1 – Why are you running for office?

I am running for Township Treasurer to:

• Use my 30 years of financial experience at Ford Motor Company to bring an experienced financial voice to our Township Board, to make smarter financial decisions, and to protect your tax dollars.
• Be there for you. I am retired and will have office hours to listen to your ideas and address your concerns.
• Work with the community to implement the publicly approved Plan for development and preservation. This Plan supports housing development in the Whitmore Lake School District, business development, and preservation of open spaces.
• Get your input. Were you aware that the Board lost $450,000 on investments, is spending $425,000 on purchasing property, and is spending at least $60,000 on a new board room? I will propose a policy to send you communication whenever major decisions and projects for your tax dollars are being discussed.

2 – What is your platform?

My platform is all about Respect:

• Respect for each other.
• Respect for our tax dollars.
• Respect for the Master Plan.

We need to respect each other. We are a very diverse community. We have people who live by lakes, live in town, live on large lots, live on small lots, and live on farms. We need to respect this diversity. We need to foster an environment where all views are respected and are welcomed.

Our tax dollars need to be respected. If there are discussions on spending our tax dollars on major projects, the people need to be informed and their input obtained. I will propose a policy that will notify the community whenever major decisions and projects for spending tax dollars are being considered. In addition, when making decisions, we need to make sure our Ts are crossed and our Is are dotted before making the decisions. We cannot again afford to lose $450,000 on investments or any other financial decision.

Our Master Plan needs to be respected. Our township has a sound, publicly-approved Plan for growth and preservation. This Plan supports housing development in the Whitmore Lake School District, business development, and preservation of open spaces in our township. I will work with the community and the board to implement this Plan. Planning is key to success. Let's be successful together.

3 - What is your approach to building consensus in groups with divergent perspectives?

An atmosphere of respect needs to be built. At least quarterly, I think we should have time before the board meetings so our residents can come and talk with board members and with each other so people get to know each other or maybe we should have quarterly open houses at the Public Safety Building and/or the Community Center so people can get to know their board members and each other.

4 – Would you support a local ordinance requiring the Board to notify residents and get approval before spending more than $250,000 on a particular project?

Yes. In addition, if the Board knows there is a surplus and there are plans to spend the surplus, I would propose the community is sent communication so the residents can prioritize how the surplus is to be spent before it is spent.

5 – Would you support a millage for natural feature, farmland and open space preservation?  If yes, what would you do to make it happen?

I support natural features, farmland, and open spaces. Having these features makes our township a desirable place to live. Our taxes are high so I would support that we ask the residents what they want. I think other avenues need to be explored as well. We need to work with land conservation agencies and see the different programs offered. Maybe a capital funding raising campaign could be implemented to support this preservation. Also, maybe some of the township surplus could be allocated to support this preservation.

6 – Are there any capital improvement projects you would support with taxpayer dollars after essential services are covered?

Again, the people need to be asked their priorities. Some thoughts are fixing roads, implementing projects in the Park and Recreation plan, and renovating 75 Barker.

7 – Do you support the current 5-acre zoning in our agricultural areas? If not, what zoning would you prefer and why?

I support the publicly approved Master Plan which supports the current 5-acre zoning in our agricultural areas. At this time, the Master Plan has land planned for higher density elsewhere in our township that has yet to be developed and closer to services. I think we need to focus our energy to develop these areas.

8 – Are you familiar with our township's Master Plan and do you support its vision for the community? If not, what would you change?

I am familiar with the Township's Master Plan and I support its vision for the community. The Plan was publicly approved. The Plan supports higher density development around the Whitmore Lake area and the Whitmore Lake School District, business development, and preservation. In addition, the Plan supports development close to established services. Planning is the key to success. Let's implement our Plan and have success for our Township.

9 - Do you think the Master Plan should be altered to accommodate a developer?

Again, I support the Master Plan as it was publicly approved.

If you alter the Plan for one developer, you will need to alter for all developers. Then the Plan is no longer the people's plan.

The Plan was established based on extensive and substantial public input. The Plan should only be modified with extensive and substantial public input.

10 - Do you think sewers should be extended and the sewage plant expanded to promote residential development on our agricultural areas?

Again, we need to follow our publicly approved Master Plan. The Plan promotes having development close to established services including sewers.

