Clay Township supervisor, clerk, treasurer positions to be decided Aug. 6 – The Voice

Clay Township voters will see contested races for the positions of supervisor, clerk, treasurer and trustee in the Aug. 6 primary election.

All board seats are up for election.

Incumbent Republican Supervisor Artie Bryson is challenged by Republican Paul Cassidy. Incumbent Republican Clerk Cindy Valentine is challenged by Republican Tanya Hogan. Incumbent Republican Treasurer Kristi Hiltunen is challenged by Jerry Galka.

Incumbent Republican trustees Mark Borchardt, Maureen Boury, John DeBoyer and Chris O’Regan are running again and are challenged for their seats by Republicans Mike Booth, Brian Campbell, Justin Higgins and George F. Rose. Voters will be asked to vote for not more than four trustees.

David Mark Sluka is also running for trustee as a Democrat.

Valentine said the supervisor, clerk and treasurer all have an annual salary of $42,000 with an additional salary for board-assigned duties to equate to full-time positions. Examples she gave of the duties include that the supervisor manages capital outlay projects and contracts, as well as grant writing; the clerk is also accounts payable and human resources, and the treasurer reconciles bank accounts for over 30 funds and reconciles tax settlements.

Trustees earn $5,570 annually, plus $50 for special meetings.

The Voice sent questionnaires to all candidates in contested primary races, asking them to provide a biography and answer two questions. Responses were limited to 75 words. Some responses have been edited for length. Booth, Higgins and Rose did not respond.

 Meet the candidates for supervisor

Q: Biography: Please provide information about yourself, including your age, education, occupation and any previous political experience.

Artie Bryson: I’ve lived in Clay most of my life. Served as president of the Algonac Rotary, Algonac/Clay Community Foundation, a member of the Algonac-Clay Historical Society, Harsens Island Homeowners Association. Graduated from Algonac High School, hold two business degrees from Michigan State University and a computer science degree from the University of Florida. I’ve completed over 1,200 hours of training in township government and developed important relationships with neighboring communities and county, state and federal agencies.

Paul Cassidy: Central Michigan University – undergrad. Ohio Northern University Law School. Attorney 47 years. Macomb assistant prosecuting attorney assigned to try homicide cases 15 years. New Baltimore district court judge 15 years. Private practice attorney. Recently appointed a special prosecuting attorney in Wayne County to help try backlogged murder cases. I have been a land developer, including subdivision, commercial and multi-dwelling property. I am very familiar with water and sewer installation and construction.

Q: What do you think makes you the most qualified candidate?

Artie Bryson: My comprehensive experience and proven track record as a full-time supervisor, managing a $17 million budget. My primary focus has been to protect taxpayers’ money and provide services that offer excellent value. Clay maintains an AAA+ bond rating. My extensive knowledge of departments has enabled me to oversee numerous improvements. Currently, I’m managing $12,000,000 in grants, which fund various infrastructure, recreation and road projects. This funding alleviates the financial burden on taxpayers while enhancing services.

Paul Cassidy: I’m the most qualified because of my depth of experience in the law, public office and private business. Holding a township office should be a form of community service. The entire elected board should actively participate in the governing of Clay, not just the supervisor. I’ll encourage public scrutiny of township officials. We’ll end the money grab of the supervisor, clerk and treasurer. It’s unacceptable that these positions pay more than state senators and representatives.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing Clay Township and, if elected, what would you do to address it?

Artie Bryson: The biggest threat is EGLE’s overreach; Clay just entertained the EGLE department head with a visit. Infrastructure, replacing bridges, fixing our sewer interceptor, water main replacement, building a cutting-edge algae wastewater treatment plant for Harsens Island with grants covering large portions of the projects. Fighting a war on phragmites, which occupies 20% of Clay, pushing for the state to take care of their property. Planning to paint the Colony Tower and upgrades to our parks.

Paul Cassidy: Clearly, the biggest problem facing Clay Township is the unfair enrichment of the current supervisor, clerk and treasurer at the expense of the taxpayer. This needs to come to an end, and if elected, I will do everything in my power to have Clay Township develop a public compensation system that is fair to all, but especially the township taxpayers. Obviously, the township has other issues, which I shall continue to address during my campaign.

Meet the candidates for clerk

Q: Biography: Please provide information about yourself, including your age, education, occupation and any previous political experience.

Tanya Hogan: Tanya Hogan, 35 years old. Certified medical assistant and currently working on obtaining my business degree. 13+ years in the healthcare sector and I’m currently employed at a community bank. I am a mom of two active kids and I enjoy spending free time with my family and volunteering with my kid’s sports teams. As a family we also love spending our time enjoying our community and what it has to offer.

