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: (I) Incumbent, (R) Republican and (D) Democrat
Atlas Township

Supervisor (Choose one)
Name: Teresa L. (Tere) Onica (I) (R)
Age: 61
Years in Township: 27-years
Township meetings attended last year: All except one due to illness.
Occupation: Municipal government
Government related experience: Township Clerk for 16-years receiving Clerk of the Year awards from Genesee County Clerks in 2011 and Michigan Municipal Clerks in 2014. Four (4)-years’ experience as Township Supervisor and two (2) years’ experience working as Treasurer.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition: There is no way to know for sure what the total loss in State Revenue Sharing will be. Remaining revenue disbursements will be received in August, October, December, and February 2021. So, it will depend on our economic recovery from the Coronavirus business shutdown. In June, loss speculations were between 10-30%.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique? Atlas has studied this issue many times over the years going back to the 1990’s. I can only continue to chip away at the governmental agency road blocks that stand in the way of potential solutions, but it will come at a cost, because government can’t give you anything it doesn’t take from you first.
What do you envision for the township in the next four years? In the next four years, we expect to see the Iron Belle Trail continue into Grand Blanc. We are also working with the school to mitigate the school bus traffic quagmire on Gale Road during the school year. We also have road projects on the horizon to improve local roads.
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Name:Shirley Kautman-Jones (R)
Age: 64 yrs young!
Years in township: I have lived in Atlas Township for 40 years
Township meetings attended in the last year: Meetings attended in 2020 – unsure.
Occupation: Self-employed, owner of Country Home Creations since 1980.
Government-related experience:
Goodrich School Board, Atlas Twp. Planning Commission, Atlas Twp. Supervisor 2008-2016. Currently serving on Economic Development. Corporation for Genesee County, Genesee County Road Commission Board of Road Commissioners, Genesee- Lapeer- Shiawassee Region V Planning and Development Commission.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? My goal is to scrutinize all expenditures for Atlas Twp. and determine if reductions are necessary, where reductions can be taken without impacting services provided to the residents.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique? My plan for Ambulance service is to dig back in where I left off in 2016. Attend State meetings, County meetings and collaborate with the private providers to develop a partnership to benefit Atlas Twp.
What do you envision for Atlas Twp in 4 years? I envision reigniting partnerships with the schools, Village, businesses, community organizations, churches and Genesee County officials to benefit ALL residents. Researching and obtaining grants. Communicate regularly with residents. Offering the public video access to all meetings. Revisiting the ISO rating to lower property insurance rates.
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Name: Justin D. Folts (D)
Age: 35
Years in the Township: 3
Township meetings attended in the last year: 0
Occupation: Business Owner
Government related experience: N/A
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? I will work to ensure residents and businesses are aware of available economic recovery programs at the state and federal level.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique A solution will come from the effort of stakeholders from the County, State, and ambulance companies. Additional information is needed to find a solution.
What do you envision for the township in the next four years? Our township is in a great position to take advantage of the growth in surrounding communities. The M15 corridor provides opportunities to encourage business growth.
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Name: Daniel Glomson (R) Did not respond.
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Treasurer (Choose one)
Ann Marie Moore (I)(R) is unopposed.
Clerk (Choose one)
Name: Katherine “Katie” Vick (I) (R)
Age: 37
Years in the Township: 15 years
Township meetings attended in the last year: All meetings
Occupation: Current Atlas Township Clerk
Government-related experience:
I am seeking re-election after serving my first 4-year term as Township Clerk. I achieved my 3-year Michigan Municipal Clerk Certification in 2019, I actively support and participate in many local committees and organizations, and pursue ongoing educational opportunities including Michigan Township Association’s and Michigan Association of Municipal Clerk’s Seminars and Trainings.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition?
Fortunately, our township is better prepared than most to tackle the unusual challenges COVID-19 has presented. We have already taken precautionary action to amend our budget. In 2016 I set out to utilize technology, streamline processes and services provided by our township office.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique?
It may not be a new or unique plan but we ultimately have to continue pushing for inter-local agreements with neighboring counties.
What do you envision for Atlas Township in four years?
