Added on July 8, 2024  Sara Swanson

2024 State Primary Election Voters Guide for the Manchester Area

by Sara Swanson

On Tuesday, August 6, Manchester Area residents will be able to vote in the Statewide Primary at their usual polling place from 7am to 8pm. Unlike the Presidential Primary, which was a closed primary where voters chose which party ballot they wanted to vote, the August primary has all candidates on one ballot. Voters will only be able to vote for one party on the ballot; you cannot cross party lines for the different races. If you cross party lines, your votes for those races will prompt an error message at tabulation and only your non-partisan races will count if not corrected.

We reached out to local and area candidates running in contested races and gave them the opportunity to get their message out to the Manchester area. Candidates on the ballot unopposed, will appear in the general election voters’ guide in the fall. Candidates for positions higher than state house and state senate are widely profiled in other publications. See vote411.org for information on races not covered here.

In addition to selecting candidates to appear on the ballot in November, proposals will be appearing on the ballot. Voters will vote on proposals for the Manchester District Library, Bridgewater Township, and three county-wide proposals.

All voters may choose to vote early either through the mail by requesting an absentee ballot or in person during the nine days of early voting starting July 27. Whether or not you can vote early at your usual polling place depends on what precinct you are in. See www.washtenaw.org/3970/Early-Voting to determine where you can vote early.

Candidates who responded are presented ahead of candidates who didn’t respond, and in alphabetical order within those two groups. Statements were required to be 500 words or less and were cut off at 500 words if longer statements were submitted. 

Townships

The four townships will all have candidates appearing on the ballot, but only Freedom Township has a contest race for in the primary. Three candidates are running for two positions on the Freedom Township Board of Trustees.

Freedom Township Trustee candidates

Current Freedom Township Board members, Republicans, Dennis Earl Huehl and Daniel L. Schaible are seeking re-election and are being challenged by Republican, Shaun Andring. Republican Freedom Townships voters will be able to vote for two candidates on their ballot. The winners will not face any Democratic challengers in November.

Republicans:

Shaun Andring

I am a lifelong Michigander and an 11-year property owner in Freedom Township where my wife and I built our home. We are the proud parents of three beautiful children and love living here. I am running for a Trustee position on the Freedom Township Board because of my commitment to the township and my desire to protect the quality of life we all enjoy here.

At this time in my life, I feel ready to take on a leadership role in the township. I look forward to participating on the Board and being part of the decision-making team that leads Freedom Township into its future. This is my family’s home for many years to come so my commitment to the future of my family and fellow Freedom Township residents is strong.

My work colleagues, family, and friends know me as an action-oriented person who is especially good at analyzing and solving problems. I’ve always understood the importance of building strong relationships and listening carefully to all points of view to develop trust and make sound, fair decisions. People seem to enjoy working with me.

I believe I am uniquely qualified for a township trustee position. My work experience includes management, budget management, business development, account management, and sales management. I have a reputation as a seasoned leader and high energy worker with excellent communication and management skills, and I am a graduate of Central Michigan University.

My focus as a Trustee would include: Township cost savings; creative ways to gather resident input and increase resident participation – ways to better bring the community together; safety of our residents and protection of our property values; thorough evaluation and decision-making of threats and opportunities based on what is best for Freedom Township’s future.

There is no doubt that Freedom Township will continue to feel more outside pressures as people and businesses seek expanding opportunities and properties west and southwest of Ann Arbor. I believe I have the experience, initiative, and commitment to help guide such growth in Freedom Township while at the same time, protecting our values, properties, and resources. Township residents will be able to count on me to act in the best interests of them and Freedom Township.

I can be reached at andringforfreedomtownship@gmail.com or “Andring For Freedom Township Trustee” (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561112252674) on Facebook.

Dennis Huehl

I, Dennis Earl Huehl have been a resident of Freedom Township for 68 years and am seeking my fourth term as trustee. I along with my brother and our wives own 412 acres in Freedom Township and farm over 1500 acres in Freedom and neighboring townships.

