FeedsElection race shapes up in Township
The incumbent supervisor has begun his reelection campaign while the incumbent clerk has announced her plans to retire as election season in Plymouth Township begins.
Plymouth Township Supervisor Richard Reaume said he has already submitted his 100 petition signatures to the township clerk officially beginning his campaign to retain his post as supervisor.
Reaume said the township has experienced many successes during his first term, and he wants to resume the progress.
“I’ve done a good job of running an efficient government. I want to continue the process,” said Reaume.
According to Township Clerk Marilyn Massengill, Reaume, a Republican, was the only official candidate for supervisor as of press time. However, several individuals have requested “packets” of petitions and other materials needed to place their names on the Aug. 5 ballot.
Former Plymouth Township Police Chief Carl Berry, former township trustee K.C Mueller and current Plymouth-Canton School Board Trustee Dianne Gonzalez could potentially challenge the current supervisor.
All township residents who seek public office must return their packets to the clerk’s office by 4 p.m. May 13 in order to have their names on the ballot.
Plymouth Township Deputy Clerk Joe Bridgman said he plans to continue the level of service and efficiency if elected as clerk.
“I want to keep the integrity and the level of service we have in this township,” said Bridgman, a Republican, who has spent the last five years as the number two person in the clerk’s office. While Bridgman said that there is always room for improvement, he wants to keep the office going on the right course.
“We want to continue doing that same thing, the same level of service.”
Bridgman’s the only official challenger thus far, Mary-Ann Prchlik, said her years in accounting and being an active member of the Plymouth community has prepared her for the clerk’s post.
“Plymouth Township is what it is because people step up. I want to give back to my community,” said Prchlik, who along with her husband, operates several properties in Plymouth Township.
Prchlik said she would also like to continue the level of service of not only the clerk’s office but also the entire township government.
“The township is well run. We have low millage rates, great
schools and great people,” said Prchlik, a current member of the Plymouth Historical Museum Board and Excellence in Education Foundation. She is also a former trustee of the Plymouth District Library.
After serving Plymouth Township for 39 years including the past 16 years as clerk, Massengill said it is time turn the reins to someone else.
“After 39 years I think it’s time to let it go,” said Massengill
The top vote getters in the August primary on both the Democratic and Republican side will face off in the November General Election. There is a total of seven seats up for election including township treasurer and three trustee posts.
