Voters to decide on board seats, clerk, treasurer

Chesterfield Township voterswill elect a newBoard of Trustees Nov. 3.

Incumbent Chesterfield Township Supervisor Dan Acciavatti and longtime township employee Mark J. Palimino are squaring offfor the supervisor seat.

Acciavatti, a Republican, is seeking reelection to the post after being elected to hisfirst term as supervisor in 2016. He served in theMichigan House of Representatives from2003-2008.

Palimino, a Democrat, has been a resident and employee of Chesterfield Township formore than three decades.

The supervisor’s 2020 salary is $99,776.92. Each candidatewas asked about their views on issues. Their responses follow:

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the township, and if elected, how would you address it?

• ACCIAVATTI: Elected members of the board of trustees must put the residents and taxpayers of Chesterfield Township first, not personal agendas. I will continue to lead Chesterfield Township with integrity as our foundation and clear best-practice procedures that have resulted in budget surpluses, sustainable public safety funding and substantial park improvements.

• PALIMINO: One of the issues to address is the closing of Fire Station2, which I feel should be reopened. Fire Station 2 is on Jefferson. Response time is critical for a water rescue and other emergencies. Exploring there opening of this is one of the first issues I plan to address.

If elected, what particular areas/issues would you most like to work on while in office?

• ACCIAVATTI: Continue the hard-fought progress to ensure that Chesterfield Township has a well-funded sustainable public safety department, maintains our lowest in the region water rates and low competitive property taxes, continues to improve and expand parks and open spaces and focus on expanding and connecting our sidewalks and nonmotorized path network.

• PALIMINO: Iwouldlike to review projects throughout Chesterfield and make certain they are being completed properly and within budget. I would also like to see more resident input at board meetings, bring back the yearly planting of trees throughout the township and look into controlling the phragmites mechanically versus chemically.

Clerk

Republican Clerk Cindy Berry is facing opposition fromDemocratic challenger Wendy Jones in the clerk’s race.

Berry servedontheboard of canvassers for 10 years and was elected clerk in 2012. Jones has served on the zoning board and board of review since 2010 and the elections receiving board since 2014; board of review 2010, 2014-present.

The clerk and treasurer’s 2020 salaries are each $88,628.41. Each candidate was asked about their views on issues. Their responses follow:

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the township, and if elected, how would you address it?

• BERRY: Chesterfield is a growing community. By utilizing a strategic plan to grow smartly, we can maintain lower taxes, control water rates and provide 100% funding for police and fire services. I will takeanactive role in promoting economic development and improving the quality of life here in Chesterfield Township.

• JONES: As elected officials we need to listen to the voices of the people. I am committed to making government more accountable to the people and business I represent. Afull-timeelected official should be working in and with the department employees.

If elected, what particular areas/issues would you most like to work on while in office?

• BERRY: I will continue to focus on opposing tax increases, promoting ethical government and enhancing transparency through an online document database available to the public 24 hours a day. I will ensure that you are provided with the highest quality service at the lowest possible cost.

• JONES: Transparency and accountability are more than just a word to throw around at election time. As an elected official transparency and accountability is thekey togoodgovernment. Reaching out and making an effort, building bridges to foster a healthy and safe community.

Treasurer

In the treasurer’s race, Republican Kathy Elliott will compete with Democrat John Spica for the seat. Elliott earned the Republican spot on the fall ballot after defeating incumbent TreasurerPaul Lafata in theAug. 4 primary election.

Elliott is an investment advisor representative with a Bachelor’ s degree in business administration who has volunteered for a number of events and organizations.

Spica has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University.

Eachwas asked questions related to their candidacy. Their responses follow:

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the township, and if elected, how would you address it?

• ELLIOTT: Restore confidence in local government officials. High productivity includes respect for people and community. Transparency is a daily practice evidenced through a reputation of professionalism. I will continue to model respect and transparency, work to achieve the highest standard of excellence at the lowest cost and address seriousmatters accordingly.

• SPICA: We need to be fiscally responsible and stop wasting the taxpayer’s money. For example, our current supervisor has grown government, made pathways and trash carts a priority. This will negatively impact the general fund budget in the years moving forward. Iwill eliminate wasteful spending and safeguard the taxpayers’ money.

If elected, what particular areas/issues would you most like to work on while in office?

• ELLIOTT: Bestpractices taught by Michigan Township Association. Grants for a park along the Gratiot corridor, connect sidewalks and seek to add a dog park. I will advocate for Chesterfield as a community that is open for business andwill stay ahead of any economic concerns. Learn more at http://www. kathyelliott.org.

• SPICA: Funding police and fire, safeguarding the resident’smoney and not giving the supervisor an open checkbook, transparency to the public to include open books, full disclosures and live, unedited, uncensored, feed of the board meetings to the residents andmaking sure that water and sewer rates stay affordable.

Trustee

In the race for four board seats, incumbentRepublican trustees — Hank Anderson, Brian Scott DeMuynck, David M. Joseph and Kathy D. Vosburg — are seeking reelection while Democrats Shawn Elliott, John Grivas, Linda Hartman and Michelle Merriwether are looking to unseat them. The top four vote getterswill be seated for a four-year term.

The 2020 salary for a trustee is $11,175.58, plus a stipend of $125 per township board meeting and assigned commissionmeeting.