The current township board works well together, preserving the rural nature of our township.

The first challenge I see is dealing with commercial solar installations after the Michigan Public Service Commission takes over siting and permitting control from the townships on November 29th. We currently do not permit commercial solar installations in our township and are waiting for the state to release the new process and what input local government will have.

The second issue will be the renewal of the township road milage. It will be on the ballot sometime next year. Since its inception during my term on the township board, along with cost share funding from the county road commission, the township has been able to do hundreds of thousands of dollars of maintenance to the secondary roads in the township.

Third will be funding the contract with Manchester Township for Fire protection and emergency services. Over two-thirds of the 911 calls are for emergency services and not a fire. The cost of this contract is almost one-fourth of the general fund total expenditures. Any loss of current revenues will need to be replaced to maintain this service.

Daniel L. Schaible

Daniel L. Schaible was contacted but did not respond.

Washtenaw County

Residents of Manchester, Freedom, Bridgewater and Sharon Townships, and the City of Manchester will all vote in the same races in both the elections for Washtenaw County officers and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners as the whole Manchester-area is in District 3.

Board of Commissioners – District 3

Republicans will choose between 2 candidates for County Commissioner: Ryan L. Baumgart and Sean W. Egmon. Both were contacted but neither responded. In the general election in November the winner will face incumbent Democrat, Shannon Beeman who is running unopposed.

Republicans:

Ryan L. Baumgart

Ryan L. Baumgart was contacted but did not respond.

Sean W. Egmon

Sean W. Egmon was contacted but did not respond.

County Sheriff

Current Washtenaw County Sheriff, Democrat Clayton, Jerry L. is not seeking reelection. Three candidates are running on the Democratic ticket. Democrats will choose between Alyshia Dyer, Derrick Jackson, and Ken Magee. The winner will not face a Republican opponent in November.

Democrats:

Alyshia Dyer

I’m Alyshia Dyer, and I bring over a decade of experience in law enforcement and mental health to my candidacy for Washtenaw County Sheriff. As a former road patrol deputy in Dexter, Webster, Scio, Superior, and Ypsilanti Township, I’ve handled crisis calls, led investigations, and gained deep insights into our community’s needs. Complementing this hands-on experience are my graduate degrees from the University of Michigan in public policy and social work, which equip me to lead our sheriff’s office effectively. Currently, I work now as a licensed therapist, a role that underscores my commitment to public service and community well-being. Public service is personal for me, having grown up in poverty in Washtenaw County, where I understand firsthand the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck.

A significant challenge is enhancing community hiring to address staffing shortages and improve office culture. The sheriff’s office must implement long-term planning and remove barriers that hinder non-traditional applicants. Currently, the office lacks diversity, being 87% white and predominantly male. Increasing representation, especially of women, can mitigate excessive use of force and foster a more inclusive environment, reducing the “us vs. them” mindset prevalent in policing. Addressing the entrenched “old boys club” culture is crucial for fostering a better work environment.

Prioritizing the mental health and wellness of sheriff’s office personnel is also paramount. The current administration has neglected this issue for too long. Having experienced the pressures of law enforcement firsthand, I understand the toll it takes on you. Sleep deprivation and complex trauma are prevalent issues among first responders, impacting their ability to perform effectively and safely. Investing in their mental well-being is not just compassionate but essential for improving overall departmental performance and community safety.

Addressing rising police service costs is another challenge, and requires a county-wide cost analysis to ensure fiscal responsibility. We haven’t done this in over ten years. Effective communication with road patrol contract partners is important to aligning priorities and maximizing public safety investments. More upstream investments towards proactive measures such as mental health support, substance use treatment, housing initiatives, and prevention programs are also critical, and we can do that using our public safety and mental health millage dollars without hurting our contract partners.

