In Scio Township 3 Democratic slate face off

In primary elections, voters may vote on only one party line. This year in Scio Township, all candidates for township office appear on the Democratic party line.

There are three slates.

The following candidates for township supervisor, treasurer and clerk will be on the Aug. 5 ballot.

Each candidates' association with a slate is noted alongside party affiliation.

Scio Township supervisor

(one seat)

E. Spaulding Clark Democrat / Leadership for Scio

Background:

• Attorney/municipal consultant.

• Bachelor's degree Albion College; juris doctor, University of Michigan; master of laws, Wayne State University; admitted to practice law in Michigan; Colorado; U.S. District Court; U.S. Tax Court.

Previous elected office: Scio Township Trustee 1992-1995, Scio Township Supervisor 2000-2004.

Public and community service: Ann Arbor Rotary Club, First Presbyterian Church elder, Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Association of Township Attorneys, Michigan Association of Planning

Key issues

• Return to a transparent, effective, efficient, responsive and respected township administration: This is a basic prerequisite for governing which is not now being met. We need to be served by proven leaders who are experienced across the entire range of township administrative and financial activities.

• Restore and improve public-safety services with appropriate budgets and oversight: This requires board members who can plan for the financial needs relative to such services, given the township's existing budget and financial resources.

• Fiscal responsibility: New leadership is needed to re-evaluate the entire range of the township's finances to avoid the kind of unnecessary cuts that occurred with reductions in police and fire when ample funds were available. In the same vein, township board members need to avoid increasing the township tax burden unnecessarily. The salaries of current full-time township officials need to be tied to performance, responsibilities, and work performed, or they need to serve only in a part-time capacity.

Personal: Married, two children.

www.LeadershipForScio.com

Doug Fuller Democrat / Team For Scio

Background: Not provided.

Previous elected office: None

Public and community service: Dexter Rotary Club, Dexter Chamber of Commerce, Loch Alpine Improvement Association Board; Scio Township Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Township Public Safety Committee, Township Local Roads Committee; Loch Alpine Sanitary Authority Operating Committee; Democratic party precinct delegate.

Key issues

• Efficiency in services: We need to be aggressive to ensure that we are providing for the long-term, cost-effective delivery of water and sewer services. Every service the township provides needs to be under constant scrutiny to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

• Public-safety funding: We need to ensure public-safety officials have proper resources, and to search for opportunities and partners to provide these services.

• Thoughtful control of growth: Our township has experienced exceptional growth and has a combination of wonderful areas to live and areas that are vibrant, exciting places to have a business. Experience, consideration for neighbors, a willingness to listen and a determination to follow the guidelines, procedures, ordinances and laws will contribute to making Scio a jewel.

Personal: 61, single

www.theteamforscio.org

Charles Nielsen Democrat / Preserve Scio Slate

Background:

• Scio supervisor.

• Small business owner.

Previous elected office: Current Scio Township supervisor.

Public and community service: Chairman Michigan Township Association Washtenaw Chapter, president of University Lowbrow Astronomers, numerous committees.

Key issues

• Adequate public safety protection: Educate residents about public safety needs and current status, solicit help in funding.

• Defend against annexation: Hold firm on annexation requests, especially as Dexter goes through cityhood process.

• Balance development and preservation: Develop Jackson Road development and encourage good mix of retail, industrial and housing, while preserving as much as possible off the boulevard, including development of an active recreation, township-owned park. Personal: 54, one son, one grandson.

www.Preservescio.org

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Township treasurer

(one seat)

Gordon Darr

Democrat / Leadership for Scio

Background:

• Educator, musician, consultant.

• Master's degree, educational studies, University of Michigan; certification in K-8, master of business administration Texas Christian University; bachelor's degree University of Michigan

Previous elected office: Scio Township Trustee, 2000-2004, Dexter Village Trustee, 1998-2000.

Public and community service: Active in various arts initiatives.

Key issues

• Top-notch public safety without unnecessary new taxes: The funds are available for additional public-safety personnel. More can be done to economize our township operations, starting with a return to part-time officers. We can be a little more aggressive in investing township funds.

