Six incumbents are planning to seek re-election to the Addison Township Board.
Supervisor Bruce Pearson, Clerk Pauline Bennett, Treasurer Lori Fisher and trustees Ed Brakefield, Linda Gierak and Erich Senft are all looking to retain their positions.
Residents thinking about challenging them have until 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 to file their paperwork.
Affidavits of identity and nominating petitions are available at township clerk’s office, located at 1440 Rochester Rd. in Lakeville. In order to qualify, potential candidates must have their petitions signed by a minimum of three, but no more than 10, registered Addison voters.
Pearson has accumulated a lengthy list of accomplishments during his two terms in office and believes there’s still more to do.
‘I told people I would do certain things and I’ve done about everything I said I was going to do,? he said. ‘I have a few more projects that I have in mind that I think this township needs.?
Some of his accomplishments in office include improving township roads, having less power outages by putting in a looped electrical system, bringing in cell phone towers, natural gas, expanding internet access and building a new township hall that came in approximately $700,000 under budget.
Projects that Pearson wants to finish include getting the baseball field and sledding hill completed behind hall.
‘I want our seniors to be able to see the ball games,? he said. ‘We’re hoping to put the sledding here in the back so the community can all come together. This used to be a sledding area back in the 1800s and we’d like to bring that community atmosphere back.?
Pearson’s also hoping to further increase handicap accessibility in the township’s parks and to bodies of water such as Lake George.
As far as dream projects go, Pearson would love to create a township park on Lakeville Lake, complete with a beach, to increase public access. He said this would give Addison residents more of ‘a stake in the lake? and allow the township to dedicate resources to it ‘because it would benefit everybody.?
Pearson believes wholeheartedly Addison residents have gotten their money’s worth during his time in office.
‘I have the expertise I have the knowledge, I have the connections and I think the people of Addison Township benefit from that,? he said. ‘If there ever comes a day where I’m not giving them 100 percent, I’ll know it’s time for me to leave.?
Bennett has decided to seek another term in office because ‘Addison Township residents are the best to work with.?
‘I enjoy working with the residents to solve problems,? she said. ‘I love the position and it’s an honor to serve the residents.?
Bennett said she wants to continue to ‘provide fast, fair and friendly service.? During her time in office, Bennett has worked hard to bring about greater transparency by making township records, documents, applications, meeting agendas, etc. more accessible via the township website. She is hoping to put digitized township documents into a searchable format.
Other things Bennett wants to do include researching the possibility of installing cremation niches at the Lakeville Cemetery and continuing to pursue grants for ‘pathways and outdoor activities in conjunction with the parks master plan.?
Fisher really loves her job, which is why she’s decided to run again.
‘I love my community and I feel that I’m a very good fit for the job,? she added.
During her time in office she had new software programs installed that allow the township to keep better track of cash flow.
‘We’ve changed a lot of processes (and) I think made things much more efficient,? Fisher explained. ‘We used to actually be doing things by hand and now, everything is computerized and easier to access, as well as a little bit safer.?
Brakefield said his decision to run again after 20 years as a township trustee was a difficult one, but ultimately, he decided to do it. ‘I love the township and it’s a wonderful place to live, and I want to be sure it stays that way for future generations,? he said. ‘I will continue to (work to) maintain the rural atmosphere of the township and ensure our natural beauty by placing development where it should be, and not allow it to run rampant throughout the township.?
Brakefield enjoys discussing issues with citizens and getting their input, which sometimes changes his opinion or decision on an issue. ‘I invite our citizens to attend meetings and to present their (issues) to our board,? he said.
As far as his achievements in office, Brakefield used to believe the greatest one was the preservation of the Arnold schoolhouse and getting it moved to Watershed Park. But that was topped when natural gas was finally made available to Addison homeowners thanks to efforts of officials and citizens.
‘For me and so many citizens, this was a dream finally coming true,? he said.
As for his priorities, Brakefield said he will continue to keep a watchful eye on the budget, continue to fight tax increases, continue to keep the infrastructure strong, and continue to keep the township ‘rural where it should be.?
Brakefield noted senior citizens will also continue to be a priority for him. ‘The seniors are our best asset (because of their knowledge of the township),? he said.
After being appointed to the board two years ago, Erich Senft said his tenure has given him ‘some assurance? that he wants to run for the position. ‘I think I can make a difference with my background, both professionally and also personally,? he said.
Senft has experience in product development at General Motors, where he retired from in 2006, along with 12 years of teaching experience at Lawrence Technological University. He’s also spent seven years on the township’s fire board and served as its chairman.
‘I believe in spending money wisely,? he said. ‘I do that in my personal life and I was a part of very efficient spending and balancing the budget in the years I’ve been a part of this township in various positions.?
Although Senft, a 26-year resident, has only served on the township board for two years, he believes he’s learned a lot.
‘I was part of that team that planned (the new township hall), helped review it, manage it and I think (it) came to a successful conclusion,? he said.
Linda Gierak is running again because she enjoys township government. ‘It’s (contributing) to the community and I think everybody should take a turn,? she said.
Gierak is proud of the improvements that have been made to Addison’s park system as well as the construction of a new township hall. ‘It’s beautiful in here,? she said.
Gierak is thankful for all the volunteers.
‘The volunteers in this township are amazing,? she said.
To her, serving on the township board is a form of volunteerism.
‘I’m not out there cutting down bushes, but at least I can do this,? Gierak said.
Current Trustee John Boehmer has decided not seek re-election.
“I have been running the last forty-six years at one thing or another and am now approaching a period of transition that will be my focus for the next while,” Boehmer said. “Holding office is only one way to contribute to the community.”
“Working with and in Addison Township has always been my pleasure, whether as an elected official, appointee, volunteer or engaged citizen and my involvement will not cease simply because of not being a Trustee,” he added. “Addison is blessed with its land, people and community spirit and there is no doubt that the future will be bright.”