Reforming our jail is another priority. Reinstating in-person jail visitation is essential for maintaining family connections and reducing recidivism rates. Educational classes in the jail are constantly being canceled, and we have to do better in this arena while investing in front-end prevention to minimize the jail population. One of our community moms said it best when I was serving as a road patrol deputy: “Officer Dyer, why is it that I have to wait for my son to get in trouble before getting any real support?” Being the only candidate who worked on the ground at this office as a road patrol deputy, I understand the gaps.

If elected, I will also establish specialized units within the detective bureau, including a corporate accountability and environmental crimes unit and a domestic violence detective.

Derrick Jackson

My name is Derrick Jackson, and I’m running to be your next Sheriff here in Washtenaw County. From starting my career as a young social worker supporting homeless youth at Ozone House, to serving as the Director of Elections under County Clerk Kestenbaum, to becoming a Director at the Sheriff’s Office, I have committed my entire career in service to the people of Washtenaw County.

During my 15-year tenure as a Director at the Sheriff’s Office, I have been the primary architect leading the systematic and intentional process of changing the very foundations of the office. We’ve changed the values, training, policies, structure, culture, and I know what is yet to be done. When I started we didn’t invest in diversion, alternatives to incarceration, community violence intervention, or reentry. We now invest more than $4.7 million annually. At the same time, our deputies are solving violent crime at rates much higher than the state or national average. Proving you can do both, hold people accountable and prevent harm from happening.

Safe communities are healthy communities and although there is amazing prosperity in Washtenaw, there are neighborhoods which have been forgotten or underinvested in for generations. Safety suffers because of it. I’m running with a vision of changing the soil in our neighborhoods. Failing to do so means we will continue to rely on the police to deal with the symptoms of crime because we refuse to invest in addressing the causes. It’s also a reality that the cost of policing continues to rise and we must have a Sheriff capable of redesigning the entire police service contract architecture. I’ve helped manage our $60 million dollar budget and not once in 15 years have we been over. I understand the financial architecture, know where resources can be shifted, and have established relationships with elected officials necessary to lead the transformation of our current contract architecture.

I will implement upstream oversight where we aren’t waiting for something bad to happen before the community has a voice, reduce our over-reliance on armed officers by investing in alternative mechanisms such as community-based responders, and support new ways of impacting violence that are community led and prevention focused while simultaneously holding those who perpetuate violence accountable. We will prioritize domestic violence, and make sure our jail remains focused on helping people leave better than they arrived. We will invest in the wellness of our officers, reinvest dollars upstream to prevent harm and invest in community wellness initiatives.

As the only candidate who has served in leadership positions in county government, the only candidate currently serving in law enforcement, the only candidate who has helped to oversee the Sheriff’s budget, and the only candidate who has earned the support of dozens of current and former Washtenaw County elected leaders – I am prepared to make real, lasting progress. I am asking that you join me in transforming justice in Washtenaw County by voting for Jackson in the August 6 Democratic Primary.

Ken Magee

I am honored to be a candidate for your next sheriff of Washtenaw County. Many of you have gotten to know my wife, Dawn Donnelly and I, as she purchased the Manchester Mill three years ago. We love Manchester!

What are the biggest challenges facing Washtenaw County in the next four years

Gun Violence: We’ve had 36 incidents of gun crime in the last four months, and 23 murders last year, several related to domestic violence. Leadership at the WCSO is not properly addressing these crimes.

Opioid deaths: Drug overdoses have killed over 500 people in the County in the last 10 years.

Staffing: The WCSO is short 25 percent of its core staff. Next year, we lose ten more deputies to retirement. The overtime budget is exhausted. Morale is extremely low.

How do you think they should be handled?

STAFF SHORTAGE: I will enhance the morale of the WCSO by being a leader who is present and accountable. I have the experience to enhance the morale. I will recruit the brightest and best and bring more support to the Manchester area.