Biography

My husband and I have been married for over 32 years. We have lived in Northfield Township for over 22 years. I worked at Ford for 30 years in various finance assignments. I am now retired. I have a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Wayne State and a Bachelors in Computer Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I volunteer as the Whitmore Lake High School Kiwanis Key Club Advisor, the Treasurer for People's Express and Northfield Human Services, and the Secretary for the Kiwanis Club and the Foundation of Whitmore Lake. I enjoy walks, kayaking, and racquetball.

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Candidate Bio:

My name is Kathleen Manley. I am a Northfield Township resident of 10 years. We have a beautiful home on ten acres, on what I would consider the most beautiful lot in the Township. I am a proud wife and mother of 3 children.

In 2014, I began working in Northfield as the Assessing/Building Assistant. In 2015, I left Northfield to pursue an Assessing position in Ypsilanti Township. Prior, I worked in the banking industry for 20 years, holding many positions from teller, mortgage officer to branch manager. We also own a small business that has been in the family for 25 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Wayne State. My experience working within the government, with the public, managing people and owning a business gives me a wealth of knowledge that will make me the best choice for Township Clerk.

Candidate Questionnaire:

• 1.   Why are you running for office?

I am running for office to be a voice for the citizens of Northfield. I’m not a politician, I am a citizen just like you. I have seen the need for changes in the Township and decided to get involved and get things done. I have worked in Government settings both as the previous Northfield assessing/building assistant, and as a current appraiser in Ypsilanti Township. I also have management experience, customer service experience and run a small business. I believe I can bring day to day operational experience to the board. My skill set and my experiences in the workplace and in life make me the perfect fit for the Clerk position.

• 2.   What is your platform?

My platform is that the citizens need to be involved in decisions and informed of what is going on in the Township, and how tax dollars are being spent. I want to keep Northfield a unique place to live for this generation and future generations. I want our Downtown to flourish and prosper. The people spoke when the Master Plan was created, and this should be followed. There are exceptions but those would need to go through the proper channels for any changes. The citizens need to have a voice, and I will be that voice for them. The Board needs to be accessible to the people and accountable for its actions.

• 3.   What is your approach to building consensus in groups with divergent perspectives?

If there is dissension, we need to listen and debate. This often leads to a better outcome. We need to focus on the facts and the process, not on speculation. Motives will be challenged but ultimately the decision lies with the board that the people voted for and I Intend to be the vote of the people. When groups talk, there are times when the differences are not that far apart, just misunderstood.

• 4.   Would you support a local ordinance requiring the Board to notify residents and get approval before spending more than $250,000 on a particular project?

I would support resident approval when situations allow.

• 5.   Would you support a millage for natural feature, farmland and open space preservation? If yes, what would you do to make that happen?

Any millage would have to go in front of the voters. I could support a millage for any of these if that is what the voters decide. I would review any millage proposals, and consider them at the time. If there was an idea presented that I would support, I would share that idea with the people and encourage their support.

• 6.   Are there any capital improvement projects you would support with taxpayer dollars after essential services are covered?

I support improvements that would help to revitalize the Downtown areas. I would like to see a study of what businesses the downtown could sustain with the area demographics. We have a beautiful waterfront that the public does not have access to. With the purchase of the VanCurler properties that could be reality, but at a cost. Public participation in this process will be vital. I would also support the expansion of trails in the Township, along with better connectivity to our adjoining communities.

• 7.   Do you support the current 5-acre zoning in our agricultural areas? If not, what zoning would you prefer and why?

Yes, I support the zoning as set in the Master Plan.

• 8.   Are you familiar with our township’s Master Plan and do you support its vision for our community? If not, what would you change?

As stated above, I support the Master Plan and its vision for our community. I am not opposed to reviewing the Master Plan as needed.

• 9.   Do you think the Master Plan should be altered to accommodate a developer?

If a developer wants to change the Master Plan, they must follow the proper protocol and this should be presented to the community for input before any decision is made.

• 10. Do you think sewers should be extended and the sewage plant expanded to promote residential development in our agricultural areas?

The sewers should not be expanded to promote development. If development does occur, then the developers should pay for the expansions needed.

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Candidate Bio and Statement:  Tawn Beliger (Lemon James) Candidate for Trustee

1.  Why are you running for office? 

I never consciously thought about why.  I just felt and still feel the right thing to do is to participate.  I have always been intrinsically motivated to champion people and their issues and be a part of initiating changes that have value and improve situations.  It is what I have been doing in my day job for the last 24 years.  So stepping up to volunteer for the Blue Skies Committee, being Vice Chair of the Planning Commission and Trustee on our Board of Trustees is a natural extension.

