Added on October 23, 2023  Sara Swanson

2023 General Election: Voters Guide for the Manchester Area

by Sara Swanson

On Tuesday, November 7, 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.

All Manchester area voters in the Manchester Community Schools school district will vote on a school bond proposal. (A few Manchester area voters live in the Napoleon School District and will also be voting on a bond proposal.) Voters in Manchester Township will vote on a fire protection services millage renewal. Voters in the Village of Manchester will vote on adopting the proposed city charter and becoming a city, as well as on city council members who will take office if the city charter proposal passes. As the City Council race is contested with seven candidates running for six spots, we reached out to them and gave them the opportunity to get their message out.

The race for City of Manchester Mayor also will appear on the ballots of Village of Manchester voters, but as that is not a contested race and only one candidate is running, that does not appear in this guide.

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.

Candidates

Village of Manchester

City of Manchester – City Council Members

City council member is a non-partisan position. Seven candidates are running for six positions — these include current Village Council members: Marsha Johnson Chartrand, Cynthia Dresch, Patrick J. DuRussel, Steven Harvey, Martin J. Way, and Amelia L. Woods; and challenger, Sue LaRocque. You will be able to vote for six candidates.

Marsha Johnson Chartrand

As a long time Manchester resident who has covered the village and surrounding townships as both an observer and a journalist for more than 40 years, I believe I have an excellent understanding of this community. I have served on Manchester Village Council for 15 years and in that time I have learned more about how local government operates. I support Manchester becoming a City and I look forward to helping make this happen during my next term as a City Councilor. I have rarely missed a Council meeting; I am always prepared for the meeting by reading the back up paperwork that is provided to us. I keep in frequent touch with the Village Manager and Village President as needed to clarify issues facing the village. I try to stay well informed on topics that people are talking about and offer truthful answers to their questions. Residents need to stay well informed!

I would like to see the city move forward with its current projects and continue to utilize grant-funded projects to help make new and innovative programs available as the city grows. The community has seen some significant growth and there are new opportunities on the horizon. We have a wonderful network of volunteers, business owners, and other interested people who are vested in seeing the city thrive in the future. It is the job of the City Council to determine how this growth will look and guide it so that we retain the “small town” atmosphere that everyone loves about Manchester. It is a delicate balance, but a dedicated and knowledgeable Council will be able to handle this task. We need idea people, but unbounded enthusiasm may take us too far in the wrong direction. Slow and steady growth is better than an explosion of new homes, businesses, and industries.

Another challenge is for affordable housing in Manchester. We need it for young families looking to establish their homes here, so that our school district can thrive once again. We also need it for seniors who wish to age in place in the town they have always called “home.” The seniors are holding on to their smaller, less expensive houses, because there is no place else to go other than Chelsea or Tecumseh if they choose to downsize. We also have a lack of medical resources in the community, with only one family practice doctor currently in town. These are the challenges that Manchester will have to face in order to attract new residents.

Manchester has many assets to offer families — beautiful, well-equipped parks, lots of family events happening throughout the year, excellent schools with dedicated staff, several churches, walking trails, and much more. Businesses will find a newly revitalized downtown area with restaurants, gift shops, personal services, and much more. The City has a variety of industrial-zoned properties for sale, many of which have existing utilities. Manchester is being progressive and proactive about its development, while still keeping a quiet, small town atmosphere.

Cynthia Dresch

I am honored to have served for many years as a Village Council Trustee. As a CPA and 22-year resident of Manchester, I have brought a unique blend of financial expertise and community-oriented values to the heart of my decision-making process. I understand the intricate balance of budgets and the importance of fiscal responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and transparently.

Police coverage is the largest expense of the general fund. Public safety is paramount for a thriving community. My commitment to a safe community at a sustainable cost will remain unwavering. I am committed to using my financial acumen in working with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and our collaboration partner to insure police coverage for our residents.

As the global population ages, the concept of aging in place has gained significant attention and importance. Seniors who remain in their communities can sustain relationships with neighbors, friends, and family, combating social isolation and loneliness. This was a challenge my family faced and remains a challenge for the community today. I will continue to look for opportunities to bring providers into the community to allow our seniors to age in place.

Replacing infrastructure in a small community within a rising cost environment is a formidable challenge. The cost of construction materials, labor, and equipment has surged making many projects financially burdensome. The Village of Manchester has an excellent track record of leveraging Village dollars with federal, state, and local grants to accomplish projects both large and small. I look to continue this trend to meet this challenge head-on.

Patrick J. DuRussel

Pat Du Russel has been a resident since 1969 and feels blessed to live in such a comfortable caring community and will strive to help maintain that in Manchester, his Home Town .

Some of Pat’s Commitments are and have been:

• Member of the Knights of Columbus, Grand Knight 1991-92, Treasurer 1992 – 2004
• Member of the Manchester Men’s Club
• Served in the US Army
• Member of American Legion Post 117
• Past President of the Michigan Potato Council Commission
• Past Vice President/Treasurer Du Russels’ Potato Farms which was sold in 2016.
  

Pat has completed many years in office and is seeking another trustee position. Du Russel as councilman has served on the DPW committee & the Parks Committee. He feels that he has a good working knowledge of village affairs and would like to continue the progress this team is accomplishing.

