Brandon Township supervisor (Choose one)

Name: Jayson W. Rumball (R)

Age: 37 Years in the township: 35 (in September)

Education: Bachelor’s degree – business administration and concentration in insurance (Olivet College) Juris Doctor – business transactions (Western Michigan Thomas Cooley Law School).

Occupation: Attorney and managing member at Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC. Trustee – Brandon Charter Township; BHS golf coach; small business owner; School board member – Greater Heights Academy – Flint.

Government-related experience: I have served this community as a Brandon Charter Township trustee for four years. Why are you running for office? I am running for office because I see along with many residents that there is vast room for improvement in the supervisor position for our community.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? We have to find a way to increase our tax base. This cannot be done through increasing existing residents’ taxes. We have to attract new residents and businesses to our community.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. I will be amicable to listen to and explore all such opportunities for the M-15 corridor and lakeside property owners. Businesses taking advantage of the M-15 corridor could greatly increase our tax base, provide employment opportunities to our community and provide great social gathering places for our residents.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? We already share police, fire, recreation, library, OTV and many other services. If your question is referring to the township annexing the village, in my opinion that would be up to the village residents to decide.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? There are too many priorities that I have for this township, so to say one is more important than the others is impossible. In no particular order my priorities are NO wage increases for elected officials, properly funding OPEB, police budget funding ratio, accountability to residents, recreation and fiscal budgeting.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years?

I believe that under my leadership this community can thrive in all facets and become a better Brandon.

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Name: Kathy Thurman (I) (R)

Age: 59

Years in the township: 29

Education: Bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University, Magna Cum Laude and master of arts degree from University of Michigan-Flint, all A’s

Occupation: Brandon Township supervisor

Government-related experience: I have served on numerous governmental committees and attended numerous workshops during my two terms in office. For a complete list visit www.electkthurman.com

Why are you running for office? I love working in our wonderful Brandon Township community. I would like to continue seizing opportunities to advance Brandon Township toward resident-driven objectives.
What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition?

It is important not to revert back to old spending habits as we face challenges that lie ahead. I believe we should leverage funds with grants and participate in available programs whenever possible. Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain.

Yes, I would consider a sewer district for the schools, businesses on M- 15, lakeside property owners and sections of the village only if it was affordable, allowances were made for those with improved systems and it was wanted by the majority in the district.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? I believe in sensible shared services. The deputy we shared with Independence was a good arrangement when our police budget was compromised. We currently use the village DPW for snow plowing and odd jobs.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? If re-elected I will continue to be fiscally conservative while serving the needs of Brandon residents.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? In four years I envision: Sashabaw Road paved from Sherwood to Granger, a non-motorized trail, fewer invasive plants, ball fields at the park and lower speed limits on gravel roads.

Township treasurer (Choose one)

Name: Terri Darnall (I) (R)

Age: 60+ years of wisdom

Years in the township: 25 years

Education: Two years of college

Occupation: Brandon Township treasurer Government-related experience: 10 years: 6 yrs as Deputy Treasurer and 4 yrs as Brandon Township Treasurer

Why are you running for office?

Because I’m ready and able to do the job required from the first day in office. The residents deserve the honesty, integrity, and experience I bring to the treasurer’s office.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? Keep expenses down, use common sense and due diligence when making any decisions, like mom used to say: “There’s a difference between what you want and what you need.”

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Only if the property owners want and can afford a special assessment district. I don’t believe in forcing a SAD on residents that don’t want or need the service.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships?

We presently share some services with the village; however if other townships don’t have a millage for a service, if they want to share our service, they need to share in the expense.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? I feel I have the responsibility to serve Brandon Township with honesty, integrity and the experience all residents have come to expect from me these last four years.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? Good leadership, good communication, and great outcomes!

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Name: Susan Hollingshead (R)

Age: 55

Years in the township: 33 years

Education: College for Creative Studies & Oakland Community College, degree not obtained.

Occupation: Formerly design change analysis at GM, Warren Technical Center

Government-related experience: Through my career I have worked alongside a handful of government agencies such as the EPA, NHTSA, and OBD. I have also sat on many local boards.