I think we can better preserve and protect the rural charm we all love so much while also creating an environment where our businesses can truly thrive.
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Name: Angela M. Grogan (R)
Age: 58
Years in township: 21
Township meetings attended in the last year: Two online meetings for 2020. However, I always get updates from township officials as they come into my place of business/office. I also review agenda packages and minutes online.
Occupation: Office manager at The Citizen Newspaper, Ortonville. Former business owner: Lucy’s Pet Supplies & Feeds, LLC
Government related experience: None, I am just a citizen who would like to serve her community!

Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition: Atlas Township has been fiscally responsible; however, I do believe that we need to work on attracting new residents and work on attracting new residents and new businesses to our community, which would increase our tax base. I believe that it’s important to find ways to grow our community and preserve the small-town atmosphere.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique?
Being a rural area, Atlas doesn’t have the sustained call volume necessary to support an ambulance service. The last attempt to have ambulance service lasted about 30 months. This is an on-going conversation that NEEDS to be continued.
What do you envision for Atlas Township in four years?
It’s important to find ways to responsibly grow our community. Bringing more small businesses into Atlas Township = jobs and increased tax base. I would also like to see the continued expansion of our recreational paths; walking paths make for a more connected and healthier community!
Trustee (Choose two)
Name: Fred Forys (R)
Age: 67 yrs
Years in township: 47 yrs.
Township meetings attended in the last year: 98%
Occupation: Retired
Government-related experience: Atlas Twp. Firefighter for 34 yrs. With the last 11 yrs as Fire Chief. Also active with the Walk, Bike, Run Atlas Twp. Group and The Friends of the Goodrich Library group.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? To tighten up the unnecessary spending and pay more attention to the set budget.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique? There is no real fix to the problem. It lies in the hands of the Genesee County Medical Control Board and they cannot force a private ambulance company to sit in a low volume area. It would be up to the Twp. Board to reach out to a private service to sit a rig closer to our border.
What do you envision for Atlas Twp in 4 years? To be a louder voice for the residents of Atlas Twp. To have our tax dollars being spent on projects, that would benefit EVERYONE and not just a chosen few, for example pathways and trails.
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Name: Barry June (I) (R)
Age: 58
Years in the Township: 52
Township meetings attended in the last year: 12
Occupation: Director – Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission
Government-related experience: I have been involved with Atlas Township for 25 years as a Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and as a Trustee since 2004. I have worked for Genesee County Government for 12 years.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? The current Supervisor with the support of the trustees has managed township finances during the past 4 years in such a manner that the coronavirus will have little impact on Township operations.
The township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique? I will support other townships in our efforts to work with the Medical Control Board and our State and County Legislators to improve the ambulance coverage in the County.
What do you envision for Atlas Township in four years? More of what makes this community a great place to live, We will work to keep the rural atmosphere of the township and the small town charm of the Village of Goodrich.
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Name: Patrick Major
Age: 69
Years in the Township: 28
Township meetings attended in the last year: All
Occupation: Business owner (wholesale foods)
Government-related experience: Township Trustee 7 years, Planning Commission 7 years, Genesee County 911 Consortium 3 years, Genesee County Road Commission Advisory Board 3 years.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? I will continue to help maintain the fiscal responsible leadership that the township has seen in the past. The township is in good economic condition and that will allow us to get through this economic downturn.
The Township continues to struggle with lack of ambulance service. What’s your plan that’s new and unique? The solution is to get the state to mandate local governments to accept the certifications of neighboring communities ambulance services. Have requirements for services that are headquartered in their community, and accept neighboring regulations to service in their community.
What do you envision for Atlas Township in four years? In four years, I see Atlas Township continuing to be a great place to live, with a wonderful country atmosphere that many communities will envy, and a fiscal responsible government.
Brandon Township

Supervisor (Choose one)
Name: Jayson W. Rumball
Age: 41 (42 in September)
Years in the Township: 38
Township meetings attended in the last year: All of them
Occupation: Self Employed Attorney
Government-related experience: 6 plus years as a Trustee on Brandon Twp. Board.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? We need to continue to attract new builds and residents to our community.
