Here are the Washtenaw County township races to watch for the Nov. 3 election – MLive.com

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Several candidates across Washtenaw Countys townships are running in the Nov. 3 general election to represent their communities.

Some of the top contested races include clerk seats, trustees and township supervisors.

MLive Media Group has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information and other voting resources to readers ahead of 2020 elections.

Each candidate was given a list of questions relevant to the office for which they are campaigning. The voter guide can be accessed at vote411.org.

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for a necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations.

Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should not be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

Here is how candidates in the voter guide responded to the question:

What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them with current resources?

Augusta Township

Seven candidates aim are running for four seats on the board of trustees.

Linda Adams, Democrat: As a current board member. I feel that I have helped make positive steps toward making our township more financially sounder and stable in a tough economic time. And I will continue to work hard at it until we reach the goals that have been outlined to reduce rates in systems that has been ignored for years past. I would like to work on a better updated emergency response system that give residents more valuable time to take action to keep them safer in an emergency situation. I will be working on finding ways to improve communication in our area as this is area that needs drastic improvement, especially with the recent events that Covid 19 has presented. The needs for working remotely has never been needed more. There are many grants that are there for the taking. As long as you are willing to put in the work to get them. I will work diligently to find ways to get the needed funds to support our areas of concern.

Terrance Darnell Green, Democrat: As your humbled trustee, I vow to get the water billing department organized. For too long, residents of Augusta have stood victim to disorganization in water billingusing my experience running a carpentry and realty business, I will design proposals to restructure the department and spearhead these changes myself.

David Hall, Democrat: Hello Residents My Name is David Hall and Im asking you For your vote November 3rd for Augusta Township Trustee. I have lived in this Great township for 57 years and Im now retired and I think its time to bring the Augusta township Board Back to be working for the residents, No more Blindsides, No more water and tax increases unless its approved by the residents, Clean out town hall and get officers to doing what they are elected to do. Our Drains are way out dated and not working, Its time to start working with the county and get a long term plan Moving. Roads, Again its time to cover the whole township and get a long term plan on what roads and when we will update them. starting with the worse and moving forward. Stop wasting tax payers money and let the residents have a voice how to spend their money. Most of all a board working together. I have no problem working with the board our voters put in place. Form Neighborhood watches and stop the crime and dumpers.

Other candidates who did not complete the voter guide questionnaire include Deborah J. Fuqua-Frey, Republican; Christopher Ortiz, Republican; Kathleen Ruth McDonald, Democrat; and Dale-Lin Mallonen, unaffiliated.

Three candidates are vying for the supervisor seat.

Cath Howard, Democrat: I would continue our efforts to improve and replace the aging and deteriorating water/sewer system, to reduce water loss and to maintain a financially responsible rate system resulting in adequate revenue generation to allow for sufficient funding of commodity and operation costs and necessary future capital improvements. I want to ensure the completion of our new Fire Station in a timely manner, which will will eliminate a $30,000/year lease of another building and free up the old station of additional township use. I also look forward to working with the community to develop a sustainable approach to eliminating dumping in our township and to developing a stronger working relationship with both the County Road and with the Water Resources (Drain) Commissions. The Board will need to address a long-term plan for cemetery management that does not currently exist. I also believe its vital to increase Board transparency and community engagement, which will be part of my daily agenda.

Brian Alan Shelby, Republican: Vision for the next term include; improved cell reception, investigate having a cell tower built. Enhancing our businesses with either a Chamber of Commerce or Business Association. Creating a township park, farmers market or a community cent

Bradley Joseph Manley, unaffiliated, did not complete the voter guide questionnaire, and is running as a write-in candidate.

Dexter Township

A Democrat and Republican are competing for the clerk seat.

Michelle Stamboulellis, Democrat: I love Dexter and I am proud to call Dexter home. I have many reasons for running for Township office with the most important reason being to listen to my constituents and be their voice; Encouraging community involvement and engagement is what makes government a success. Our Township needs leaders who will follow our Master Plan and adopt a strong Land Preservation Program to protect our farmers legacy which is the very fabric of what Dexter is made of and what draws families to want to live in our rural community. I would work to accomplish these goals by first reaching out to the community and offering more social media avenues I want the community to feel comfortable engaging with the township elected officials.

Republican Mark Wojno did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Eight candidates are running for the townships board of trustees.

James Drolett, Republican: I will continue to strive to preserve the beautiful rural character of Dexter township through careful planning and zoning strategies. It is important as a board member to find community members who are willing to serve on boards and committees that have the good of the entire township as their mission, not to serve any personnel agenda. Fortunately, we have been able to do so with this Board of Trustees.

