FeedsDecision 2006
Primary election Tuesday
On Tuesday, voters can head to the polls to select candidates seeking the 11th District Wayne County Commission seat and a term as a Van Buren Township trustee. A non-homestead millage renewal for the Van Buren Public School District is also on the ballot.
Canton Township resident Gerry Law, Canton resident Loren Bennett, Sumpter Township resident Toni Clark and Canton resident Kevin McNamara are all vying for the one open commission term.
Law, who is a former state representative and Plymouth Township supervisor and trustee, said it’s time to get new people on the Wayne County Commission. He said major changes in the county also need to be made including budgetary problems, revenue sharing and the county auditor general position.
If elected, Law said he’d also like to address the health care issues and get a county health service that is available to the entire community, along with a mental health system and a health care plan for the poor.
Bennett, a former state senator, lieutenant governor candidate, as well as a Canton Township trustee and clerk, said he wants to work on the county ethical problems and cut costs in the delivery of medical supplies. He said the state of the economy motivated him to seek the position.
“I know enormous opportunities to raise money and I won’t raise taxes,” said Bennett. “Raising taxes is a drag on the economy and it’s bad enough here. I have the talent to deliver government services more efficiently and I want to turn the economy around.”
Clark, a former township supervisor and clerk, said the county needs a representative who really cares about the communities in the district.
“Van Buren Township, Belleville and Sumpter seem to be left out at the county level. The commissioner needs to be in the communities and talking to the representatives,” she said. “I have a love for the community, I get involved and I’m there.”
McNamara, a trustee on the Schoolcraft College Board and son of former Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara, said what separates him from his competition in the race is the fact he’s been around the county. He said his knowledge of maintenance systems for roads and sewers, operations of the department of public services and the people who perform the work and environmental development are a few things he can bring to the position. Roads, ditches and sewers are his top issues in each community, he added.
Both candidates in the run-off to fulfill the remainder of the Van Buren Township trustee position said township growth will be a major issue in the future.
Clair, the newly appointed trustee to the board, said there’s a fine balance between developers and homeowners.
“Some people don’t want the rural farmland to grow, but on the flip side we’re located between two airports, a railroad line and the Huron River so growth really can’t be stopped,” she said.
Clair also said managing finances in a stressed economy, including preserving annual audits, managing landfill funds, exploring grant opportunities and providing the most cost-effective services to residents, are other priorities.
Fix, who has lived in the township for more than 47 years, said he has learned more from his elders, peers, children and the streets about what is needed to successfully guide area government.
“I want to be a part of the new leadership that guides the township through the pains, growth and change, while maintaining the fiscal and historical responsibility the citizens deserve,” he said. “I have the passion for the community along with the conviction to stand behind my answers while maintaining my compassion for all the citizens of Van Buren Township.”
School officials also want residents to support the renewal of the non-homestead school millage. If approved by the voters, the millage, which would be renewed for another five years from 2007-2011, will allow the school district to continue to levy up to the millage rate of 18 mills on all property except principal residence and qualified agricultural property. It’s required for the school district to continue to receive revenue per pupil foundation grant, according to Nick Armelagos, director of business for the district.
“It’s not an increase for homeowners, the tax rate is not going up, but if this doesn’t pass we’re losing about $13.6 million of our school budget, which the state will not make up,” he said. “If it’s shot down we’ll have to cut programs and make drastic cuts that’s going to affect education.”
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents must vote a straight party for the primary election. For more information, contact city hall at (734) 697-9323.