Cindy Valentine: Cindy Valentine, age 51. Associate in human service, 2007. Associate in accounting, 2008. Bachelor in general studies with a concentration in human service/criminal justice, 2012. Master in business administration, 2019. Appointed clerk in 2015. Elected clerk 2016. Elected clerk 2020

Q: What do you think makes you the most qualified candidate?

Tanya Hogan: I love our community, and with over 13 years in the health care field, I understand the importance of integrity, responsiveness and attention to detail, three of the many characteristics needed in a clerk. Working in a bank has allowed me to hone my interpersonal skills, and frankly I love working with people. I will put my skills to use, fostering a positive environment within the community and ensuring safe and secure elections.

Cindy Valentine: I have been serving as clerk since 2015. I have invested in myself for the benefit of the residents by continuing my education throughout my tenure. The township’s current annual budget is in excess of $17 million. With my experience and education, I can work with other elected officials to make the best financial decisions for our township and ensure reporting and auditing comply with state and federal regulations.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing Clay Township and, if elected, what would you do to address it?

Tanya Hogan: For our community to thrive, its elected leaders must be accountable to the residents they serve. I think we need more transparency and better communication. When making important decisions, especially related to how our taxpayer dollars are being spent, a clerk should listen to residents, take their concerns seriously and act on their behalf .We must prioritize the protection of our community’s unique and pristine natural resources when considering infrastructure projects.

Cindy Valentine: Our township is currently in great financial health. Outside of the economic aspect, one of my biggest concerns is the phragmites overtaking our natural delta. Phragmites are threatening the ecological health of our delta and are known to cause allergies, additionally affecting our residents’ health. I would like to see the board become more proactive about protecting our environment and pushing for state assistance to combat the growing phragmites and bring back our cattails.

Meet the candidates for treasurer

Q: Biography: Please provide information about yourself, including your age, education, occupation and any previous political experience.

Jerry Galka: I’m 67 (widow). My education is Macomb and Oakland University in marketing and business management. I was a restaurant manager in my early 20s. I was an insurance agent with the Auto Club of Michigan (AAA) for 38 years and retired last year. My wife was mayor pro tem so that gave me exposure on what’s required of an elected official. I was a precinct delegate in Allen Park and am currently one in Clay.

Kristi Hiltunen: My name is Kristi Hiltunen. I am 46 years old, married, mother of three, living in Clay Township since 1998. My work background consists of the banking industry followed by production scheduling and procurement for defense industry subcontractors. I am currently serving Clay Township as treasurer, appointed by the board in 2017 to fill a vacancy and being elected in 2018 and 2020.

Q: What do you think makes you the most qualified candidate?

Jerry Galka: I feel with my marketing degree, I would be an asset to Clay Township. I will work with the board and the DDA to attract business to the area. My years of running business, dealing with profit and loss statements, budgets, money handling makes me qualified for treasurer.

Kristi Hiltunen: I’m the most qualified candidate because I’ve served the residents of Clay Township for the past seven years, faithfully, seeking out every opportunity to continue my education through the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association and the Association of Public Treasurers, U.S. and Canada. I’ve worked to obtain multiple certifications in public funds management and investment and a wealth of knowledge I use daily to perform my duties to the best of my abilities in the office.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing Clay Township and, if elected, what would you do to address it?

Jerry Galka: The mismanagement of money: mishandled garbage contract, still collecting from taxpayers a bond that’s been paid since January 2023, property bought by the township that’s sitting there, costing taxpayers and now they’re not on the tax roll. I’d make sure contracts are reviewed by the township attorney, put in a resolution to sell the property and put the collection of the bond money to vote to continue collecting or refund the excess and stop collecting.

Kristi Hiltunen: I think the most important issue for residents is quality of life. I will work for our community to address continuous improvements to infrastructure, public safety, our natural resources, green space and recreation opportunities, while maintaining fiscally responsible spending, building fund balance and net position, utilizing safe public funds investments, fostering partnerships with neighboring municipalities and sustaining a welcoming, full-service treasury department within our municipal offices.

Meet the candidates for trustee

Q: Biography: Please provide information about yourself, including your age, education, occupation and any previous political experience.

Mark Borchardt: Republican. Education: BS fire science and MBA technology management. Real estate agent. Retired from GM and AAM. Director loss prevention. Algonac Lions Club member, treasurer/secretary. Clay Township trustee: elected two four-year terms. (Eight years through 2024.)