OPIOID OVERDOSES: As a career cop, I have created a strategy with the acronym PETER. P=Prevention, E=Enforcement, T=Treatment, E=Education and R=Recovery. From day one I will implement this strategy to save lives

GUN VIOLENCE: I separate gun violence into four distinct categories:

1.) Street Violence 2.) Domestic Violence. 3.) Suicides 4.) Accidental Shootings.

Gun Violence has claimed too many lives already in Washtenaw County. To tackle each of the four categories, a different approach and strategy is With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and leadership, I offer viable proven strategies to combat gun violence. Additional gun laws are not necessarily the answer. The answer lies in the implementation of these laws. I will have a focus on education and enforcement.

If elected, what are your goals?

Immediately seek and retain qualified applicants to bring staffing to appropriate levels, which will also enhance coverage in the out-county areas to include Manchester. Save lives by combatting gun and domestic violence and addressing the opioid crisis. Provide more accountability and transparency.

What characteristics and/or qualifications, including education and experience, do you have that will help you excel in this position?

I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Police Administration from Michigan State University.

Over the course of my lengthy career, serving numerous policing assignments around the globe, I have seen it all. From being a street cop in Jackson, serving in Bogota, Colombia on the team hunting Pablo Escobar, working undercover in Detroit leading to the largest cocaine seizure in Michigan; surviving terrorist attacks, capturing an FBI Top 10 fugitive; arresting corrupt cops, to organizing diverse coalitions of community members dedicated to fighting crime, my experiences have resulted in a comprehensive understanding of public safety.

I’ve been successful in every position I’ve held, and I will be successful as your next sheriff. To see my resume as well as strategies to combat these challenges visit magee4sheriff.com.

County Clerk/Register of Deeds

Both Democrats and Republicans will select their candidates for Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds race in November, Incumbent Democrat, Lawrence Kestenbaum will face Democratic challenger Shelly Brock; and two candidates, Samantha Strayer and Adam de Angeli will face off on the Republican ticket.

Democrats:

Lawrence Kestenbaum

Throughout the nearly two decades I’ve been county clerk/register, my office has made advances in efficiency and customer service. We have a smaller staff who capably and graciously serve the county’s growing population. Two centuries of paper land records have been digitized and moved out of a potential flood zone. Through a time of rapid legal and technological change, and increased scrutiny, Washtenaw elections have been almost trouble-free.

My educational background includes a B.A. in economics, a law degree, and graduate work in historic preservation planning. I’ve lectured or taught classes at three universities, and I often speak to service groups and lecture series. Before I was clerk, I served as county commissioner in Ingham and in Washtenaw counties. In 1996, at the beginning of the World Wide Web, I created the Political Graveyard web site (PoliticalGraveyard.com), which makes a tremendous amount of U.S. political history available online.

The election process has fascinated me all my life. I served as a city and township poll worker, as an attorney for candidates in recounts, and headed up voter registration drives. I have written and lectured on election issues such as voter authentication, tabulation technology, and security. In office, and at the state level as a member of the county clerks’ legislative committee, I’ve been in the forefront of advocating and implementing improvements.

Many states are seeing attacks on voting rights and the election system. Michigan is a potential flashpoint of this conflict. A county clerk with deep election experience is the best defense.

The office also maintains official records of births, deaths, and marriages, and here, too, we have innovated. Washtenaw was the first county in the state to implement electronic death registration, a big savings in time and energy for families, doctors, and funeral homes.

And in 2014, when Michigan’s gay marriage ban was struck down, I opened the office on a weekend for same-sex couples to get marriage licenses. Three other county clerks followed my lead.

Michigan county government is a patchwork, not structured for efficiency. Authority is splintered, with many autonomous units. Nonetheless, Washtenaw County is well-managed (with a top-notch AAA bond rating), because I and the other officials make it a point of principle to work together in the interest of the county as a whole.

Shelly Brock

Shelly Brock was contacted but didn’t respond.

Republicans:

Samantha Strayer

Samantha Strayer was contacted but didn’t respond.