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes. I’m currently serving on the newly formed Kearsley Interceptor sub-committee that is looking into this very option. We’ve been told we’d have a proposal with per unit costs by late September to review.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? In an even better financial position then we are now, with a completed park, much needed infrastructure improvements and less taxes (to the greatest extent possible).
Treasurer (Choose one)
Name: Scott Broughton (R)
Age: 55
Years in the township: 24
Township meetings attended in the last year: All of them.
Occupation: Brandon Township Deputy Treasurer, Director of Information Technology-Retired
Government-related experience: Brandon Township Trustee: 2017-2018
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Continue to curb unnecessary spending and review long term projects that may be temporarily postponed. Continue to maintain recommended fund balances. Stick to the updated budget!
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. As long as ALL the businesses along M-15 agree to the expense of forming a sewer district. And as long as NONE of the costs are passed on to village or township taxpayers who are not part of the sewer district.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? A completed township park, updated communication processes, improved maintenance of our dirt roads and continued pride in our peaceful, rural community.
Clerk (Choose one)
Name: Roselyn Blair (R)
Age: 34
Years in the Township: 22
Township meetings attended in the last year: In the last year, I was present for 4 meetings, additional meetings were watched online.
Occupation: Office Assistant, Brandon Township Clerk’s Office.

Government-related experience: The last 4 years I have worked in the Clerk’s office at Brandon Township. I have gained knowledge on cemeteries, community development block grants and preparing for upcoming elections.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Collaboration will be key to brainstorm ways to produce revenue without imposing on the residents.
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. I would be willing to listen to any proposal regarding a sewer district to support businesses and lakeside properties.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? To sustain our Fire and Police Departments, so our community remains safe. Current and future businesses succeeding, while keeping the hometown culture. A thriving school district. A community working together.
Trustee (Choose four)
Name: Brian J. Lenker (R)
Age: 58
Years in township:6 +
Township meetings attended last 12 months: 9
Occupation:Warehouse manager / Building maintenance supervisor
Government related experience: None …..This is what makes me the choice, I am not bogged down by a lifetime of government brain fog. Clear clean mind open to new ideas and ways of doing things.
Given the loss of tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition: One thing is to make the township trustee position a volunteer position and all committee / sub committee positions volunteer, no pay. This will save the township thousands of dollars a year. Every dollar helps.
Would you consider a Township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes. This is something that has been needed for many years. Our schools on M-15 are or will be in need of this sooner than later, and this lack of sewers is also stifling the growth of small business along the M-15 corridor. The lake septic problems are only getting worse ever year.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in the next four years? I would like to see the township become more family friendly by adding walking paths along several of our main roads that makes taking a bike ride or a family walk safe and easy. Projects that benefit ALL of Brandon township residents like a modern community, Less government in 4 years is my desire.
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Name: Steven Unruh (R)
Age: 49
Years in the township: 17 years
Township meetings attended in the last year: Many
Occupation: Small business owner/Retired Michigan State Police
Government-related experience: Law enforcement only
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? The recent shift in the local economy can be an opportunity for our township’s business community. A properly constructed incentives package could be presented to other businesses that have been a financial casualty to COVID-19 in other communities.
Would you consider a Township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain . Yes, I would strongly consider a proper plan that would implement a sewer system for the M-15 corridor.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in the next four years? I envision Brandon Twp to be a stronger community by maintaining its residential zones while encouraging to implement a proper plan for a thriving business district.
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Name: Dana M. DePalma (I) (R)
Age: 48
Years in the Township: I have been a resident for 17 years.
Township meetings attended in the last year: In 2019 I attended over 30 meetings.
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Government-related experience: Brandon Township Trustee since April 2011. Appointed to office in 2011. Voted into office 2013-2016 and 2016-2020. Worked in Governmental Accounting while working at CPA firms since 1995.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Control and analyze every line itemto verify the expense is a necessity. A solid 5-year balanced budget needs to be maintained to help the fund balances and savings.
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes, I would if the owners of the district feel it is needed and the cost is reasonable for them to afford and participate.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? To be a welcoming, desirable, friendly rural community to live in that offers small town places to shop and eat and that provides wonderful services and activities for all residents.
