Added on October 24, 2022  Sara Swanson

2022 General Election Guide for the Manchester Area Voters

by Sara Swanson

On Tuesday, November 8, Manchester-area residents will be able to vote in the General Election at their usual polling place, their township hall, from 7am to 8pm. If you aren’t currently registered to vote, you can register in person up through election day with proof of residency.

New districts were drawn last year and we are now in different districts from the last time we had an election. The whole Manchester area is now in US Congressional District 6. Additionally, the Manchester area is now split between two state senate districts and between two state house districts. Manchester, Sharon, and Freedom townships are now within the 47th state house district while Bridgewater Township is in the 33rd state house district. Manchester and Bridgewater townships are now in the 15th state senate district while Sharon and Freedom townships are in the 14th state senate district.

We reached out to local candidates running in contested races and gave them the opportunity to get their message out to the Manchester area. Candidates on the ballot unopposed, like for Sharon Township Clerk, Manchester Village trustees, and the City Charter Commission, are not included. Likewise, candidates in higher-profile races like Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, US Representative, State House, State Senate, College and University Trustees, and Judges are widely profiled in other publications and not included. See vote411.org or pick up a League of Women’s Voters Guide from the Manchester District Library for information on races not included here.

One category that will be appearing for the first time on Village voters’ ballots this election is the election of City Charter Commission members. Although there are nine candidates running for nine positions, so the positions are uncontested and candidates are not profiled here, it is worth explaining the purpose of the City Charter Commission as it is new. The City Charter Commission will draft a proposed “charter“ for the City of Manchester. They will begin within 10 days of the election. It should take about three months, then it will be submitted to the governor for approval. Once the charter receives the governor’s approval, an election will be set for the village residents to vote yes or no on the charter and approve or vote down the Village becoming a city. In either case, the City Charter Commission will be dissolved upon completion of the charter.

Note: Profiles appear as received and haven’t been edited other than to be cut at the 500-word mark if over the word limit. 

School Board

Manchester Community Schools

School board member is a non-partisan position. Six candidates are running for three positions — these include incumbents Rebecca Harvey and Michael Tindall; and challengers Eric Coval, Julie Lutton, James Stewart, and Sandra Wiitala. You will be able to vote for three candidates. A School Board candidate forum was held on October 2. You can watch a recording of the event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLQAD9Zkytc .

Eric Coval

Hello, I am Eric Coval. I am a 2014 graduate of Manchester. Since graduation I have helped run the family business, Coval Construction as well as work on our family farm. I got married in 2019 and my wife and I now have two daughters. A lot of people ask me why I am running for school board. What it comes down to is that I love Manchester and I want it to succeed. I want it to be a place where kids look back and remember an amazing experience at Manchester Schools. I want the teachers to feel joy in their work and to feel supported, so that they are able to focus on providing high quality experiences for our kids. My wife teaches at Manchester, and my children will attend in a few years, so obviously I want to do right by the teachers and students.

From my work and coaching experience I have so many connections within the community. Many have asked me how we can increase student enrollment and make it a desirable school. My answer is that it already is, and we need to keep students excited about being involved and building up our programs (clubs, sports, career education, art, band, community involvement, etc.). Manchester has so much to offer and so much support in the community! We need to focus on promoting positivity and looking at all the amazing things about Manchester.

I know currently there are huge divides within the community and although I will always try my best to do what’s right, I know there will be disagreements. When it comes down to it, I believe everyone truly has good intentions. I promise I will always listen, and consider all perspectives. At the end of the day we all want the same thing, we want our children to have quality education, learn how to positively contribute to society, and be happy. What I would like everyone to know is that I care about each and every student. I really mean that. I know and love Manchester, and would be proud and honored to serve in this role. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Eric Coval

Rebecca Harvey

As a graduate of the University of Michigan where I majored in Sociology, I learned about human behavior which helped me understand and work with people who are of differing opinions than my own. It’s helped me communicate effectively, see the bigger picture, and reach a consensus. After undergrad, I attended and graduated from MSU College of Law where I learned about statutes, laws, policies and procedures which are all important for a Trustee tasked with developing and enacting district policies. As a school board Trustee for the past 8 years I’ve learned what responsibilities a Trustee has (and doesn’t have) as well as how to fulfill those responsibilities in the best interests of the entire district.

A top priority is ensuring current policies and procedures are consistently followed and equitably enforced. Although many issues have plagued school districts in the past, only a few are within the Board’s jurisdiction. I want to ensure the Board does not micromanage administration and allows them to perform their duties while the Board performs theirs.

