What's in this Guide
State Representative, 61 District
Kalamazoo County Commission,
Districts 6, 12 & 15
Kalamazoo County Commission
Two-Year Term — Vote for 1
1. Why are you running for office? [75 word limit]
2. What are the responsibilities of the office you are seeking? How can voters know whether those responsibilities have been met? [100 word limit]
3. What are your top three priorities for the office you seek? What do you hope to accomplish? [150 word limit]
District 6
Kalamazoo City—Precinct 10; Kalamazoo Township—Precincts 1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 14
Democrat
Lawrence DeLonge Stieglitz
Democrat. Age 83. Retired from psychiatry in 1995; gardener; husband. Public school graduate; A.B., M.A.T, M.D., IU, 1946–58; psychiatry, Lafayette Clinic, 1959–63. Internship, 1958. Child psychiatrist, KCGC, 1963–66; private practice, 1966–78; KRPH, 1978–95. Other jobs: science teacher, Ball Band, Oliver Farm, truck dock, embalmer. Nine siblings; work ethic; 240-acre farm; Apostolic Christian. Married 1951; 4 sons. Travelled to Middle East, 1957.
1. I ran for public office because I am retired and have education, training, experiences in helping people clarify, reduce, correct problem situations. I have heard District 6 has additional need for leadership to help families and persons to reduce, resolve, correct situations. I have experience using problem-solving process: (a) Clarify nature, extent and urgency of “problem.” (b) Brainstorm as to potential solutions. (c) Select and implement to more likely, workable steps. (d) Evaluate progress. (e) Be prepared to stop and start anew.
2. I will carry out the duties of Board Commissioner, District 6. I will be accountable/responsible to Kalamazoo County Commission Board and to the Kalamazoo County Commissioners and to the citizens of District 6. I will strive to establish an ongoing dialogue with the Board of Commissioners and with the citizens of District 6. I plan to establish and maintain an ongoing dialogue with representative citizens of District 6. We will look for and emphasize to practical positives, as we work to reduce/correct the negatives in family, school and community. I will strive to help families with young and school-age children.
3. My first priority will be to show up; then, to be a useful and helpful member of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. Secondly, I will seek information to improve an ongoing dialogue with the citizens of District 6; a high priority will be given to job holders, heads of families, families with young children, families with children 8–12, families with adolescents, families with health problems and other urgent needs. Thirdly, I will seek wise persons to participate in gathering the wagons (so to speak) with the intention/focus to help people help themselves and to help each other. And to be sure that those in crises will get help, guidance and assistance. I hope each precinct will help leaders step forward and reveal how we can help each other. I will share my life experiences in hopes of others seeing the possibilities. I will openly seek messages about problem situations.
Franklin C. Thompson
Did not respond in time for publication.
District 12
Oshtemo Township—Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
Republican
Christopher T. Haenicke
Republican. Age 42. Attorney and Trust Relationship Officer, Greenleaf Trust. B.A., philosophy, Ohio State University, 1989; J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law, 1993. Engaged member of community. Served on numerous non-profit boards: Guardian, Inc.; Optimist Club of Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo County Bar Association; Selective Service Local Board #40; Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra; Rotary Club of Oshtemo; and Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. Graduate, Leadership Kalamazoo. Experience solving complex legal, financial and personal issues. Good understanding of local needs and issues.
1. It is out of a sense of civic duty that I run. A number of great community leaders have carried our wonderful county this far, and now it is time for the next generation to carry the burden. My experience, skills and temperament will be an asset to the County Commission, and I bring to the Commission my experience in providing sound fiscal and administrative oversight, and my critical thinking, reasoning, and consensus-building skills.
2. To carry out their legislative and oversight functions, the County Commissioners’ main responsibilities are to attend the board and committee meetings, adequately prepare in advance for such meetings, and actively listen and participate in the meetings. Moreover, they have a responsibility to act in the highest ethical manner, treating fellow commissioners, county staff, and members of the public with respect and courtesy, and to be accessible to the public they represent. Voters may verify that these responsibilities are being met by attending meetings, watching them on cable access, or following the activities of the Commission in the press.
3. While there are numerous weighty matters that will come before the board during the next term, my top priority will be to reduce or eliminate governmental activities that unnecessarily or unintentionally inhibit economic development in our county. A rising tide lifts all boats. To the extent that the board can foster economic development in our community, all members of the community will benefit from increased tax revenues, employment, home ownership, etc. I would also work to make certain that the county operates fiscally in the most responsible manner, identifying and eliminating wasteful spending, duplication and inefficiencies. Finally, I would work for transparency and responsiveness in county government. The board members must always remember that they are there to serve the people, and that they hold positions of trust as representatives of the people.
Scott Zondervan
Republican. Age 48. Director of Operations, Kalamazoo Christian Retirement Assoc. which operates Park Village Pines (Sr. Assisted Living Facility) and Crystal Woods (Alzheimer’s Facility). Part-time instructor, economics and business, KVCC. M.A., applied economics, WMU; B.A., business administration, Calvin College. Previously: banking regulator, U.S. Treasury Department; president and owner, Metro West Credit Bureau Inc., Kalamazoo; member, National Assoc. of Credit Reporting Agencies. Member: Right to Life of Michigan, Gideons, Second Christian Reformed Church. Married 20 yrs, 4 children. Life-long Kalamazoo County resident.
1. I am running for office to improve the standard of living in Kalamazoo County. To do this the county needs to improve its fiscal responsibility and economic development. The county and the state need to partner with and provide improved incentives for businesses to expand and grow throughout the entire region. This means providing a tax structure that will improve job creation and investment/innovation in the county.