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Name: Robert S Marshall (I) (R)
Age: 64
Years in the Township: 20
Township meetings attended in the last year: All but one (including special meetings) where I was out of town on business
Occupation: Retired Detective/Lieutenant/Fire Ground Command, additionally I currently teach college criminal justice courses and have for 23 years.
Government-related experience: 32 years of public safety (police and fire service) and four years as a Brandon Township Trustee.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? We must closely monitor programs which are essentials vs programs which would be “nice to have”
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes, but it is dependent upon where the cost of the sewer district rests.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? I always question those seeking office who spend more money running for a political position than they will realize in compensation for that same position. For that reason I hope that people vote for me based upon how I have represented them over the past four years.
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Name: Dale Creamer (R)
Age:
Years in the Township: 35
Township meetings attended in the last year: 3
Occupation: Electrician
Government-related experience: Veteran USMC
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Quote of Ronald Reagan- “I hope we again have reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as the law of physics: as government expands, liberty contracts.”
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes, I would at a minimum have a plan in place for sewer system along M15, get prices, and investigate sources of revenue from, county, state, and federal resources.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years?
Lower taxes, less local government, stop government growth Bike/ Walk trail on M15, the length of township. With the help of state government. Get a plan for sewer system, with costs. Have a digital sign board, outside, to communicate with residences, similar to Groveland Twp.

Name: Kathy Thurman (R)
Age: 63
Years in the Township: 34
Township meetings attended in the last year: Attended all of the meetings last year, moderated, and prepared the majority of the proposals that were voted on.
Occupation: Brandon Township Supervisor
Government-related experience: A good portion of my job duties have included: budget preparation, the transaction of township legal business, the coordination of FOIA requests, serving on all sub-committees, the installation of natural gas into the majority of the township, administering the West Nile Virus program and Clean-up Days for residents and overseeing assessing, building, police services, and parks and recreation.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? It remains to be seen how impactful COVID 19 will be to our revenues. The biggest hit we will face is a loss in sales tax revenue which seems to not be as devastating as was originally predicted.
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes, however, the project would have to make sense financially to those in the proposed sewer district. We are currently working with the county on a potential leg of the Kersley Creek Interceptor extending from Groveland to our Township. It did not make financial sense 9 years ago when they were talking about extending the interceptor down from Goodrich.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? Most importantly, I envision all of our residents healthy and going about their business as usual with schools fully operational and sports activities in full swing. Our Township park should be completed by then. If sewers do come in it will make the M-15 corridor and our downtown more vibrant with more businesses
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Name: Carrie Middleton (D)
Age: 44
Years in the Township: 4 as a resident and 6 as a business owner
Township meetings attended in the last year: 1
Occupation: Farmer
Government-related experience: None
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? As a local small business owner, myself, I understand the challenges that Covid-19 has created. Our State and Federal governments have provided some relief to business owners in the forms of loans and grants. In addition to utilizing governmental programs, we need to encourage our residents to support local businesses by buying local.
Would you consider a township sewer district for businesses and lakeside property owners? Please explain. Yes. In fact, I think this infrastructure is critical to the growth of our community. Currently, our downtown is charming, but if we want it to flourish, we need to have business friendly amenities, especially sewers.
What do you envision for Brandon Township in four years? I envision a downtown area with more shops, entertainment and restaurants. I envision more people moving into Brandon to enjoy the rural beauty.
Groveland Township

Supervisor (Choose one)
Name: Kevin R. Scramlin (R)
Age: 50
Years in the Township: I have been a lifelong Groveland Township resident of 50 years
Township meetings attended in the last year: I have attended approximately 5 township meetings in person due to other obligations to community organizations in which I participate. The board meetings are available to view which allows me to stay informed when not in attendance.
Occupation: Owner and operator of Scramlin Farms since 1989.
