The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Face off
Candidates battle for District 3
PUBLISHED: July 24, 2008
Washtenaw County Commissioner Jessica Ping, R-District 3, is unopposed in the primary on the Republican ticket, but two candidates will face off on the Democratic ticket Aug. 5 to determine who will challenge her in November.
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The district covers the townships of Sharon, Manchester, Freedom, Lodi Bridgewater and Saline.
Education: Quincy High School graduate with a bachelor's degree from Alma College in 1982), a double major in business administration and history. Added a law degree in 1985 from the University of Michigan Law School.
Previous public elected offices: None
Public and community service: The Climate Project, a nonprofit organization studying the science, technology and public policy issues surrounding climate change and alternative energy solutions, giving more than 70 presentations on climate change and alternative energy to a combined audience of more than 6,000 concerned citizens.
Also, Meals on Wheels, the Saline Baseball and Softball Association, the Solar Power for Information and Independence project, Saline Area Schools, Climate Crisis Action Washtenaw, the YMCA Michigan Youth In Government Program, and subcommittees formed under the Saline Environmental Commission and the Lodi Natural Areas Preservation Committee.
Occupation: My professional and business background is one of an attorney with 23 years of legal experience, successful entrepreneur and businessman, and real estate broker. In 2006, I joined the Saline office of The Charles Reinhart Co.
In addition, I have partnered in several new business ventures, including Balance Real Estate LLC, a green-home developer that will soon complete its first project; Balance Development LLC, a company developing eco-friendly, affordable, pre-fabricated homes for small specialized communities; and a new company seeking to develop specialized learning centers for students with the special needs and learning disabilities.
Q: Why are you running for office?
A: I believe that each of us has a right to expect high-quality, cost-effective public services to be provided by our county government and to be represented by effective, engaged elected officials who possess a long-term vision for the future prosperity of the county.
The interests of the District 3 need to be more vigorously represented. I have developed a strong sense of local and county issues and believe that my broad legal experience, extensive background in business and finance, and the practical knowledge I have gained through my volunteerism, can add value to the work of the Board of Commissioners.
Education: Bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University.
Occupation: Sales representative for Paychex and current Washtenaw County commissioner.
Previous public elected offices: Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.
Public and community service: Saline United Methodist Church, Michigan Federation of Young Republicans, The Home Builders Association and several local chambers of commerce, as well as the Drug Forfeiture Committee, Local Development Finance Authority of Saline, River Raisin Watershed Council and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study Committee. Also, the Ping Academic/Athletic Scholarship Fund, Alzheimer's Association of Washtenaw.
Q: Why are you running for office.
A: Maintaining a balanced budget through regionalism between municipalities to avoid duplication of services and by reducing expenses. Also, by streamlining the pension system this would avoid duplication of services and decrease the burden on taxpayers.
Work to maintain consensus with other county commissioners and road commissioners to ensure adequate funding for roads, sheriff patrol, senior services and parks and recreation.
By working with the county administrator and fellow commissioners to agree on minimal cost increases per deputy to support the safety needs of my constituents at a reasonable price.
Tom Partridge
Democratic
4220 Eyrie Dr., Apt 14, Ann Arbor
929-0769
The candidate was unable to provide the requested information by deadline.
In District 4, four candidates are vying for one two-year term post overseeing county business for Milan, York Township, Augusta Twp and portions of Ypsilanti Township. The seat is currently held by Karen Lovejoy Roe, whose husband, Rick Roe, is running for the seat she will vacate in August.
Previous public elected offices: Mayor of Milan for two consecutive terms.
Occupation: Clinic administrator for Milan Urgent Care Clinic and Mental Health Clinic of Ypsilanti.
Public and community service: Filipinos of America, Michigan Filipinos, Michigan State Medical Society Alliance and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Medical Auxiliary
Q: Why are you running for office:
A: I am running because I have experience in addressing and solving the problems of budget deficits without raising taxes. In fact, I reduced property taxes. With my experience, I can help the county in this area.
I currently manage two medical clinics and serve as an officer of medical organizations. I have knowledge about how we can deliver county health services efficiently. I have negotiated good labor contracts, and can help collaborate and cooperate with the sheriff's office and county administrators. I believe I can help solve these heated problems.
Occupation: Retired Ann Arbor firefighter of 25 years.
Previous public elected offices: Washtenaw County Road Commission, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners from 2001 to 2006; Ypsilanti Township Supervisor from 1988 to 1996; Ypsilanti Township Trustee from 1974 to 1988.
Public and community service: Alzheimer's Association, volunteer; American Legion Post 282 Fourth of July Parade chairman; Ann Arbor Firefighters president emeritus.
Q: Why are you running for office:
A: Washtenaw County needs to develop strategy to encourage new businesses that will produce jobs to locate here.
The production of renewable energy could become a source of manufacturing, construction maintenance and production in the county. The high cost of fossil fuels could make alternative energies a valid source. The challenge for the county is to continue to fund the courts and countywide service operations on the tax revenues that are reduced. This will require cooperation and understanding that we need to continue to provide the service to our customers with less resources.
This is not the time for tax increases in Washtenaw County.
Public and community service: Founder of a Downriver cooperative food business, created www.Jobbsnow.com, Families Against Incinerator Risk
Q: Why are you running for office?
A: I have created JobbsNow Self-Management Cooperative Business and stood up for the underemployed who are without meaningful work and without the hope of finding a good job with a livable wages.
There's such a terrific breakdown in community places, where people can come together and call it their own. What excites me is trying to change the culture of what people expect from work and community. Together, we can come together and build a community that is based in work and neighborhood.
Education: Lincoln High School, Washtenaw Community College graduate.
Occupation: Ford Motor Co. at Rawsonville for more than 35 years
Previous public elected offices: None
Public and community service: UAW Guide, committeeperson and trustee, UAW Local 898 Financial secretary-treasurer. Also, Ypsilanti District Library Board, former Automotive Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, freasurer for Antioch Baptist Church, Meals On Wheels, the American Red Cross, United Way, Adopt- A-Child, Dawn Farms, Ypsilanti Pride volunteer, supporting member of the NAACP and the UAW.
Q: Why are you running for office:
A: To stand up for families and taxpayers in my district. As the father of five children and a home owner, I know firsthand the struggles we are all facing economically. I always will be on the side of the taxpayer, the right side, of every vote and issue that comes before the Washtenaw County Board. We can't afford any more tax increases or fee increases.
We must work to bring in new jobs and stop the foreclosure crisis that is impacting our property values. We must build a recreation center in the eastern part of the county, in my district to serve our seniors, families and youth with the county's fund balance and no new taxes.
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