What is your platform? 

Balance.  If I have to choose one word to describe a platform it would be balance. I have been advocating balance in our township before I had considered becoming part of it's government.  We have issues in Northfield that have been contentious for many years.  There is rarely only one way to see or resolve an issue.  I care deeply about Northfield Township and our residents. I seek to be part of improving the quality of life for each of them by way of providing those things an engaged responsible government can from services to amenities, job opportunities from farming to commercial and industry and housing options compatible with our character.  A balance of opportunities for everyone in all walks of life. 

What is your approach to building consensus in groups with divergent perspectives?

I would like to see the township offer on a scheduled basis Citizen Workshops.  This way the public would know there will be opportunities to talk one on one with the board in round table sessions about those things that are important to them.  The caveat would be that angst and anger be left at the door.  These would be discussions not arguments.  Talking with each other not at, and actively listening on both sides.  These would be opportunities for idea sharing, problem solving and compromise.   It will only work however if we have a diversity of the public participating and all the board members.

Would you support a local ordinance requiring the Board to notify residents and get approval before spending more than $250,000 on a particular project?

It is a worthy discussion.  The only issue I can envision is that it could delay a decision that is imperative to move on quickly.  My concern is that the township would miss an opportunity that would be important to the residents or that a delay in an item needing an immediate decision might have a harmful impact on the township.

Would you support a millage for natural feature, farmland and open space preservation?  If yes, what would you do to make that happen?

Yes. I would be active in promoting a millage for the preservation of natural features, farmland and open space.  The millage proposal would have to be very detailed with specific areas delineated to avoid legal questions.

Are there any capital improvement projects you would support with taxpayer dollars after essential services are covered?

The Van Curler property.  Develop the property for public uses and a focal point for our Downtown.  Creation of multi-use areas for walking, picnicking, encourage food and entertainment venues, even shopping opportunities.

Do you support the current 5-acre zoning in our agricultural areas? If not, what zoning would you prefer?

I do support 5 acre zoning in many areas of our township.  My concern is the amount of 5 acre zoning we have.  I have spoken with three planners and two attorneys and they have all indicated that if push comes to shove we may not be able to defend the large amount of 5 acre zoning we currently have.  Anyone could challenge this issue.  The response from those I asked was that whoever challenges the issue, whether a land owner that wants to sell, a developer that wants to force the issue or an individual that has an interest in doing so would likely win.  These of course were comments not "opinions". 

Why would we want to put ourselves in the position of a costly protracted legal proceeding?  It may never happen but it could and I am all about prevention, so if we can be proactive and make the change to do that ... why would we not at least talk about it?  We and the residents of our township should know and understand all elements and possible consequences of an issue.  I fully understand it is a controversial subject, yet we should never be afraid to discuss any item. 

Are you familiar with our township’s Master Plan and do you support its vision for our community?  If not, what would you change?

As a member of the sub-committee tasked with creating the current Master Plan I am very familiar with it. We held successful visioning sessions and charrettes with an amazing amount of public participation.  It went through many changes and thoughtful discussions before the final version was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and passed unanimously by the Board of Trustees.  It is a good document.  I stood behind it then and I stand behind it now.  I am however not averse to reviewing the Plan as conditions and circumstances in the township change and it is not unusual to do that.  It truly is a liquid document.  That does not mean I would arbitrarily recommend changes to it without a lot of public input and at least many months discussion to substantiate any changes.  I am very proud to have been a part of it's creation.

Do you think the Master Plan should be altered to accommodate a developer?

Not at first glance.  The developer's request would have to be very, very close to the standards dictated in the Master Plan and then it would have to go through a lot of deliberations, which would still not guarantee approval.  However, if any developer comes to the township with a request, we are obligated to give that request due diligence and take it through the process to it's conclusion regardless of how far off it varies from the Master Plan.  That is good governance.

Do you think sewers should be extended and the sewage plant expanded to promote residential development in our agricultural areas?

I do not think sewers should be extended for the sole purpose of encouraging residential development in the AG area.  I do think they should be extended when property owners petition the township to do so. We want to be responsive to those property owners who wish to recognize the increase in value of their property and investment as well as the convenience by the addition of access to a public sewer system.

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