Government-related experience: I am currently an active member and participant in community involvement of our local charities through the Kiwanis, Oakland County 4-H Superintendent, as well as involvement in state and county levels of Farm Bureau legislative programs.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? The best way to impact the economic condition of the township and loss of revenue due to Coronavirus is to buy local and support the businesses within Groveland that are struggling to make a come back.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain. My plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township is to promote the development of the Dixie Highway corridor and in turn, will add to the tax base in the township. Development of the corridor is in line with the township’s Master Plan. Transitioning properties into the tax roles that our township has owned for over three decades in definitely a priority.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? A township that can maintain it’s unique, small-town country feel, that is built on trust and transparency with an open door to the community and a place to voice concerns and be heard. Community involvement that would strengthen the relationships from neighbor to neighbor within our township, other than business as usual.
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Name: Robert DePalma (I) (R)
Age: 72
Years in the Township: 40
Township meetings attended in the past year: All Twp. meetings
Occupation: Township supervisor
Government related experience: 16 years ZBA and P.C. chairman, Township supervisor 24+ years, vice chairman of Oakland County Solid Waste Committee, member of Federal Aid Surface Funding Committee
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? No new full-time additions until we see the full impact of COVID-19, no new capital projects not already in the works. Our current cash reserves will allow us to operate through this period.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain: We plan to capitalize on developing the township 88 acres at Exit 101 as support functions to the new ORV park and other family recreation activities in the area.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? A good start to the business tax base development. Additional support services for the recreation activities, and no new or increased township taxes.
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Name: Stephanie Nicholson (R)
Age: 38
Years In Township: 38
Township Meetings attended in the last year: 8-10
Occupation: Patient Representative
Government Related Experience: I use to work for Macomb County and worked closely with the health division for the low income families and high risk children; spoke with many officials weekly regarding the programs, needs and assistance that was needed.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Provide support for those businesses that are in need of aid, by researching and forwarding any assistance that they are eligible for.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? I will continue the Dixie Hwy Byway for business growth along with the available properties along Grange Hall Rd between Dixie Hwy & I-75.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? A fully staffed fire department that has grown with the township, new businesses along Dixie Hwy that has provided full service to our township and creating community based programs for the residents.

Treasurer (Choose one)
Name: Shelly Kidd, MiCPT (I) (R)
Age: 53
Years in the Township: I have lived in Groveland Township for 43 years.
Township meetings attended in the last year: Nine Board (2 excused, 1 canceled) 7 Special, 2 Budget, 2 Planning and 1 Election.Occupation:Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer at Groveland Township.
Government-related experience:I have over 5 years of service to the residents of Groveland Township, 3 years and 10 months as Groveland Townships Deputy Treasurer and 1 1/2 years as Groveland Township Treasurer.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus. What is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? The states revenue sharing to Groveland will be down in our next quarter. I do not believe that it will have much of an impact to our township. Our township is good financial shape.
With the ORV park opening this fall,what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain: Promote the possibilities for new businesses to come to Groveland Township and complement the ORV park and the Master Plan, a lot of which is contingent with bringing in the sewer line along Dixie Highway.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in for years? To be environmentally safe and sound rural community, where people want to live, work, play and raise their families. While keeping taxes at a minimum, balanced budget and debt free.
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Name: Theresa Bills (R)
Age: 55
Years in the Township: 22
Township meetings attended in the last year: 12
Occupation: Office Administrator at Groveland Township
Government-related experience: Over 4 years at Groveland Township cross trained in all departments, Board of Review, Elections Administrator, Union Representative for Pierce Middle School, 28 years public school math teacher
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Research options and educate the Township Board about local, state and federal aid, examine and reduce expenditures in township operations, and keep staff to minimum with cross trained office help.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain. Work with the Township Board to attract businesses that support the Master Plan and generate revenue by leasing space on township owned property to businesses that support the ORV park.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? The preservation of our up-north community, enhanced services for the residents, a top-notch fire department and a township board that respects one another and empowers others to succeed.
Clerk (Choose one)
Name: Patti Back (I) (R)
Age: 61
Years in the Township: 31 years this August. All four of my children graduated from Brandon High School.
Township meetings attended last year: I attended all township meetings.
Occupation: Groveland Township Clerk
Government related experience: 23 years. I began in the fire department then moved into the township offices where I worked in planning, zoning, and elections. Appointed Deputy Clerk in 2009 and have attended many governmental training and education classes.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Collaboration with the board to keep costs down so Groveland can remain vibrant without adding additional tax burden to residents while exploring revenue generating options and maintaining a small competent and efficient office staff.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain. Although Groveland Township can’t tax the ORV park directly, we will encourage the development of nearby taxable properties on the Dixie Byway that will complement the park.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? I envision the same up-north feel, further development of the Dixie Byway, compliance with the new master plan that was established with extensive community input, and continued, consistent, professional service to residents.