Bill Gajewski, Republican: There will be no runoff at August primary, all candidates will advance to the General Election. Thus, a unique & balanced platform will be provided prior to November General Election.

Answers to goals, problems, & assets questions will be provided in detail prior to the November General Election with good land-use planning designed to improve the quality of life for ALL our Dexter Township residents.

Mary Beth Michaud, write-in Democrat: A primary goal is to look at other townships' use of resources, provision of services and compare if there are ways to benefit our residents by working with and learning from these similar communities. As I have tried to educate myself about my Township, I have found many committees lacking in up-to-date reporting. Another goal would be timelier reporting, and updated communication available to the public.

Karen Nolte, Democrat: Three words - Truth, Transparency to earn Trust. This is what I expect of myself while working for the Dexter Township residents. I want to discover ways to inform our residents on topics affecting our Township, thereby keeping everyone informed on topics impacting their lives and property. Critical thinking and prioritizing while working toward the future is key, we can build tools of information with very limited means. Monetary resources function frequently as a road map. They are living breathing documents setting a course, while human resources can be limitless if you can tap into those abilities.

Laura L. Sanders, Democrat: Goals for my position as Trustee will largely be co-created through listening to the concerns of the people in Dexter Township, careful attention to often complex issues, and negotiating solutions with the community. I intend to: -listen closely to your concerns as an increasingly diverse community with attention to equity and inclusion -work to balance and resolve competing needs within our community, -support reasonable development that protects the charm of Dexter Township and preserves our lakes and public lands, -foster options for farmers in land uses and sale, -secure the basic protections of law enforcement, fire safety, health, schools, parks, and other essential services for everyone in our community, and work to eliminate disparities within these systems -encourage smart infrastructure developments including roads, water, internet access, etc., -honor the history and traditions of Dexter Township while inviting sensible change.

Karen Kim Sikkenga, Democrat: I stand for three things:

One Effective, Efficient and Ethical Use of Taxpayer Dollars. The taxes we pay can support higher levels of service - services that will improve our day-to-day lives, like better local roads and garbage pick-up. My years as a financial manager and budget analyst give me the tools and knowledge to give taxpayers more for their money.

Two - Setting Priorities with Citizen Input. Our tax dollars should be put to work for the services that are important to us, while still meeting our ethical and regulatory requirements for township management. I have decades of experience seeking and responding to citizen priorities to find the best solutions.

Three - Making Transparent, Policy-Driven Decisions. Our decisions should be driven by our published and approved plans and policies, developed with citizen input. Its not about who you know: its about making lives better right here in our community.

Republican candidates Michael Compton and Mark Mesko did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Manchester Township

Two are competing for the treasurer seat.

Laurie Carey, incumbent Democrat: Retaining my position as Township Treasurer will mean continuing to work with our Board to find new and effective changes for our community. From continuing to work towards finding solutions for police services, obtaining internet access for the underserved areas, continuing the progress with the County Parks on the creation of trails, developing an enhanced citizen concern system, working with the village to promote Manchester as a destination and getting business and grocery back to our area for our residents. As representative for the Western Washtenaw Recycle Authority I hope to be able to continue working on the promotion of recycling more to reduce the quantity of waste that fills our landfills.

Kim Thompson, Republican: Being receptive to the needs of Township residents would be my highest priority. As your treasurer, transparency and accuracy would also be emphasized. Helping to restore the working relationship between the Township and Village is another important issue before us. I look forward to working together to make Manchester a better place for all of us.

Five candidates are vying for a seat on the board of trustees.

Lisa Moutinho, incumbent Republican: COVID has reinforced that my most important goal is continuing the work to bring broadband to rural Manchester Township. This is a request brought to our board by a small group of residents in early 2017. I accepted their challenge, and Im currently serving on the Washtenaw County Broadband Task Force, a group convened by the countys Board of Commissioners to bridge the digital divide by 2022. Our collective work is ongoing and in earnest. We have completed a countywide broadband accessibility survey, and over the summer, we will be taking appropriate measures to prepare a federal grant funding application that can bring broadband equity to our rural areas. Im committed to seeing this through and meeting the expectations of our residents, and in the time frame the Board of Commissioners has allocated.

Candidates did not complete the voter guide questionnaire: Republican incumbent Michael Fusilier, Democrat incumbent John Seefeld, and Krista Jarvis and Donald E. Steele, who both reported no party affiliation.

Northfield Township

Two are facing off for Township Supervisor Marlene Chockleys seat.