I am dedicated to ensuring our students have the best quality education achievable through continual monitoring of curriculum and exploring all available options no matter their ability. In addition to curriculum, we also must ensure the district is offering programs and extra-curriculars that help develop a well-rounded student and life-long learner. Athletics, career tech, clubs, and other opportunities help them explore their interests and keep them engaged in their own educational experiences.

To balance the budget, Trustees need to be informed about school district needs, expenses and revenue. The Board of Education needs to explore options that will save the district money where possible to make funds available to ensure a quality education for all students.

As a Board of Education Trustee for the past 8 years, I have seen the ups and downs the district goes through. Over this time, we have implemented policies and procedures that I would like to continue and develop further. More recently there has been division over certain issues I would like to resolve to get the community back together as one in support of our staff and students. Educating our students should be everyone’s top priority. Our staff and students need all our support to be successful.

One challenge right now is the division of the community due to some recent issues. We must unite the district and the community towards the common goal of educating our students. We want to make them reach their highest potential and be successful in whatever path they choose.

Another challenge in our District is declining enrollment which leads to lower revenue. With less money coming in, there is a risk that certain opportunities for our students may have to be sacrificed. In turn, that limits the educational opportunities that are available. As leaders of our district, we need to find a way to best use our available resources to provide a quality and personalized education to ensure the success of all of our students.

Julie Lutton

My name is Julie Lutton and I’m seeking to represent our community by serving on the Manchester School Board. As a lifelong member of our community the success of our school system is something I hold dear to my heart. Both my husband, Rich Lutton and I graduated from Manchester schools. Currently, I have two children in the high school and a recent graduate who now attends Siena Heights University. I have been a public school teacher for the past 22 years. I have taught in special education, third grade, and fourth grade at Madison Elementary. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan and a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy from Michigan State University.

My boots on the ground experiences working within education allow me a unique perspective that set me apart from the other candidates. They allow me to approach situations with a well-rounded view of teachers, parents, and students. I have a wealth of knowledge surrounding curriculum, parent/teacher communication, IEP’s (Individual Education Plans), interventions for struggling students, and state standards. Every day I witness firsthand the mounting pressure of learning deficits within the classroom. I see the impact the chaos from the last few years has had on our children and I want to be a part of the team that collaborates solutions for these issues.

Raising and teaching strong leaders has never been more important. We should have a strong focus on encouraging independent thinkers and closing the gap on student achievement. In order to facilitate this we need to equip our teachers with the necessary tools and supports. I want to stand up for what’s best for our students and provide a voice for parents. There needs to be transparency within our schools so parents know what is being taught to their children. Open communication is what leads to growth and positive change. Bridging the gap between community and school is more important now than ever. Together with strong leadership we have the opportunity to make a difference for our children and the future of our community. I would appreciate your vote this November and look forward to representing my community as a school board member.

James Stewart

Some of the biggest issues that we are going to face in the next four years is the struggle over constitutional framed freedoms and the battle over racially and sexualized curriculum being pumped into our public education. As a board number I would maintain strong stances against any violations of children or parent/guardians Constitutional rights and uphold the office of board member as a well minded and balanced oath keeper.

I will personally hold any Curriculum, mandate, or ideology that goes against the constitution and unalienable human rights, responsible by bringing to light and questioning the malfeasance of such policies or agendas.

My educational background for this position is laid in the foundations of management, college with business oriented curriculum as well as PPE training in confined spaces and dangerous work environments. I am a licensed contractor and a successful business owner.I have spent years public speaking to large crowds as well as teaching students and young people about the love of Jesus Christ.

Our community has an opportunity to prepare for what’s coming I believe that I am a strong candidate that can hear the concerns and make sound judgments for our students our teachers and parents and guardians.

I’m looking forward to working with all of you in our community of Manchester Michigan.
You can reach me by email at : iamjamesttc@gmail.com

Michael Tindall

Since nearing the end of my first term on the Board of Education, I have given much thought if I should consider running for re-election on the Board of Education, and what I have to offer to the Manchester community and to the Manchester Community Schools.

I have lived in the Manchester community since I was 4 years old. My wife and I both started Kindergarten in Manchester Schools, and graduated from Manchester Schools. We raised 2 children that both went to Manchester Schools from Kindergarten through graduation, and have 2 grandchildren currently enrolled.

I have dedicated my entire life since I was 8 years old, volunteering with local organizations like the Manchester Community Chicken Broil (for over 55 years I volunteered, I was in a leadership position for over 40 years, and was Co-Chairman for 17 years). I served on my church council for 2 terms, and as council president for one of those terms. I Was a certified part time Police Officer for 4 years in Manchester, then finished my career in law enforcement in Clinton, after working 8 years there. I worked full time at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in durability testing . I was responsible for the rear-wheel-drive powertrain systems until I retired in 2008 with 31 years of service.