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Name: Nichole Tolliver (R)
Age:42
Years in the township: 40
Meetings attended: I have been present at the majority of meetings in the last year, including special meetings. Those I happened to miss I watched both edited and unedited versions.
Occupation: Realtor with ReMax Encore in Clarkston Michigan
Government-related experience: Appointed Deputy Treasurer of Groveland Township in January 2020. Appointed by current Treasurer Shelly Kidd
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? We are fortunate in our community to have tremendous support and resources that can help our small businesses survive. I encourage the backing of small business and community relations.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain. We need to support incoming and existing businesses. We need to encourage land development that supports the needs of the community as well as the visitors of the park.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years: A thriving small business community that allows for residents to prosper and partake in the development of the township with complete transparency.
Trustee (Choose one)
Name:Gina Muzzarelli (I) (R)
Age: 60
Years in the Township: 21
Township meetings attended in the last year: 11
Occupation: Naturopathic Doctor
Government-related experience: Brandon School Board 4 years, I am legislatively involved in health and environmental matters currently in committee.
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Serve residents/businesses with small, cross-trained office staff, stay aware of spending and potential savings, promote long term income streams through use of land owned by the township.
With the ORV Park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Use of township land near the ORV Park, capitalize on business ideas/suggestions that honor our master plan and are built on township owned land offering land leasing opportunities.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? A team that works together, has mutual trust and respect, is visionary and serves our residents as Groveland Twp. embraces the changes that come with fulfilling the master plan objectives.
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Name: Susan M. Taylor (R)
Age: 56
Years in the Township: 22
Township meetings attended in the last year: I’ve attended 11 regular board Meetings as well as numerous mid-day special meetings.
Occupation: Self employed business owner – 23 years
Government-related experience: I am not a career politician. I am a passionate resident who loves Groveland Township. After petitioning to save our Fire Department in 2018, I have felt that the resident’s are not being heard and we are in need someone to be their voice of reason on the Board.

Given the loss in tax revenue due to the coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? Given the current fluid conditions mandated by our Governor, it is difficult to plan anything at this time. However, I would definitely be looking at all non-essential expenses, programs, training and a freeze on hiring. Our residents do their part by paying their taxes and cutting back, our Township office also needs to do their part in same.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain. While hopeful that the ORV park will help local businesses and be a welcomed attraction, I do have a few concerns and questions. How many jobs will it contribute to the township residents? The added traffic on our infrastructure? The added resources required by our fire department and EMT’s especially when the Renaissance Festival is taking place as well.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? Thriving with new businesses on Dixie Highway contributing to the tax base, maintaining our unique country atmosphere, not increasing taxes and continuing to see our successful, outstanding Fire Department and EMS services remaining in and servicing our Township.
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Name: Jim Christopher (I) (R)
Age: 64
Years in the Township: 20
Township meetings attended in the last year: Virtually all Planning Commission and board meetings; Numerous collaborative meetings.
Occupation: Construction manager and consultant within the inter-related disciplines than comprise facility and real Estate management.
Government-related experience: Within Groveland Township: Tax Board of Review, Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commissioner, Trustee, Township Liaison to Oakland County Invasive Species Cooperative
Given the loss in tax revenue due to the Coronavirus, what is your plan to help the township’s economic condition? A moratorium on full-time hiring; Utilization of funds on hand; Moratorium on new infrastructure initiatives.
With the ORV park opening this fall, what is your plan to capture the greatest revenue generated for the township? Please explain: Development of township property adjacent the park so as to produce a direct, long-term revenue stream for the township as well as fully support development of the Dixie Corridor in an effort to generate a contributing business tax base.
What do you envision for Groveland Township in four years? Development of the township property adjacent the ORV Park; Replacement construction of Fire Station 1 and Michigan State Police Post; Continued low taxes; highly competent leadership.