2. The responsibilities for Kalamazoo County Commissioner are to ensure that the tax dollars people pay to the county are used in the most efficient and responsible way that improves the quality of life and standard of living in Kalamazoo County. My goal is to have an open ear and be responsive to the concerns and needs in the county. The people of Kalamazoo County can call me or email me anytime with concerns and questions.
3. (a) Improve the economic growth in the county by supporting the Airport expansion; improve business partnerships similar to SW Michigan First, and reducing the tax burden on families and small businesses. (b) Improve the jail overcrowding problems. The recidivism rate of criminal offenders must be decreased. Just building a bigger jail, and taxing the public for it, will not solve the criminal activity and safety problems in the county. (c) Improve the welfare of the traditional family in the county. Study after study shows that to reduce crime and at-risk children and improve education, strengthening the traditional family is the best remedy. The county needs to provide incentives that keep the traditional family together. Implementation of these three priorities will make Kalamazoo County not only a better place to live, but will draw new businesses and people to the area.
Democrat
John A. Nieuwenhuis
Did not respond in time for publication.
District 15
Comstock Township—Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8; Galesburg City—Precinct 1
Republican
Ann Nieuwenhuis
Republican. Age 55. As a Michigan State University Extension Director/ Educator for 34 yrs, I bring a track record of proven performance in providing common sense solutions for Kalamazoo County. As a catalyst and successful facilitator for community and economic development within SW Michigan, I bring first-hand county issues expertise, education (B.A. and M.A., WMU) and administration experience to the County Commission. And now as the MSU Extension Emergency Planning Specialist, I bring a statewide perspective and network.
1. Our quality of life is dependent upon our ability to create and maintain jobs in our community. I will ensure that the agriculture industry becomes a viable part of the county economic plan; reduce healthcare costs for employers and the State by helping our county residents adopt a healthier lifestyle and increasing the quality of our current and future work force by building upon the brain gain generated by our region’s colleges and universities.
2. County commissions are best known for policy making and providing financial resources. While those are important, the roles of facilitator and advocate can be emphasized for greater benefit to our County and its citizens. To meet our responsibilities Commissioners must look to the future; plan accordingly by setting clear and measureable goals; address existing and emerging issues; provide necessary resources to achieve those goals; and move forward to accomplish them. This practical approach is what I have successfully achieved in my work with surrounding counties. Implementing it here will create a stronger, more vibrant region with Kalamazoo at its core.
3. (a) Economic development. Create and sustain jobs by investing in untapped opportunities in agricultural and alternative energy while protecting our environment; promote a healthier lifestyle among the general public; build upon our educational achievements; and continue to support and promote opportunities within the life sciences, healthcare and education fields. (b) Public safety. Make public safety decisions that address the dual responsibilities of protecting the public and maximizing available tax dollars. Achieve this by creating and supporting recidivism programs that successfully reduce the high number of repeat offenses while finding alternative methods to ensure that those who do the crime do the time. (c) Strategic planning. Create a credible strategic plan that establishes transparent priorities, incorporates performance based management accountability, and creates a strategic framework in which to guide current and future financial decisions to maximize the buying power of each tax dollar.
Derek Robinson
Republican. Age 24. Legislative aide, Michigan House of Representatives. KVCC; WMU. Life-long resident of Kalamazoo County. I have volunteered on various campaigns and have been politically involved at WMU and at the state level.
1. I am running for office so I may represent the people with true Republican principles that are low taxes, friendly to business, and less restriction. I would like to bring transparency to the county government so the taxpayers may see how their tax dollars are being spent. I would also like to maintain the job growth that Kalamazoo has experienced despite the rest of the state.
2. Our responsibility to take care of the county budget. Voters will know this by implementing spending transparency so they may see how we are spending taxpayer dollars online.
3. Job growth, transparency and road condition. Job growth has remained steady in Kalamazoo despite the rest of the state, and we need to maintain that and increase that. Transparency is important because taxpayers have the right to know how their money is spent. Good roads are important not just for every day travel but for tourism and business as well. I will accomplish all three to help better our county.
Democrat
Leroy Crabtree
Democrat. Age 43. Business Manager, Electrical Workers Local 131. A.D., electronic engineering technology, ITT; pursuing B.S., employee safety and health, NLC. Have negotiated contracts and arbitrated grievances for 16 yrs. Serve on the Older Adult Services Advisory Committee, Disaster Committee, and until recently dissolved, the Human Resources Workgroup. Have demonstrated my ability to build consensus by actively putting aside political affiliations and focusing on problem solving. www.crabtree06.com
1. County government provides services directly to the people. I enjoy representing my neighbors and community in government. I believe county government exists for the community it serves and my part is to represent my district. I am committed to working to increase the efficiency of county government and to help build cooperation between the cities, villages and townships in the county because when we work together everyone benefits.
2. The Board of Commissioners is the legislative policy-making branch of Kalamazoo County Government. The Board is responsible to the citizens for development and administration of policies and the annual budget (source: http://www.kalcounty.com/board/index.htm). Voters can attend commission meetings, watch them on cable access television, or view the meeting minutes online at: http://www.kalcounty.com/Board/meetings/agenda.htm. All county policies and budget information are available through the Freedom of Information Act. I encourage all to check my attendance and voting record, and to contact any of the other commissioners to get their opinion on how I am doing.
3. (a) Work with the other commissioners and administration to develop a strategic plan for the county. The plan will identify the key goals of the county and determine how they will be met in the most efficient and cost effective way. (b) Work with the elected leaders of the townships, cities and villages of the county to determine which services can be shared and how to coordinate them so they work together smoothly. (c) Work with all the departments of the county and the community to insure the people we serve are satisfied with their county government. It is my personal goal to demonstrate that government can be efficient and effective. I will work with all my constituents to solve problems and meet goals. I have not and will not compromise effectiveness for partisan purposes.