Maureen Boury: I’m Maureen Boury, currently serving as a trustee on the Clay Township Board since 2020. One of only three that was elected and not appointed into position initially, so I don’t owe anyone when voting. I’m 63 and retired from an AT&T company after 38 years of service working with small business. I also worked with Harsens Island Transportation Authority trying to help Harsens Island with alternative transportation that would be safe, reliable and affordable.

Brian Campbell: My name is Brian Campbell; I am in my mid-60s. I have an associate degree in business and electrical degree. I am a retired electrician from Ford with 28 years of service. I was involved in local politics at the UAW at Ford when I was employed there. I was involved with union politics where I worked. I am also a member of the Knights of Columbus and do volunteer work at my church.

John DeBoyer: Jon DeBoyer, 57 years old. AHS graduate. Married, two children. Retired from the Clay Township Water Department after 36 years.  Have served as a Clay Township trustee since April of 2023. I have served as a board member on the Southwater Sewer Authority since January of 2024.

Chris O’Regan: Chris O`Regan (54) two-term, elected Clay Township trustee and I have been a full-time resident in beautiful Clay Township for 28 years. After completing my BBA from WMU, my wife and I raised two beautiful children, both of whom attended Algonac Community Schools and went on to have successful careers. I am a small business owner and while living in Clay I have coached youth sports, high school football, served my church and my community.

Q: What do you think makes you the most qualified candidate?

Mark Borchardt: As a USAF veteran assigned on B52s, I know the importance to detail. Understanding fiduciary responsibility; ensuring taxpayers’ money is protected. Maintaining a responsible fund balance while promoting residential growth.

Maureen Boury: Well, I think the picture that says anyone but Boury for township trustee says it all… They do not like that I ask the hard questions and expose so many things that are going on that they would rather keep quiet… I believe it’s time for a change and when you see nine people running for four trustee positions, that tells you something.

Brian Campbell: My ability to identify with the taxpayer in the township regardless of income status is every taxpayer’s right from their elected officials. My strength to tell the truth  regardless of outside pressure is one of my character assets. I have lived and paid taxes in Clay Township for 30 years.

John DeBoyer: Being employed at Clay Township for 36 years, 22 as a department administrator, I have experience in how township government works. I have experience in the budgeting process, employee contract negotiations, intergovernmental agreements, etc. My knowledge of the infrastructure in Clay Township highlights the importance of operating it properly to provide affordable services to our citizens. As a lifelong resident of Clay Township, my connection to the citizens and businesses in the township is strong.

Chris O’Regan: Throughout my previous terms I have established great relationships with the other trustees, department heads, township employees, various community leaders, county officials and our local state representatives and senators. Communication and relationship building are critical components to the success of Clay Township. I am social, easy to approach and cherish my family and friends in our community. They help shape me, guide me and keep my moral compass pointed true.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing Clay Township and, if elected, what would you do to address it?

Mark Borchardt: Improvements in our infrastructure, including: drinking and water service lines, sewer and wastewater treatments, maintaining all roads, expand the Harsens Island water lines, improving our economic growth. Maintaining property values. Ensuring our police and fire departments have the proper tools to work with.

Maureen Boury: Protecting our environment! St. Clair County ran our sewage plant and broke their contract due to liability concerns. Now people who would not fix the problems are in charge! The sewage line discharges into North Channel right by new county park. Harsens Island algae water treatment plant will discharge into South Channel. Misrepresentation of supervisor clerk and treasurers salaries are issues. A new board will make sure each is addressed and done properly.

Brian Campbell: One of the biggest issues in Clay Township is the supervisor, clerk and treasurer misrepresenting their salaries and voting themselves additional duty pay and a very lucrative benefit package at the expense of the taxpayer. They fail to disclose the duties they perform for the additional monies. All three officials received additional duty pay without reporting hours, works and specific duties to justify this pay. I would do whatever it takes to change these policies.

John DeBoyer: Clay Township has three large infrastructure projects planned. It will be vital that these projects are administered properly to provide the best finished product and to make sure we are efficient and intelligent in how we pay for these projects while keeping the total cost to customers down. If elected, I intend to be fully involved and to use my experience and knowledge in assisting the township in any way I can throughout the process.

Chris O’Regan: Infrastructure. There is great momentum on exceptionally large projects including water main replacement, sewer mains, algae wheels, parks and road projects, to name a few. It is critically important, from both a financial and economical position, to deliver these projects successfully to the people of Clay Township. If elected, these projects, combined with my experience and the relationships I have built, can and will be completed for the benefit of everyone living in Clay Township.