Goodrich – Three Goodrich Village Council members are currently unchallenged in their bids for the March 8 village election.
Incumbents Adam Kline, Jayme Simmonds, and Angela Adamec recently declared their intent to run for three available village seats. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be appointed to four-year terms; the remaining elected council member will be appointed to a two-year term.
In compliance with the Village of Goodrich charter, which states the council must attempt to ensure that two candidates run for each seat, the council nominated village residents Steve Keehn, Pat Schierup, and Edmund York during its Feb. 9 meeting. Nominees did not accept the appointments. Since the council is not obliged to appoint replacement candidates, Kline, Simmonds, and Adamec are currently running unopposed.
Although it’s past the deadline to file a petition to run for a council seat, a village resident could still run as a write-in candidate by contacting the Goodrich Village office and the Genesee County Clerk’s office for the appropriate forms. Write-in candidates must file a Declaration of Intent form with the village office by March 5, said village clerk Gloria (Jeanie) Bradley.
The Citizen asked Kline, Simmonds, and Adamec to discuss their qualifications for the offices for which they are running:
Adam T. Kline, of 10169 Hegel Road, in Goodrich, has lived in the Village of Goodrich since 1998. Kline currently serves as Goodrich Council president pro tem, and is seeking re-election to a seat on the council. Kline is employed as a police detective.
Education: Associate’s degree from Central Texas College. Kline is currently working on his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University through a program at Mott Community College in Flint.
Political experience: ‘I was appointed to the village council after the recall, and then was elected to a four-year term.? Kline has also served on the Village of Goodrich Planning Commission since 1999.
Skills or experience Kline can bring to the office: ‘I believe that the skills and experience that I’ve obtained in my position as a police detective are helpful in any law enforcement issues that arise such as new laws or village ordinances that come up for a vote. It has also been helpful in dealing with the tough decisions that sometimes have to be made in the village. I believe that my position as union president is helpful in dealing with any personnel, grievance, and discipline issues. Further I believe that my position with the union helps with the art of negotiation, both with individuals and with village personnel.?
Why Kline feels he’s the best candidate for the office: ‘I believe that I will serve with the village (as a whole)’s best interest. I am committed to the village as a community and will strive to do what is best for Goodrich. I believe that my experience and commitment make me the best candidate.?
What Kline hopes to accomplish if elected: ‘I would like to accomplish some of the issues that are already in the works such as the completion of Village Park and the completion of the village complex. I would also like to take another look at the form of government that we operate with, versus the city form of government.?
Jayme Simmonds, of 7520 Shuman Drive in Goodrich, has lived in the Village of Goodrich 42 years. Simmonds currently serves as a member of the Goodrich Village Council, and is seeking re-election to a seat on the council. Simmonds is employed as an office manager for a cement company.
Education: High school graduate, plus college courses at Central Michigan University.
Previous political experience: Simmonds has served two years on the Village of Goodrich Planning Commission, and two and one-half years on the Goodrich Village Council.
Why Simmonds feels she’s the best candidate for the office: ‘I have lived here my whole life and have watched Goodrich grow, but I am also wanting to see it change for the positive,? said Simmonds.
What Simmonds hopes to accomplish if elected: ‘Hands-on work with the new village office, and improving our park after the Department of Public Works (DPW) is moved out.?
Angie Adamec, of 7468 Dutch Road in Goodrich, has lived in the Village of Goodrich 24 years. Adamec currently serves as a member of the Goodrich Village Council, and is seeking re-election to a seat on the council. Adamec is employed as a United States Rural Mail carrier.
Education: High school plus college courses.
Previous political experience: Goodrich Village Council member, four years.
Skills or experiences Adamec can bring to the office: ‘My experience as a current Goodrich Council member and Level One completion at the Michigan Municipal League Academy. As a mail carrier for many years, I’ve spent my working life in neighborhoods where I learn the trials and dynamics of small communities. Such needs as communication, mediation, understanding, planning and assistance are common to many neighborhoods.
Why Adamec feels she’s a good candidate for the office: ‘I believe I am a good candidate because I listen, I respect, and I try to be honorable in what I do and in the decisions that I help make for my community.?
What Adamec hopes to accomplish if elected: ‘I hope to carry on the current tradition of working amicably with my co-council members and community to resolve our issues and preserve our small-community lifestyle. I hope to further our Parks and Recreation goals, get the bike path up and running, and greatly improve our park. And I hope to continue to aid in the communication of the village government with the community through the village newsletter, in its third year now.