Adam de Angel

Adam de Angel was contacted but didn’t respond.

County Treasurer

Current Washtenaw County Treasurer, Democrat Catherine McClary is not seeking reelection. Two candidates are running on the Republican ticket: Robert F. Zimmerman and Brian Bennett. In November, the winner will face Democrat, Latitia Lamelle-Sharp who is running unopposed.

Republicans:

Robert F. Zimmerman

Dear Editors and Readers of the Manchester Mirror:

Thank you so much for the invitation to address your community regarding the upcoming Primary Election.

Our County Board meetings have two recurring topics. The first is staging upcoming millage proposals for voter approval. The second concerns how those funds will be spent. I’m saddened for the lack of discussion to grow the appeal of Washtenaw County for entrepreneurs and other businesses. It’s imperative Washtenaw County grows its property tax paying commercial base to prosper. So many of our non-profits landowners do not share the property tax burden that residents do. Moreover, a township trustee advised me a few years ago, residential taxes don’t completely cover the costs of servicing the public.

As one Commissioner recently observed, it’s awfully tough for a family making $60k per year to afford to live here. A correct observation, but millages don’t get rolled back. New programs full of love but unproven merit continue to get pushed through. “Legitimately” affordable housing just isn’t getting built while every component of our housing costs continuing to escalate. Water and sewer, power, heat, and insurance costs skyrocket in tandem. Washtenaw’s middle-income backbone is forced to consider life in neighboring counties. Washtenaw’s cost of living is becoming less competitive, and we taxpayers feel taken for granted.

Those who fail to pay property taxes become subject to the foreclosure process. Our homes can be seized and sold for back taxes, suggesting government is the real landlord even when we have faithfully made our mortgage payments. The disconnects in this process require the county to fund a $20 million line of credit to cover delinquencies and over $1 million of administrative cost for the foreclosure process. With higher interest rates, the county incurs higher costs. Both situations provide zero benefit.

I’d like to see us “get ahead” of these problems:

• Collaborate with our city and township treasurers for early warnings of risking situations and brainstorm incentives.
• Help fill property vacancies towards their highest and best purpose, keeping our property values strong and ensuring “Main Street” thrives for all.
• Enhance programs providing financial education. Let’s not limit this to those in a foreclosure process. Include financial training for social workers and others working with “at risk” residents.
• Encourage a hard property tax and assessments cap.
• Encourage a forbearance process for our seniors.

My professional financial education and over 35 years of experience have prepared me with Proven Financial Leadership for this role.

• CPA certification
• MBA majoring in Finance and Accounting from Northwestern University
• “Big Four” CPA firm and internal audit managerial experience with two Fortune 200 companies
  Operations Controller, Division Controller, and Director-Finance for various automotive suppliers
• CFO role for over seventeen years in the steel industry
• Chose Washtenaw County for a startup manufacturing operation, bringing in over 200 new jobs
• Administrative oversight of employee retirement plans

I look forward to your review of my comments and your vote.
Zimmerman4mi.com
Rob@Zimmerman4mi.com
(734) 707-7286

Brian Bennett

Brian Bennett was contacted but did not respond.

Michigan State House

District 33 candidates

Current State Representative for the 33rd district, Democrat, Felicia Brabec is not seeking re-election to a third term. Democrats in Bridgewater Township will choose between 2 candidates: Morgan Foreman and Rima Mohammad. In the general election in November, the winner will face Republican Jason Rogers who is running unopposed.

Democrats:

Morgan Foreman

Michigan is currently grappling with a variety of significant challenges that impact its residents and future growth. One of the primary concerns is economic diversification. Historically, Michigan has heavily relied on the automotive industry. While this has provided substantial economic benefits, it has also made the state vulnerable to sector-specific downturns. To ensure sustainable growth and resilience, Michigan needs to broaden its economic base by fostering growth in other industries such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Another critical issue is the state’s aging infrastructure. Michigan’s roads, bridges, and water systems are in dire need of investment and maintenance. The state’s deteriorating infrastructure not only poses safety risks but also hampers economic efficiency and quality of life for residents. Addressing this will require substantial funding and innovative solutions to modernize these essential systems.