Anderson is a retired Detroit police officerwith bachelors and masters degrees from Wayne State University. He was assistant principal at Anchor Bay High for 21 years and has been a board trustee since November 2012.

DeMuynck has had a 43year law enforcement career and has been a Chesterfield Township trustee since 2004.

Elliott is a business and technology teacher and former college instructor who has been involved with youth sports.

Grivas was a trustee from2004 to 2008. He worked as a union steward and recording secretary for the United Steelworkers of America. Hartman served 13 years as treasurer and trustee and has been involved with several township groups and organizations.

Joseph has been a trustee and served in many other community organizations.

Merriwether owns a consulting firm, has a bachelor of science degree and has spent time on Capitol Hill educating Congress on needs of entrepreneurs.

Vosburg is an income tax consultant who served 14 years on the county board, including a term as chairperson, has been a township trustee for four years and has been a member of several local organizations and clubs.

Eachwas asked questions related to their candidacy. Their responses follow:

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the township, and if elected, how would you address it?

• ANDERSON: The supervisor and his three loyal board members have consistently transferred hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars into projects of minimumbenefit tomost residents. Township management employees have increasedunder this team. The new board must refocus on repairs and maintenance to the 30-plus neglected township holdings.

• DEMUYNCK: Funding andwhat cuts arewe receiving from the state level. We have maintained a well-balanced budget over the last four years and have successfully completed several large projects. An important issue is developing the NW portion of the township and bringingwater and sewer to those areas.

• ELLIOTT: The board isn’t made up of one person; it’s a team of individuals working for the greater good. I can provide different perspectives that are lacking. Chesterfield has many resources and is a great community to live in. The biggest issues facing the township are growth, conservation and infrastructure.

• GRIVAS: My biggest issue is the safety of the residents of Chesterfield. As population grows, I want to make sure that we have the services to support it. I want to ensure that our police and firefighters have the resources that they need. I also want to see more street lights.

• HARTMAN: One of the biggest issues is good growth/development, also street lighting/recreation. I will update ordinances that are outdated and no longer useful. Make the necessary repairs toour township buildings/grounds/parks and parking lots, ensure the completion of the Brandenburg shoreline restoration and non-motorized paths, complete Veterans Memorial Park.

• JOSEPH: COVID-19 has negatively impacted so many aspects of our life. Experts predict economic hardship for years to come — our township will not be immune. I’llworktoweather the stormbymaking certain we live within our means without defunding our public safety department or increasing water rates.

• MERRIWETHER: The primary issues center around economic development, public safety, infrastructure, new parks/recreation, housing, energy/environment, demographics, diversity and inclusiveness, healthcare and youth-focused programming. I plan to address each through meeting with community influencers, citizen regular town halls and/or virtual meetings and partnership with community agencies to aidwith addressing each.

• VOSBURG: Adapting to change. Because of COVID-19 restrictions and residential growth our community faces newways for shopping, recreations, education and social gathering. It takes leadership to make a difference. My experience and relationships with community leaders and legislators at various levels of government provide resources our community needs to adapt.

If elected, what particular areas/issues would you most like to work on while in office?

• ANDERSON: Draining public coffers for amusement properties during these uncertain times of pandemic, job losses and foreclosures is highly problematic. As board members we must ensure that public safety and the delivery of township services are maintained. Tax dollars should not be used to benefit the private developer.

• DEMUYNCK: I’ll continue to support the public safety department; we are working on adding two officers and a traffic safety bureau. I am a proponent of parks and rec andwillwork tomake parks andnature areas more enjoyable. I want this board to work together and put residents first.

• ELLIOTT: If elected, I’d be open to work in an area that is needed. I enjoyworking and volunteering in our community towards common goals in a positive way. Working together as a team is the key to positive progress.

• GRIVAS: I would work with other elected officials and department heads inthe township to determinewhat initiatives would best serve the community. I would like to work towardmaking Chesterfield a more businessarea and craft policies to help the township’s economic growth.

• HARTMAN: I’ll vote for proposals that areinthebest interest of our township and improve services in order to be efficient while keeping taxes reasonable, support public safety with proper staffing, equipment/training resources; communicating and maintaining transparency is important toprovide residents with audible, unedited video coverage of township boards/commissions.

• JOSEPH: Intelligent professionally managed development that enhances residents’ quality of life without unnecessary traffic, depletion of township services, or weakening our infrastructure is a difficult task. Performed properly, intelligent growth can provide revenue for a much-needed senior and youth center without raising taxes. I intend to make this a high priority.

• MERRIWETHER: The primary issues facing the township based upon my conversationswith residents include: new parks and recreations, taxation, utilities regulation, public safety partnershipwithin the community and transparency in government.

• VOSBURG: Continued improvements for leisure activities for all ages. Additional public access to our waterways for kayaking and fishing; parks and pathways with additional open space for nature walks and nonmotorized activities; additional meeting and exercise space for senior citizens; easier access with less traffic congestion to retail businesses for shopping.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

There are 19 voting precincts in Chesterfield Township. A full list of precincts can be found on the township’s website at chesterfieldtwp.

Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online before Oct. 30 and can track their ballots by looking up their information on the Michigan Voter Information Center atmichigan.gov/vote. Officials have recommended that absentee voters drop their ballots off in person.