• Smart, sustainable development: Adhere to the master plan already in place. Insist on win-win for our residents and builders/developers.

• Jobs and housing for all income levels: Creative recruitment of employers; decrease the number of vacant homes. I will propose a tax break for residents living in the same Scio primary residence for 25 continuous years, and a more aggressive incentive for 40-year residents.

Personal: 47, single, two daughters.

www.leadershipforscio.com

Donna Palmer Democrat / Team For Scio

Background: • Current Scio Township treasurer.

• Basic accounting courses at Washtenaw Community College; certified municipal treasurer courses; seminars offered by Michigan Township Association and the Michigan Municipal Treasurer's Association.

Previous elected office: Scio Township Treasurer

Public and community service: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter District Library, Gordon Hall Administrative Committee, Dexter Area Service Association.

Key issues

•Public safety: We are dangerously at 'bare bones.' My responsibility as a board member is to support the Public Safety Committee's recommendations.

• Fiscal responsibility: I will continue to keep a healthy fund balance, protecting 'the people, who pay the bills,' and leaning always to spend necessarily and wisely.

• Township character: It's important to keep our business area viable as we all enjoy more convenient services. I do not want to see every piece of land covered with blacktop and rooftops. Ultimately, we would see a diminishment in what we know and enjoy.

Personal: 69, married, six children, 16 grandchildren

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Township clerk

(one seat)

Nancy Hedburg Democrat / Team For Scio

Background:

• Landscape architect.

• Bachelor's degree University of Illinois.

Previous elected office: None

Public and community service: Scio Township Board of Review; West Washtenaw Business Association; Adopt-a-Road; officer in Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild; past Scio Township Planning Commission; officer in People for a Beautiful Scio.

Key issues

• Public safety: A bipartisan committee of volunteers has studied the issues facing emergency responders. I support the committee's recommendation that voters will be asked to support in November. I want the township to have protection for our citizens with qualified, trained, responsible responders.

• Preservation of open space and farmland: There is a delicate balance between the development demands and the preservation of our heritage and significant natural resources. I will protect open space, farmland, and provide recreational opportunities for citizens. I will also support a vibrant business community within the Jackson Road corridor and to ensure that the necessary infrastructure serves that corridor at the best cost.

• Customer service: Our township office should be all about service. I support training for staff and officials and would examine our hours of operation so that we may best serve our public."

Personal: 58, married, three children and two grandchildren.

www.theteamforscio.org

Mary Shindell Democrat / Preserve Scio Slate

Background: • Sales and marketing.

• Master's degree in guidance and counseling in community agencies, University of Michigan, School of Education; bachelor's degree U-M, Flint.

Previous elected office: None

Public and community service: Trustee Huron River Heights Property Owners Association; member American Business Womens Association; volunteer Youth for Understanding, International Exchange program; organizer Democracy for America (formerly Dean for America); precinct delegate for the Michigan Democratic Party in Scio Township,

Key issues

• Rising costs for fire and police protection and declining revenues: I would seek input from the voters on priorities and work to improve the services desired by the voters while maintaining low taxes.

• Community interest in more parks: I would like to establish a township park adequate to allow Scio residents an area to play team sports, walk, bicycle and have picnics. This can be done with money from the 2004 Scio Land Preservation millage. Park development and maintenance can be accomplished through the cooperative community effort of local sports leagues.

• Possible annexations: I would seek to understand what added services the residents of the Village of Dexter would gain if it becomes a city. I woulld ensure village residents were informed of the potential disadvantages to becoming a city and the value of remaining a part of Scio Township. I will protect Scio Township against annexation by any municipality.

• Developers seeking to build in areas not zoned for high-density developments or large stores: I will defend the Scio Township's master plan and zoning ordinances and ensure that any future dense development will be kept in the water and sewer service area, along the Jackson corridor.

Personal: 56, married, one child

www.maryshindell4scio.com

• (Scio Township trustee races)

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