If re-elected Du Russel would like to continue to serve as a member of the Parks commission for which there are many improvement and maintenance issues that he would continue to see happen in the future such as tree trimming and planting, shelter upgrades and play structures maintenance.

Du Russel believes that the big issue facing Manchester is the same as it has been – the need for more businesses/industry to increase our tax base. Du Russel feels that by becoming a city that goal will be easier to accomplish. He plans to continue to present Manchester as a progressive community with a strong foundation in integrity and common goals.

Steven Harvey

I am married with three (3) children, and a lifelong resident of Manchester. I graduated from Manchester High School and have been a Village resident for 25 years and a Township resident for 43 years. I hold a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University, a B.S. in Construction Management and an Associate Degree in Applied Science Building Construction Technologies from Ferris State University.

In addition to my work and educational background my community involvements include: 25 years as a Director on the Manchester Community Fair Board (6 years as President, 9 years as Vice President, 7 years as Secretary); Committee Chair of Cub Scouts Pack 421 for 2 years; Manchester Athletic Boosters member; Member of the Knights of Columbus, ongoing work with American Legion to put up flags on Main Street; volunteer worker at Manchester Community Schools and at local community events, including the Manchester Chicken Broil.

Although a lifelong resident and choosing to raise my family here, I’m new to the Village Council. Since my tenure began not too long ago I have learned a lot and realize I have a lot more yet to learn. As part of that desire to learn, I often ask questions on item(s) that come in front of the council to ensure the council is making the right decision for the people of Manchester now and for the future. I severely dislike the statement, “We have always done that”. Just because we have done it that way in the past doesn’t mean it is the right decision for us now. All options need to be explored. Change is hard but often change is good.

If elected, I will work hard for the people of the City of Manchester to keep the City Council fiscally responsible while maintaining the charm that makes Manchester, Manchester. At the same time, I believe we need to allow for growth to keep up with the changing world around us while always remembering and ensuring our small-town values. I will listen to input from Manchester residents and work with the City Council to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.

One of the biggest challenges I see for the City of Manchester is our Police Services. The Village currently contracts with the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department. The price for this service keeps rising and accounts for the majority of our budget. The City Council will need to review this carefully and the different options there are to make the best decisions for Manchester Residents.

Another challenge is maintaining and replacing our aging infrastructure. Every year the infrastructure gets older and closer to the end of its life cycle. As most things today, the price keeps rising and council will need to continue monitoring these systems to budget for their replacements.

I feel my rational and forward thinking, education, strong work ethic, love for the community and community involvement makes an excellent combination to make a great City Council member. I look forward to earning your support.

Sue LaRocque

My name is Sue LaRocque.  I’ve been a Manchester resident for 37 years. During this time I raised my family, taught 1st and 2nd grade at Klager Elementary, served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Manchester Historical Society I served on planning committees for 3rd Thursday, Christmas in the Village, Witches Night, and others, and am the business representative for SRSLY Manchester, a group that teaches our youth about the effects of drug and alcohol use.  

As the owner of River Raisin Mercantile in downtown Manchester, I am in the heart of our community on a daily basis. I am acutely aware of our downtown/community with all of its positive and negative attributes. The location and nature of my business allows me to listen to and hear the concerns of the people in this community. I want our residents to know they have ownership of their community by giving them a voice. It’s important that the ideas/concerns/suggestions of the residents of Manchester are heard by their council! 

I bring to the table my love of Manchester and desire to make it the best it can be, my ability to bring people together, my endless energy, my fairness and unwillingness to take sides, and a willingness to get things done! My master’s degree in education has given me a solid foundation in dealing with human and community issues.

I see the major issues facing Manchester as growth, downtown businesses becoming and remaining successful, communication between organizations, maintaining vibrant schools, and providing affordable and relevant housing options. I am a person who listens to all sides before making a decision or forming an opinion. I will do everything in my power to educate myself to make the best decisions for YOU.  

In conclusion, I would consider it an honor to serve our community as your next city council representative!  I am passionate about Manchester.  My priorities are and will always be God, family/friendships, and the community where I live, work, and play.

Martin J. Way

Did not respond.

Amelia L. Woods

Did not respond.

Proposals

Manchester Township

Fire Protection Services Millage Renewal

Shall the expired, previous voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Manchester Township, of 0.6500 mills ($0.65 per $1,000 of taxable value) reduced to .65 mills by required millage rollbacks be renewed at .65 mills ($0.65 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) and levied for five additional years, 2023 through 2027 inclusive, for fire protection services within Manchester Township, raising an estimated $160,682.07 in 2023 of which a portion may be disbursed under a fire services agreement to another local unit(s) for fire protection services to the Township?

Manchester Community Schools

Bond Proposal 

Shall Manchester Community Schools, Washtenaw and Jackson Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Sixty-Four Million Eight Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($64,820,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: 

remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings, including for school security; erecting, furnishing, and equipping a new auxiliary/community gymnasium with student club space in the junior and senior high school; acquiring and installing instructional technology; equipping, preparing, developing, and improving athletic facilities, playgrounds, sidewalks, parking areas, and sites? 

The following is for informational purposes only: 

The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2024, under current law, is 3.16 mills ($3.16 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 5.06 mills ($5.06 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). 

The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $1,220,816 and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $812,474. The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is 9 years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 8.50 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances.

The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $17,975,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is approximately $2,803,059. 

(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)