Why are you running for office?

I believe that my 35+ years of professional and corporate financial experience combined with my love for my community makes me an ideal candidate for Brandon Township treasurer.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? In the past I have always found cost saving opportunities for my clients. I hope to bring my best practices to the table to benefit the township.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain.

From my interaction with the community I can understand both sides. I would meet with the community, it’s their voices and opinions that I would have to take into consideration.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships?

I do not see a problem with shared services, I believe we are better off if we all work together to achieve a common good. If elected, what will be your top priority in office?

As a long-standing community member I have seen my community become stagnant. My top priority is to bring that spark and sense of community back to Ortonville.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years?

I envision a desirable location for families with strong school districts and sense of community. Festivals and community involvement combining all members of our community from children to seniors.

Clerk (Choose one)

Name: Candee Allen (R) (I)

Age: 63 years young

Years in the township: 41

Education: Completed high school

Occupation: Brandon Township clerk.

Government-related experience: 23 years in Brandon Township Recreation and 3 1/2 as clerk.

Why are you running for office?
To serve my community and continue to improve a better and brighter future for everyone young and old through customer service.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? Look for efficient ways to cut expenses and find revenues by selling unwanted furniture and office equipment.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain.

Yes, but only if the Village of Ortonville, Brandon School District, Groveland Township and the residents in the sewer districts are all included. The bigger involvement equals less costs.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships?

We need to support each other and work together. Each entity would need to contribute equally for shared services.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? To strengthen the recreation department, with budget changes and additional staff, as needed.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? Keeping our community rural environment while trying to keep up with the times. And to ensure everyone’s health and safety through fire department and police service.

Trustee (Vote for four)

Name: Dana M. DePalma (I) (R)

Age: 44

Years in the township: Resident for 13 years.

Education: Bachelor of accounting from Walsh College.

Occupation: Certified public accountant (CPA).

Government-related experience: Brandon Township trustee since April 2011. I was appointed in 2011 and voted into office for the years of 2013-2016. I worked in governmental accounting while working at CPA firms.

Why are you running for office? I am running for trustee to continue to utilize my experience and financial skills to help the Brandon board be fiscally responsible, professional and make good decisions for the residents.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? With my financial qualifications, I will continue to control spending in all departments by analyzing expenses and continue to have a balanced five year budget that increases the fund balances.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain.

I would consider a sewer district being established in a lake and/ or a business district if the residents within that district were responsible for the cost and maintenance of it.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? I would consider sharing services if it provides the residents with the same or better quality of coverage and safety along with saving money or avoiding elimination of the service.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? I would continue to help decrease spending yet maintain mandated services and safety for the residents. I would research and analyze retirement funds to ensure proper payments of these obligations.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? I see Brandon Township as being a wonderful and friendly rural community to live in that is building a healthy fund balance while still providing quality services to the residents.                                                                                     **************

Name: Kris J. Kordella (R)
Age: 61 years old.

Years in the township: 12 years, 3 months.

Education: Wayne State University – graduated June 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering Central Michigan University, Troy campus – graduated August 1993 with a master of science degree in management

Occupation: Retired from General Motors Company with 35 years of service, now part-time financial planner

Government-related experience: During last several years have been actively involved in projects such as getting natural gas into Brandon Township. Also on the state level vigorously campaigned against Proposal 1 tax increase.

Why are you running for office? To serve all the citizens of Brandon Township by being their voice on the township board and fighting for the issues important to them!

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? 1.) REDUCE TAXES. 2.) Spur business growth and development. I will accomplish this by implementing proven successful practices, procedures, and policies. Get every federal, state and county grant and financial assistance possible.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. YES! In order to grow business and keep current businesses we must install a reliable sewer system. Fund it using all available federal and state assistance, remainder from private sector.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? Favor 100 percent. It is wasteful having two separate governments when one can do the job. Both Ortonville and Brandon citizens save money. Also, share resources with other townships’ facilities/buildings.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? REDUCE TAXES! What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? I envision a more financially healthy township with a lower tax rate. And economic conditions more favorable for business growth and development. Also, a thriving and growing downtown Ortonville area..