Kenneth J. Dignan III, Republican: The first goal I have is to restore the communitys confidence in their local government. I will do this through honesty and a commitment to working together with the community. We need to streamline government services. We need to be clear with those that want to invest in our community as to what they can expect and meet those commitments by keeping our word and not moving the ball halfway through the game. We need to follow through with a commitment made over 4 years ago and develop a downtown lakeside park. This can be done and must be done.

L.J. Walter III, Democrat: My goals are to serve the entire township population as opposed to a vocal few. I would like to create a better system of communication with the township, including the renovation of our official website, and ensuring that it includes a public forum where people can keep up with local news and make their voices heard in a nonpartisan moderated location. I would also like to explore the best way to bring broadband to the township, and how local government can help make it a reality.

Two are running for the clerk seat.

Marissa Prizgint, Green Party: My main goal is to represent my neighbors and their interests to the best of my ability. The Board of Trustees is not the platform for the grandiose goals of a single board member, but rather a place for all seven members to work collaboratively to lead Northfield forward. When elected, I promise to support all legal businesses by recommending/supporting policies that will expedite approval processes for new and existing businesses, recommend/support a concise communication plan to outline exactly when and how residents will learn about township happenings to engage the public in the decision-making process, work to improve the content and accessibility of the township website so citizens may easily find the information they need to participate and ask thoughtful questions, keep party politics out of the board room, protect the environment, preserve the zoning in the AG districts while promoting development where permitted, and represent my constituents without a personal agenda.

Incumbent Republican Kathleen Manley did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Eight candidates are running to fill four seats on the board of trustees.

Janet Chick, incumbent Republican: I will continue to actively advocate for new businesses, support our current businesses. Encourage improvements to the aesthetic and infrastructure in our downtown area. I will work to attract people to experience our township both the lake area and our green spaces. I will continue to seek new revenue sources to help provide the services and amenities our residents have been requesting, I am 100% behind and have been for 4 years providing the development of a public park and lakefront space for the residents to enjoy our beautiful Whitmore Lake. I fully support our newly formed Land Preservation Committee in their effort to educate the citizens about our rural areas about programs that are available to land owners to preserve their properties for the future, what asset and activities are available in our rural area and advise on key natural features. In addition I will continue to increase road funding for our roads in need as well as funding for our WWTP to keep it in compliance.

Dana Forrester, Democrat: If elected I would work to make it easier for businesses to open in Northfield Township by streamlining the process, and making the steps available on our Township web site. Once this is achieved, I would market Northfield Township to prospective businesses that can enhance our community via a targeted public relations campaign and personal outreach.

Another goal is to help provide community access to Whitmore Lake via Northfield Village Park. Funding for the park will need to be from a Millage (for 100% Parkland) or it will need to come from proceeds from a housing development. My goal is for Northfield Village Park to feature a beach (with fence), fishing pier, bandshell and other amenities. I will work with fellow board members, community members and potential developers to figure out the best course of action and get it done.

David J. Gordon, Democrat: The Board needs to re-order its priorities to align with what the majority of residents want. I would focus on these projects:

1- Build an affordable waterfront park and/or beach for our residents that would help reinvigorate downtown.

2- Invest in road maintenance and upgrades in the rural areas whose residents pay the majority of township taxes.

3- Work to bring high-speed Internet downtown and hopefully throughout the entire township.

4- Streamline government services to be more agile and accountable, especially planning and code enforcement.

5- Conduct an energy audit as a means to reducing our carbon footprint and then invest in creative, low-cost, and environmental-friendly infrastructure projects.

We need to preserve whats great and improve whats not. Listening to, respecting, and acting on what the residents want is Job #1.

Christine Miles, Democrat: 1. Find out what is important to the people of the township and give voice to those opinions. 2. Explore ways for responsible growth of the community without losing our rural aspect. 3. Encourage development a downtown lake area that we can be proud of as a community.