Education is another area where Michigan faces significant challenges. Improving K-12 education outcomes is crucial for the state’s long-term success. Many schools, particularly in underfunded districts, struggle with inadequate resources and poor performance. Additionally, making higher education more accessible and affordable remains a pressing concern. Ensuring that all Michigan residents have access to quality education is vital for creating a skilled workforce and fostering economic growth.

Environmental issues are also at the forefront of Michigan’s challenges. The state is home to the Great Lakes, which represent a critical natural resource. Pollution, invasive species, and industrial contamination threaten these waters, impacting both the environment and public health. Addressing these environmental concerns requires coordinated efforts to enforce regulations, invest in clean-up initiatives, and promote sustainable practices.

Public health remains a persistent challenge in Michigan. Ensuring access to quality healthcare for all residents, addressing the opioid addiction crisis, and managing public health crises. These issues require comprehensive healthcare policies and community-based interventions to improve overall health outcomes.

Lastly, the urban-rural divide poses a significant challenge. There are stark economic and social disparities between Michigan’s urban centers, such as Detroit, and its rural areas. Bridging this divide is crucial for statewide development. This involves investing in rural infrastructure, providing better access to education and healthcare, and promoting economic opportunities across all regions.

Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, collaboration among stakeholders, and a commitment to creating a prosperous and equitable future for all Michigan residents.

Michigan faces several significant challenges that require strategic and collaborative solutions to ensure the state’s long-term prosperity and well-being.

Economic Diversification: To reduce reliance on the automotive industry, Michigan needs to foster growth in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. This can be achieved through incentives for new businesses, workforce retraining programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to align curricula with emerging industry needs.

Infrastructure: Addressing the state’s aging infrastructure requires substantial investment and innovative financing solutions. Public-private partnerships and federal funding can be leveraged to modernize roads, bridges, and water systems. Implementing advanced technologies for maintenance and monitoring can also improve efficiency and safety.

Education: Improving K-12 education outcomes and making higher education more accessible are critical. Increased funding for under-resourced schools, teacher training programs.

Rima Mohammad

As a refugee who came to the US in hopes to find the American dream, I’ve lived through financial and social hardship. I’ve also faced racism throughout my life. However, I was able to grow as an individual and professional and I am thankful for all the opportunities the US has provided. I made it my mission to give back to the community and I’ve been advocating for years to ensure that the voices of the marginalized communities are heard and represented.

Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in addressing issues impacting marginalized communities, such as resource and opportunity gaps, and inequities. I’ve also been involved in providing community volunteer services, such as vaccination clinics, to various members of the community, especially for underserved and marginalized communities. I’ve also engaged in many events and efforts helping marginalized communities, through voter and political engagement, STEM and DEIA based education, and health fairs and education.

In 2022, I was honored to be elected to serve as the first Arab-American on the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education. I wanted to ensure that people that look like me and have names like mine are represented in every decision that was made at the public schools. I wanted to ensure that the voices of the vulnerable and marginalized communities are also represented and their concerns are addressed. My work and track record as an elected official and public servant shows my strong advocacy for these communities.

I’m running for Michigan State Representative District 33 because I want to ensure that we make all decisions regarding the state budget and legislation by fostering community involvement through open communication, transparency and inclusiveness. With my background as a researcher and clinician, I have worked with many different people and professionals with various opinions and perspectives. I’m a strong collaborator and engaged listener, and through my experiences throughout my life, I can relate to many of the members of the community.

