Fritz Swanson

Two Candidates have Stepped Forward for Manchester Township Treasurer

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On Tuesday August 5th, there will be an election to decide who will be the Republican candidate for Manchester Township Treasurer. As there will likely be no Democrat seeking this position on the ballot in November, this primary election will likely determine who is Treasurer. The position is both to act as a voting trustee on the township board, and to serve as treasurer for the township, overseeing tax revenues measured in the millions. As the position is full-time, it pays $35,225.60.

Laurie Carey and Rebekah Pratt are the two candidates; both are Republicans. (More information about what is on the August 5th Ballot can be found at the Washtenaw County Elections page.)

The incumbent is Laurie Carey. After 7 years as Deputy Treasurer with the Township, Ms. Carey was appointed in August of 2013 when the previous Treasurer, Judy Huber, had to step down for health reasons. In addition to her years of experience with the township, Ms. Carey has also attended educational sessions from groups such as the Michigan Township Association, and the Washtenaw County Clerks Association. She is currently a member of the Washtenaw County Treasurers Association.

"The Treasurer’s and the Clerk’s jobs are two of the most critical job functions in the Township government, which is why I take this so seriously," Ms. Carey said. "Along with being a representative of the Township as a Board Member, both of these positions require daily working responsibilities in the management of the Township Office, as well. The Treasurer is the custodian of the money for the Township. This includes the collection and distribution of millions of dollars in Tax revenue, and safe keeping of all accounts held by the Township. I do not view the job of Treasurer as a stepping stone to other political roles, I am here to serve the residents of Manchester Township, and enjoy being a part of helping and greeting everyone that comes into the office."

The challenger, Rebekah Pratt, has been a township resident for four years, along with her husband and four children. Pratt is a Washtenaw County precinct delegate and a member of the Washtenaw County Republican Executive Committee. She is an Eastern Michigan University alumna with a B.S.W. and University of Phoenix graduate with a Masters of Arts Education / Special Education.

"It is important to have a rural perspective and interpersonal communication skills" Pratt said. "I know my neighbors and what they need. As treasurer I will bring valid transparency and easy access to information so the residents of Manchester Township know where money is going."

The term for the position is 4 years, but as this election is to finish out a term left by the vacancy of the original incumbent, Judy Huber, this position will be up again in 2016.

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Laurie Carey, riding in the Manchester Fair Parade. She can be reached at: laurieanncarey@gmail.com

 

Pratt Press Photo

Rebekkah Pratt, in a photo offered by her campaign. She can be reached at: rivkapratt@gmail.com

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