Nate Muchow, Republican: Goal #1 is getting growth back into Whitmore Lake. Our town has been stagnant since the 80s and the downtown is desolate. The people have spoken and approved Marijuana so now is the time to bring it in responsibly. Everyone wants to turn the beach front property downtown into a park and a beach. Without funds from development on the rest of the property this will never happen. Lets put single family homes on the property with the stipulation that 5 acres is saved for a town park with a beach and fishing dock so that the 90% of the Whitmore Lake residents who dont live on the lake can enjoy it. Including me. At the end of the day my goal by running for board of trustees is to bring some single family homes back into this town so the school system can prosper and we never have to think about being annexed by Ann Arbor again. I have four girls in the school system from kindergarten through ninth grade. My sister teaches special-ed here at the high school. Lets make Whitmore Lake

Joshua M. Nelson, Republican: First and foremost, I hope to keep the current property values intact, especially in the rural communities, while still attempting to encourage smart and economical development in Whitmore Lake. This can be done in a number of ways, I would attempt to accomplish this by encouraging families to come to our Township and by encouraging diverse groups of businesses to invest in Whitmore Lake, creating opportunities and jobs to help our community thrive in a competitive environment. Secondly, youve probably heard it enough, but I do want to help fix the roads. The township already has a sizable budget for the roads, and I hope to make sure those resources are allocated where they are needed most.

Adam Olney, Democrat: The Development of North Village (including public green-space and development as indicated in the Master Plan). Streamlining the Building/Business process. Supporting a township funding infrastructure (roads and sewer basin). The Township currently has a fund balance of 130% with a fund balance policy of 80%. These overages can be put to use providing needed services and upgrades to our township and residents. I will work to prioritize these needs with public input so those dollars are spent prudently and in a manner that provides the best outcome for Northfield Township. A commitment to recreational public use walk-ability (Paths, Parks and Preserves). Similar to my thoughts on infrastructure some of the fund balance each year could be directed to these projects so down the road when they become a real possibility the township has a fund to put towards them, hopefully securing additional grant funding to help with the cost.

Jacqueline R. Otto, Republican: My number one goal is to finish the job that I started back in 2012. The township was stagnate for over twenty years no development, struggles between the Agricultural and Lake areas, and lack of infrastructure and capitalization improvement plans. For me, failing to plan is planning to fail. For the past eight years, I have rolled up my sleeves using the current resources as roadmap and pushed forward the townships approved plans. I believe that the key to the townships success is for the township board to just work the plans the Master Plan (2019), the Stormwater Management Plan (2013), the Downtown Strategic Plan (2017) and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2015). These documents are instrumental in turning Northfield Township around and creating a thriving community.

Scio Township

Six candidates are running to fill four seats on the board of trustees.

Jackie Courteau, Democrat: I share the following goals and vision with colleagues who make up the Moving Scio Forward slate of candidates: 1) Maintain and improve the services the township provides to residents 2) Ensure transparency and opportunity for public input in government decisions 3) Increase access to the many resources that Scio Township has to offer 4) Involve more people in our government to represent the diversity in our community 5) Protect the natural environment and the rural landscape that defines Scio Township

I will work hard to connect with our citizens, foster collaboration between residents and staff as well as between the township and other organizations (county government, local mental health and law enforcement agencies, the Washtenaw County Road Commission, land preservation agencies) to leverage resources and develop creative solutions to respond to challenges posed by COVID-19 and other on-going issues. I believe we can balance growth and land preservation.

Edward Frutig, Republican: I am a big supporter of land conservation supporting local farmers and charities I have currently done this through our business buying local combining land saving historic Barns and raising funds for local charities I will now continue this as a Scio township trustee

William Gordon, Republican: Be a voice for conservative fiscal management of Township dollars. I am experienced at negotiation and expect that to be helpful in working with fellow Trustees and Township residents and vendors.

Alec Jerome, Democrat: My goals include the continuation of initiatives underway in the Township, focusing on the improvement and delivery of essential services:

1) Maintain and improve the services the Township provides to residents. 2) Ensure transparency and opportunity for public input in government decisions. 3) Increase access to the many resources which Scio Township has to offer. 4) Involve more people in our government to represent the diversity in our community. 5) Protect the natural environment and the rural landscape, which define Scio Township.

Kathleen Knol, incumbent Democrat: My goals would include supporting ongoing township land preservation efforts, encouraging public input and involvement in township government, preserving the health and vitality of the Huron River, advocating for meaningful cleanup of the Gelman dioxane plume, and supporting efforts to make our neighborhoods and parks connected with sidewalks and walkways. Additionally, I would support well planned development consistent with the township master plan.

I would work to accomplish all of these through collaborative decision making with other board members, through various committees when appropriate. I would listen to the concerns of Scio residents, in order to have a better understanding of citizen issues.

Jane E. Vogel, Democrat: 1. Excellent basic services are at the core of what a township government should provide for residents. I am committed to this task

2. The Jackson road corridor is the economic heart of Scio Township and I am committed to helping new and existing businesses to thrive, creating job opportunities and a vibrant community for our residents

3. Transparency at Township Hall: Trust in government is one of the most important things a Township can provide to its residents. I am committed to this value.

