13 candidates on the ballot for seats on the Augusta Township Board of Supervisors.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – More than a dozen candidates have registered to run for four open seats on the Augusta Township Board of Trustees in the Aug. 6 primary election.

Six Democrats and seven Republicans are on the ballot in August. Three incumbent senators are running for re-election, including Democrats Linda Adams and David Hall. Republican Christopher Ortiz is also running for re-election.

The Democratic challengers are Christina Demeter, Terrance Green, Pete Hafler and Travis Matts.

Monique Domas, Keith Gipfert, Michael Green, George Motts, Stephanie Prain and Patti Zimmer are the six Republican challengers.

Four candidates from each party will advance to the November general election, where voters will decide which of the eight remaining candidates will fill the four trustee seats.

MLive/The Ann Arbor News has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide the Vote411.org voter guide. In responses to the voter guide questionnaire, candidates discussed their experience and qualifications, top goals and more.

Demeter, Gipfert, Michael Green, Hafler, Hall, Matts, Motts, Ortiz, Prain and Zimmer did not respond to the questionnaire.

Please note: All responses in the Voter Guide are submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary truncations when a response exceeds character limits. Spelling and grammar have not been corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be construed as an endorsement. The League does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.

Based on your education and experience, are you the most suitable candidate for this position?

Adams:

High School Diploma and Child Care Training and Certified. I have held leadership/management positions in most of my roles. My leadership and work ethic are exceptional. I have served on many boards and committees. Board of Supervisors, Zoning Board of Appeals, Community Action Board, Urban County, Fire dept building committee, Election Committee and an Election Inspector.

To dawn:

In 10th grade, I attended Eastern Michigan University. After graduating high school with an associate’s degree, I earned my bachelor’s degree in math and science with a minor in business administration, which provided a strong educational foundation. As the owner of a thriving tax and accounting firm and a licensed financial advisor, I bring practical expertise to the table. My community involvement includes several leadership roles, including serving as an election administrator to ensure fair and smooth elections. Additionally, I serve on the Tax Board of Review, where I advocate for residents’ rights in the area of ​​real estate valuation. Elected as a Republican delegate from the constituency, I represent our rural area at the state level, which reflects the trust and support of our community. Previously, as the 2020 Census Census Officer, I ensured that every resident was counted accurately. My diverse experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of government processes, making me an excellent candidate for trustee.

Vegetable:

I have a pre-law degree in criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University. I have been an educator and entrepreneur for the past 35 years and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the township.

What are your goals if elected and how will you achieve them with limited resources?

Adams:

The most important thing is to get to the bottom of the water loss in our community. This is a problem that needs to be aggressively addressed and dealt with. I will continue to be involved and participate in community events and be an active member to keep our community clean. This community has the best financial audits ever seen for its financial health. I will continue to build on that strength and record to keep us where we need to be. To be open and transparent on all issues and information. I have never joined a group list and never will. I believe in showing your own personal strength and opinions.

To dawn:

Whether elected or not, my primary goal is to remain engaged in my community. My goals are to prioritize responsible budgeting, revitalize our water and sewer systems, advocate for mandatory training for public servants, improve community cleanliness, ensure stable polling locations, create inclusive parks, improve communications and internet access, and strengthen emergency services. With limited resources, I will seek partnerships, prioritize essential projects, and explore grant opportunities to efficiently accomplish these goals. By utilizing volunteers for cleanups and leveraging technology, we can maximize impact while remaining financially responsible.

Vegetable:

My goal is to bring peace and unity to the table, because without those two ingredients nothing can happen.

What are the biggest problems facing the municipality and how are you going to solve them?

Adams:

As stated earlier. Our water loss is one of the biggest problems facing Augusta Township. We need to find the source of this loss. Whether it is loss from a hidden source or theft, it needs to be found and stopped. The Township has been able to absorb the Yuka rates many times over and not pass them on to the residents. I would like to see us back in that position. Dumping of trash is another area that needs to be addressed. Keeping our roads and ditches clear and clean is vital.

To dawn:

The most pressing issues facing our community are outdated water and sewer systems, under-trained public officials, and inconsistent polling locations. To address water and sewer revitalization, I will explore infrastructure upgrades to minimize water loss and ensure reliable access to clean water for all residents. I will push for mandatory training programs for public officials to equip them with the skills needed to effectively serve our community. Additionally, I will work to establish secure and consistent polling locations to streamline the voting process and eliminate confusion. I will also advocate for responsible budgeting, limit unnecessary spending, and explore emergency funds to ensure the financial stability of our community without burdening taxpayers. These measures will promote transparency, efficiency, and the well-being of our community.

Vegetable:

I would say the water infrastructure and it will take the entire board of directors to address this.

What are the municipality’s greatest assets and how can these be used to help the community flourish?

Adams:

The community is the greatest asset of any township. Building a stronger community will benefit everyone. Community events, clean up days, helping our seniors in any way we can to build a strong community.

To dawn:

Augusta’s greatest assets are its people, known for their honesty, loyalty and hard work. Generations of families thriving here create a strong sense of community. Our rural landscape, rich in agriculture, reflects our deep connection to the land. Protecting our community and caring for each other in times of need demonstrates our values. Harnessing these assets means creating a supportive environment where neighbors come together, promoting local agriculture and preserving our rural charm. By harnessing our community spirit and love of the land, we can create a thriving, resilient Augusta for generations to come.

Vegetable:

Space is our greatest asset and if we use it well, we can and will flourish.

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