I’m passionate about addressing the issues facing our community including issues surrounding the economy, cost of living, healthcare, child care, PreK-12 and post-secondary education, reproductive rights, gun safety, public transportation, climate change and inequities. The communities most impacted by these challenges are the marginalized, underserved and vulnerable communities. Significant inequities surrounding healthcare, education, housing, transportation, reproductive rights and childcare are impacting these communities. It’s time that we truly address these issues with leadership that can take action and involve all members of the community to provide input and actionable goals. I bring a unique perspective as a refugee, a person of color, a child that was in poverty, a mother, a researcher, an educator, a healthcare worker and a school board member. I am and have been a strong advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities. As a Michigan State Representative, I will ensure all voices are heard and concerns are addressed. My experiences and expertise will be an asset to the Michigan State Legislature.

District 47 candidates

Republicans in Manchester, Freedom and Sharon Townships, and the City of Manchester will choose between 2 candidates for State House representative: Tammy May Keller and Teresa Spiegelberg. In the general election in November, the winner will face off against the incumbent Democratic, Carrie A. Rheingans who is running unopposed.

Republicans:

Teresa Spiegelberg

I am Teresa Spiegelberg, I grew up in Sharon township and went to Manchester Schools. I have a B.S. in Biology from Adrian College and have been working in the health field for over 30 years.

I am running for the House of Representatives in District 47. I would like to see if we can streamline the way our government works here in the state of Michigan. It seems every time a bill passes there is a lot added on that just adds a lot of unnecessary fillers. Whether it is extra steps in getting permits approved or agencies taking their time to provide people with what they need. Like getting a house build, having to have inspections that are separate instead of having the work done and the inspections all at once. I feel we could streamline some of this.

I also, feel we should encourage/support more technical schools and on the job training. Not everyone is cut out to go to College for 4 years after high school and the trades are good paying jobs.

Whatever direction the State of Michigan goes we want it to be good for all the residents and to make sure we are not just on a bandwagon of what everyone else is saying or doing. Like going all green, we want to make sure people can get electricity when they need it. We need to use some common sense as we work for all the residents in our districts.

If elected I want to be a true voice for the people

Tammy May Keller

Tammy May Keller was contacted but did not respond.

Proposals

Manchester District Library

All voters in Freedom, Bridgewater, and Manchester Township, as well as the City of Manchester will vote on the following proposal:

LIBRARY MILLAGE RENEWAL

Shall the Manchester District Library, County of Washtenaw, Michigan, be authorized to renew and levy the previously voted increase in the tax limitation that will expire in 2024 in an amount not to exceed .9999 mills ($.9999 on each $1,000 of taxable value) against all taxable real and tangible personal property within the Manchester District Library district for a period of ten (10) years, 2025 to 2035, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Manchester District Library will collect if the millage is approved and levied by the Library in the 2025 calendar year is approximately $580,000. A portion of the revenue collected may be subject to capture by the City of Manchester Downtown Development Authority and a portion of the revenue collected may also be disbursed to the Clinton Township Public Library pursuant to a library services contract.

Bridgewater Township

All voters in Bridgewater Township will vote on the following proposal:

RENEWAL QUESTION FOR EXTRA-VOTED MILLAGE (RENEWAL)

Shall the expired previous voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Bridgewater Township, of 0.50 mills ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.4997 mills ($.4997 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at up to 0.4997 mills ($0.4997 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for 4 years, 2024 through 2027 inclusive, to maintain the township’s contracted fire services, raising an estimated $61,345 in the first year the millage is levied.