4. Environmental Stewardship: Scio residents have made clear the value they hold for our preserved spaces, and I am committed to protecting these areas, and developing more sustainable practices for future generations

See Moving Scio Forward website for details of each goal https://www.movingscioforward.com/

Superior Township

Five candidates are running for four seats on the board of trustees.

Nancy Caviston, incumbent Democrat: I will continue working with the elected township board to keep our township SUPERIOR!

I support all the Democratic Incumbent Superior Township candidates running for election. These particular candidates have the leadership qualities necessary to propel our township through the next four years and beyond.

Lisa Lewis, incumbent Democrat: My goals for Superior Township are to continue to keep the best interests for the residents at the forefront and uphold ethical behaviors when voting on issues presented to the officials.

Bernice Lindke, Democrat: I have two main goals: 1) Ensure the adoption of a budget that is sound, fair and equitable; one that distributes funds for programs and services to all areas of the township; and, 2) Adopt ordinances that promote and protect the township residents health, safety and well-being.

Hamilton Zachariahs, Republican: I would like to continue with Superior Townships direction in managing and protecting natural features and maintaining non-developed property and nature preserves. Additionally, I hope to modernize and simplify ordinances to enable thoughtful and considered development should landowners to choose to re-purpose their land. Through that, I would like to explore lowering taxes to residents via an increased tax base. Additionally, I would like our Township to offer additional support to lower income residents, an example of this by increasing the income threshold for the property tax exemption guidelines. Big picture, Id like to ensure that Superior Township remains a great place to live and raise a family making it one of the top destinations for home ownership in Southeastern Michigan.

Democrat Rhonda McGill did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Sylvan Township

Three candidates who do not identify with a political party are running for supervisor.

David Brooks: Sylvan Township needs to improve its citizen responsiveness. Were from the government and are here to help shouldnt be a joke. The quality of communications between elected officials, staff and citizens can be improved. Simplifying ordinances and procedures makes life easier and saves money. The supervisor is only 1 of 5 trustees. We have to recognize each others goals and work together in the best interest of the Township.

Clifford Camp: If elected, I will leverage existing technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of service within the township. I will use my experience pursuing grant funding to identify outside funding sources to lessen the fiscal burden on township residents.

Scott E. Cooper: Our financial house has some work that needs to take place. The Township has been operating without a Capital Improvement Plan. Our assets are aging and beginning to fail, so we need to be able to put our taxes to work to protect our infrastructure. Additionally our community is growing and many people now want to access as much of our parks and bike trails as possible. We need to create a Parks Dept. to gain acccess to Government grants that will allow us to better serve these outdoor areas. Our roads particularly our gravel roads are in severe decline. The Washtenaw County Road Comm. estimates that we need $2,500,000 over the next 10 years and currently our Township is near the bottom of the list of Townships that contribute to the betterment of our roads. We need better roads and improvement. Finally we must find a way to improve our internet capabilities for our more rural areas, so that the kids can complete homework, and work at home families can remain home.

Two candidates are running for treasurer.

Rodney Branham, Republican: One big goal is that I would really like to see through to the end is the Sylvan Broadband Committee that was recently formed and I am the Board member on the Committee. Getting broadband (Fiber) to our residents has been a passion of mine for my entire 8 years. I will work hard for the residents to get Broadband throughout our township as this is not a luxury, it is a necessity especially for our Kids for their school work and parents that work from home.

Democrat Cyndi Jabara did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Three candidates are running for two seats on the board of trustees.

Kurt Koseck, Republican: Respond to customer (citizen) concerns promptly. You may not always want to hear the answer, but it is most important to be responsive. Second goal is to make the Township processes more effective.

Amanda Nimke-Ballard, unaffiliated party: 1. High-speed internet to all residences. I am on Sylvans Broadband Committee and Washtenaw Broadband Task Force, advocating for the townships needs in a county-wide broadband effort. I will further this initiative with support and funding.

2. Maintaining the rural character of the township, accomplished with zoning and planning, as is clearly directed in our master plan. Updating our zoning districts to more accurately reflect current land use in existing communities. We need land preservation efforts at the board level, and I will work to formalize our own Farmland and Natural Areas Board.

3. Focusing higher density growth in our underused sewer and water district near Chelsea, to utilize the infrastructure that already exists and alleviate pressures on the system itself and tax payers due to there not being enough customers. We also need to reach out to the City of Chelsea to reopen dialogue regarding how Sylvans water system can service some of their needs.

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Here are the Washtenaw County township races to watch for the Nov. 3 election - MLive.com