I am dedicated to the Manchester Community and only want the best for our students and community members. What I can offer to the district and community is history and stability, with experience in leadership rolls. I want to work with my fellow board members to get the last 2 years of unprecedented unrest and disrespect behind our district and to return focusing on our students and supporting our faculty and staff.

Sandra Wiitala

Hi, I am Sandra Wiitala and I am running for a seat on the Manchester School Board. I am a 35 year resident and MCS graduate. My husband (also a Manchester grad) and I now have two amazing daughters in the JR/SR High School and I am very grateful that they are benefiting from the same big support that this small town gave me. I have for many years been active volunteering and coaching in both the schools and our community, helping with the Chicken Broil and the Fair, etc.

Should I be given the honor of serving on the Board, my goals for my term would include:

• Working hard to understand MCS finances and building plans for our district’s long term viability.
• Focusing on increasing student opportunities and supports for ALL of our students. This includes further developing our kid’s access to early skills building as well as more exposure to career aligned activities and training. And strengthening our ability to provide support to our children and families with special needs.
• Increasing transparency so that Parents and community members can easily find the answers they require and better understand the choices the Board makes.
• Strengthening communication to ensure clear paths of interaction for families to their children’s educational teams.
• Strong emphasis on reaching out to our young families and those new to our area/schools to ensure they are included and have the opportunity to build the relationships that will last a lifetime.

I have been here through a lot of changes in our school system and my knowledge of where we have been, what has worked (and what hasn’t) will help me to make thoughtful, researched and guided decisions

I am a 25 year Journeyman Electrician with experience managing large scale and high pressure projects. I am able to problem solve in high pressure situations while working with diverse personalities and understand budgets, funding, bonding, contracts, etc.

I serve as a Trustee on multi-million dollar Pension and Health and Welfare funds where I have developed a high level of understanding of Fiduciary responsibility and the importance of seeking professional guidance when making both short and long term financial decisions.

This community, its children, and its families are important to me, and I feel strongly that as a parent and community member, I have a duty and desire to be an active participant in helping to create a positive school community that will help all of our students access a quality education in a supportive environment. I am ready for this challenge. Ready to help strengthen our schools and ensure that all of our kids are FUTURE READY. Thank you very much for your consideration. Endorsed by Manchester Educators. electsandrawiitala.com

Other School Districts

Not all residents of the 4-township Manchester Area live in the Manchester School District. Some Manchester Area Residents will be voting in Saline, Napoleon, Grass Lake, Chelsea Columbia, Dexter and Clinton’s School Board races. See vote411.org for information on non-Manchester Community Schools, school board races.

County Commissioner

All Manchester Area residents are in District 3 in which Democratic incumbent Shanon Beeman faces Republican challenger Robert Guysky, both Manchester Area residents. The League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County held a forum for the two candidates in October. You can watch a recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEO7hpraagI .

Shannon Beeman (Democrat)

As your current County Commissioner, I live, work, teach, and raise a family in Washtenaw County. Even as a child in Chelsea Schools, I understood that our corner of the world was a special place – from the fruitful farmland to the bustling downtown shops. After earning my MBA, I returned home to start my family. I’m an avid supporter of preserving the distinct elements of District 3 that have drawn businesses and families to the area for generations.

Throughout my two-term tenure as Commissioner, I have faced a $10 million budget deficit in mental health funding that the State of Michigan refused to pay, a global pandemic that forced residents without internet to learn and work from home, an increase in racial unrest with a cry for justice reform, and more. There is no crisis where I will waiver in my support for the residents of District 3 – without increasing taxes.

A County Commissioner holds fiduciary responsibility to residents while supporting the delivery of safety-net services. There are many mandated services that Washtenaw County must provide per federal and state legislation. However, these same services are often not funded by the State of Michigan or the U.S. Government. As your County Commissioner, I must find the local dollars within our budget to provide these mandated and life-saving services.

Washtenaw County provides the underpinnings for the quality of life we enjoy in District 3. As your County Commissioner, I have worked to expand access to these services throughout southwestern Washtenaw – $17 million in ARPA funds for broadband expansion, retrofitting buses to deliver needed services to District 3, and more. Should I win reelection, I will continue to expand Washtenaw County services throughout District 3. Currently, I am collaborating with Commissioner Maciejewski on a Western Washtenaw Service Center. This work and relationship building needs to continue to keep this momentum going – supporting all residents from rural to urban.

Currently, great divisiveness exists in our nation. However, throughout my time on the board, I have worked to support all of District 3 regardless of partisan politics. I work side-by-side with my Republican supervisors and boards to deliver the needed services and resources to residents. From protecting farmland to ensuring our drinking water is safe, I work diligently to support the issues our cities, townships, and village face.