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Name: Robert S. Marshall, “Bob”(R)

Age: 61

Years in the township: 18 years
Education: BA University of Detroit (Summa Cum Laude), master’s program at Eastern Michigan University, Graduate of Eastern Michigan, School of Police Staff and Command (recipient of the Staff and Command “Outstanding Leadership Award”).

Occupation: Retired, detective lieutenant, City of Huntington Woods, Department of Public Safety (fully integrated police and fire services). Currently a 20 year adjunct faculty member for the criminal justice department at Oakland Community College.

Government-related experience: I have been a part of municipal service for over 42 years in varying positions within the public safety field, at all levels of uniform and staff service in both the police and fire services.

Why are you running for office? I have long held that unless you are willing to help solve problems, you have no right to complain about the problems. With over 42 years serving my community, I have the knowledge and experience necessary.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? The primary function of government is to provide citizens with an adequate level of security and safety. When confronted with fiscally challenging times, the onus falls to elected officials to make the tough calls.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. The fact that the vast majority of residents of the community do not own business district or lakeside property, will carry weight in decisions I make about this issue.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? I am, in theory, supportive of the idea of shared services between local government entities. However, the area of service and the manner in which the transition is made needs to be seamless and trouble free.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? For me, priority #1, is to return the township’s unpaved roadways to a safe and sane speed limit. Although I am aware that the current board has made efforts in this area.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? Brandon Township has a unique opportunity to grow and flourish, while still maintaining its rural appeal. I am sure that the majority of township residents cherish the rural lifestyle.                                                                                          
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Name: Elizabeth Waters (I) (R)

Age: 34

Years in the township: 9

Education: Photography and criminal justice majors, associate’s degrees.

Occupation: Photographer and volunteer service coordinator for Oakland County Parks Government-related experience: Five years on Ortonville Village Council, one year with Brandon Township. Planning commission, fire authority board, zoning board of appeals.

Why are you running for office? I want to do everything I can to make this a great place to run my business, raise my kids, and thrive for my family and yours.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? Continue on the path of fiscal responsibility and tightening our reins on needless spending.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. I would support a sewer project, if the price is something that is obtainable and funding is available.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? I believe we need more cooperation between the two governmental entities.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? To work on lowering taxes and getting the township and village to make a combined effort to better the community.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? Continuing to be a great place to live and raise a family, while keeping our small town feeling.

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Name: Patricia (Patty) A. Salter (D)

Age: 53

Years in the township: 14.75

Education: 1985 Bachelor of science – information systems management

Occupation: PMP IT project manager

Government-related experience: 14.5 years as a project manager in Oakland County IT Department. Eight years as a trustee of the Brandon Township Library Board serving three years as board president. Led the financial recovery of the library, along with the library board and Friends of the Library, in 2013- 2014.

Why are you running for office? Improve community relationships by using my PM skills to improve communication and collaboration between the village, township, library and Oakland County. Let’s work together to build a stronger Brandon.

What is your plan to help improve the township’s economic condition? Deep dive analysis of the current financial picture – discuss ROI for money spent, review budget status monthly to make needed adjustments to costs and revenue. Conduct township workshops for ideas.

Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes, if we find a way to make it economically feasible for residents, the township and businesses. Submit nationwide RFP and search for grants and external funds.

Where do you stand on shared services with the Village of Ortonville and other townships? All for collaboration between entities to reduce costs while obtaining superior service. Strength and negotiating power in numbers. Help broker deals for the economic benefit of all.

If elected, what will be your top priority in office? 1. Get more residents involved in their government. What do they value & want? 2. Lead open communication and cooperation between township, village and library – let’s work together to build a stronger “team” Brandon community. 3. Total government transparency of financials, planning and goals.

What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? A community that works together as a unit to face whatever challenges present themselves. Residents’ active participation in township discussions and problem solving via board meetings, town hall meetings, surveys and/or official ballot voting.