maryland Fire Academy, Fire Department /certification in fire science, emergency medical, classes in suicide prevention and certification as an ordained Chaplain.

Occupation:

Presently retired and realizing that I still have experience and contacts that will benefit Groveland citizens.

Government-related experience:

I joined the Groveland Township Fire Department in 1974, as a firefighter/secretary. Was promoted through each position into becoming Michigan’s first female Fire Chief in 1974. Retired as Chief in 2001, but remain active as liaison/chaplain.

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

The police need was recognized by the fire department when we were faced with accidents on I-75. I, with the help of several politicians, were instrumental in obtaining the services of MSP. After investigating all other sources, this arrangement was a win-win for both entities. They received free housing and we received excellent service. To get our own would add another 3 to 4 mills to tax bill.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition?

Upon review, the township board has been extremely prudent in their economic dealings. I would also like to have the decision making opportunity to develop the Dixie Hwy corridor.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

I want to represent the community’s wishes and be actively striving to maintain our balanced budget as well as retaining the rural atmosphere we now enjoy.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years?

That the roads are continually upgraded; as well as the fire department having the adequate resources to provide training and equipment.

*******

Name: Dale Cason (R) (I)

Age:N/A

Years in the township:

13 years in Groveland Township

Number of township meetings attended in last year:

Attended 11 out of the 12 monthly meetings last year in addition to all the special meetings and zoning board meetings.

Education:

Law enforcement U of D Mercy. Aviation from Flight Safety International.

Occupation:

Current Trustee for Groveland Township.

Government-related experience:

35 years in law enforcement, 4 years as Groveland Trustee, 6 years on Groveland Zoning Board, on the committee to develop the Dixie Highway Corridor.

Would you consider a proposal for a township police department?

At this time I feel that the Michigan State Police will continue to protect and service the law enforcement needs of the community.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition?

The development of the Dixie Highway Corridor project along with the continued development of the ORV Park will generate a revenue stream that will assist the Township in meeting operating expenses.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

To continue to develop the township and provide a safe, affordable environment for residents to live and work without losing the country setting that we all came here to enjoy.

What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years?

We are beginning our work on the new Groveland Township Master Plan.

I envision a Groveland Township where residents can live and raise their families in peace and safety.