There is no denying that District 3 is split between political ideals, yet, at the end of the day, we truly want the same things. We all want safe communities, affordable resources, healthy families, fresh air, and clean water. I work with our elected officials and community leaders to create a place where my children can grow and where my parents can afford to retire. This quality of life is accomplished through partnerships, trust, and respect – things I have worked to build since taking office four years ago.

This November you have a choice, the choice to work together for District 3. Together we can ensure our community is safe, healthy.

Robert Guysky (Republican)

Raised in Corunna, MI, a small farming community, I learned the value of hard work, faith and family bond, and a pure sense of community. Engineering at Lake Superior State University, aligned with my values. My career: Sr Engr, Sr Security Engr, I.T. and Facility Manager, mentored interns, and EHS coordinator during COVID. Moving to Sharon Township in 1991, my calling to public service emerged. Parrish Council, Boy Scout leader, Western Washtenaw County Republican, Technology advisor and Co-founder of FIRST robotics team Chelsea. Co-founder of Stewards Of Sharon we helped stop sprawl. Appointed to Sharon Township Planning commission, elected Trustee and then Treasurer. 2016 as an independent, elected as Trustee again.

Number one issue is the economy. We are all suffering from inflation. Dramatic price hikes in fuel, especially diesel used by trucks, trains, farm implements, planes – which transports almost everything or tills the earth that produces the vast majority of our food – has increased the price of all consumer goods tremendously. Our farmers have been hurt the most and their costs as are all other sectors of production, are passed on to each consumer – us.

I understand how to read and more importantly, understand a balance sheet. A surgical review and audit of all expenditures. Per taxfoundation.org, Washtenaw County has the highest median tax of any county in Michigan! Among 3,006 USA counties, ranking 71st, or 101st. Because of a complicated taxation formulae even renown national tax experts find it difficult to rank. Median property taxes 2019: Washtenaw $4,582, Ingham $2,960, Livingston $2,829, Kent $2,605, Wayne $2,487, and even Oakland is less at $3,700.

Wasteful programs, reliance on contractors, a thorough and deep dive into headcounts by each department, redundancies between departments – all which can achieve meaning help to people suffering from inflation and high taxation.

Constituents expressed the following concerns: Excessive cost of road maintenance, culvert repair and bridge repair. The VA. AATA. TREE carbon footprint equity program. County jail security issues and local policing. Education DEI/SEL. Sprawl.

Reduce inequity between outlying communities in D-3 compared to the majority of Washtenaw County. D-3 is the largest district geographically of the entire county, 7 townships, the hamlet of Bridgewater, village of Manchester, and cities of Milan & Saline.

Decentralization of government programs from Ann Arbor to rural areas would be very beneficial. Re-purpose the Pleasant Lake School as a vocational extension. Fire and EMS with basic health services placed at township halls.

The Sharon Short Hills, the streams, rivers, valleys and forests. The farms and farm houses and barns and pastures. The farmers and all the hard working people and families that live here. Health care systems of the U of M, Trinity Health and affiliates are superb. Our universities spawn innovation and the creation beyond comprehension. WCC has a world-class welding program, nursing, automotive, and many other fine curricula. We live in a very special place, elect me to save the future.

Thank you, Robert Guysky rjguysky@gmail.com
More: https://www.vote411.org/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEO7hpraagI

Proposals

In addition to candidates running for elected positions, voters in Sharon Township and Manchester Township will vote on proposals. Additionally, all voters in the state will decide on three statewide proposals which are widely profiled in other publications and not included here. Columbia and Saline School districts both have proposals up for vote which will effect the small number of Manchester residents living in those districts. See vote411.org for information on proposals not included here.

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP

Renew and Increase Extra–Voted Millage to Offset Headlee Rollbacks

Shall the expired previous voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Manchester Township, of .65 mills ($.65 per $1,000.00 of taxable value), reduced to .6408 ($.6408 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at and increased up to the original vote .65 mills ($.65 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) and levied for 5 years, 2023 through 2027 inclusive, for Fire Protection Services within Manchester Township, raising an estimated $146,616.69 in the first year the millage is levied of which a portion may be disbursed to such other or fewer local units of government as the Township Board determines appropriate.

SHARON TOWNSHIP

Renewal Millage for Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services

For the purpose of reauthorizing and continuing funding to provide fire protection and emergency medical services within Sharon Township, shall the Township levy a renewal millage of up to .6999 mills ($.6999 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of five (5) years, 2023 through 2027 inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this millage renewal will raise an estimated $79,054 in the first taxable year to continue to provide and support fire protection and emergency medical services in the Township, all or a portion of which may be disbursed to other local emergency units of government for emergency services as determined appropriate by the Township Board.