Washtenaw County

All voters in Bridgewater, Freedom, Sharon, and Manchester Townships, as well as the City of Manchester will vote on the following proposals:

PROPOSAL A

THIS PROPOSAL WILL AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY OF WASHTENAW TO LEVY 0.5000 MILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING TO MAINTAIN, CONSTRUCT, RESURFACE, RECONSTRUCT OR PRESERVE ROADS, BIKE LANES, STREETS AND PATHS. OF THE 0.5000 MILL, 0.4950 REPRESENTS A RENEWAL OF THE 0.5000 AUTHORIZATION APPROVED BY THE ELECTORS IN 2020, WHICH WILL EXPIRE WITH THE 2023 TAX LEVY, AND 0.005 REPRESENTS A RESTORATION OF THAT PORTION OF THE SAME AUTHORIZATION WHICH HAS BEEN REDUCED BY APPLICATION OF THE HEADLEE AMENDMENT. “Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the County of Washtenaw be increased by 0.500 mill ($0.50 per thousand dollars of taxable value) of the taxable value for a period of four (4) years, 2024 to 2027, inclusive, as a renewal of that portion of a 0.5000 mill authorization previously approved by electors in 2020 as reduced by operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.005 mill in 2023, plus new additional millage representing a restoration of the amount equal to the amount reduced by operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.005 mill in 2023, to provide funding to the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and the various cities, villages, and townships of Washtenaw County to maintain, construct, resurface, reconstruct or preserve roads, bike lanes, streets and paths in Washtenaw County? If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $10,986,947 when first levied in 2024.

PROPOSAL B

THIS PROPOSAL WILL AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY OF WASHTENAW TO LEVY 0.02 MILLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING FOR THE WASHTENAW COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT. OF THE 0.02 MILL, 0.0197 REPRESENTS A RENEWAL OF THE 0.02 MILL AUTHORIZATION APPROVED BY THE ELECTORS IN 2020, WHICH WILL EXPIRE WITH THE 2025 LEVY AND 0.0003 MILL REPRESENTS A RESTORATION OF THAT PORTION OF THE SAME AUTHORIZATION WHICH HAS BEEN REDUCED BY APPLICATION OF THE HEADLEE AMENDMENT. “Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the County of Washtenaw, Michigan, be increased by 0.020 mills ($0.02 per thousand dollars of taxable value) of the taxable value for a period of six (6) years, 2026 through 2031, inclusive, as a renewal of that portion of a 0.020 mill authorization previously authorized by the electors in 2020 as reduced by the operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.0197 mill in 2023, plus new additional millage representing a restoration of the amount equal to the amount reduced by operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.0003 mills in 2023, to provide funds to Washtenaw County for the sole purpose of funding the operation of the Washtenaw County Conservation District, including programs to assist residents in the protection of surface and groundwater quality, increasing wildlife habitat, woodlot management, reforestation and tree planting, invasive species removal and soil erosion reduction, and providing conservation resources, education and assistance to residents, and strengthening the local food system by promoting sustainable agricultural practices throughout the County of Washtenaw.? If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $449,818 when first levied in 2026.”

PROPOSAL C

THIS PROPOSAL WILL AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY OF WASHTENAW TO LEVY 0.2500 MILLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING, DEVELOPING, MAINTAINING AND OPERATING PARK LANDS AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY CITIZENS. OF THE 0.2500 MILLS, 0.2387 MILLS REPRESENTS A RENEWAL OF THE 0.2500 MILL AUTHORIZATION APPROVED BY THE ELECTORS IN 2014 WHICH WILL EXPIRE WITH THE 2026 TAX LEVY AND 0.0113 MILLS REPRESENTS A RESTORATION OF THAT PORTION OF THE SAME AUTHORIZATION WHICH HAS BEEN REDUCED BY APPLICATION OF THE HEADLEE AMENDMENT. “Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed each year for all purposes on taxable property in Washtenaw County, Michigan be increased by 0.2500 mills ($0.25 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of ten (10) years, 2027 to 2036 inclusive, as a renewal of the 0.2387 mills previously authorized by the electors which expires with the 2026 tax levy as reduced by the operation of the Headlee amendment, plus additional new millage representing a restoration of the amount equal to the amount reduced by the operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.0113 mills in 2023, for the purposes of acquiring, developing, operating, and maintaining park lands and recreational facilities for County citizens? If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $5,686,962 when first levied in 2027.”