What's in this Guide
U.S. Representative in Congress, 6th Districts
State Representative, 60th & 61st Districts
Kalamazoo County Commissioners, Districts 3, 6, 11, 12, 16
Kalamazoo County Commission
Two-year term. Vote for one.
Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds and answer these
questions:
- Why are you running for office? [75 word limit]
- What are the characteristics of a constructive relationship between county commissioners and county officials? [100 word limit]
- What are your top three priorities for the office you seek? What do you hope to accomplish? [125 words]
District 3
Kalamazoo City [precincts 1, 3, 13, 14, 23]; Kalamazoo Township [precinct 11]
Democrat
Robert M. Barnard
Age 44. Self employed, DBA Barnard Building and Construction, 6 yrs.; licensed in the State of Michigan with Federal EPA/HUD Certifications in Lead Abatement, Specific Asbestos Abatement and NAHB Certified Green Professional. School of Engineering, Aviation major, Business minor, WMU. Board of Commissioners. Public Housing Commission. Parks and Recreation Committee. Appointments Committee. Community Resources Committee. Economic Development Corporation. Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
- Running for a 5th term is directly aligned with the committees to which I serve: Economic Development, Brownfield Redevelopment, Parks and Recreation, Appointments Committee and the Public Housing Commission. I want to see Kalamazoo become the regional leader in successful economic development activities. Maintain a premier parks and recreation system, enhance the public housing program and ensure that the correct applicants get on the most appropriate boards and committees.
- A constructive relationship exists when neither group has to ask the honest intentions or commitment of the other, and a transparent path of successful actions can be seen by all. Our Strategic Plan, created by all department administrators and elected officials, outlines our direction to accomplish further success. It must be understood and exemplified that truthful and honest information be given to all, whether specifically asked for or not. At no time should one group feel that a negative comment is a personal attack, but merely an opinion.
- (1) First, is the responsible and appropriate disposition of the county’s annual budget. All budgets must meet our statutory responsibilities and should fully allow for other quality of life issues to be funded at a level that will generate impact. (2) Second, is to encourage a vision with goals and objectives for the Kalamazoos Economic Development Corporation. The plan needs to view Kalamazoo from a regional standpoint not just a component to SWMF. (3) Third, is the continued success of the Local Housing Assistance Fund. This program needs to be discussed with the recipients, funders and potential partners to develop defined expectations, program faults and improvements as to gear up for additional funding requests.
Eric Sweet
Age 26. Employed at Target DC. Senior yr, international politics major, economics minor, WMU; A.A., KVCC; graduate, Gull Lake H.S. Helped organize Edison Possibility Block Party, Edison Youth Violence Summit, Tree of Life Block Party. Campaigned for Barack Obama, One Kalamazoo, WMU Sustainability Fund. Great Lakes Peace Jam, Mentor and Workshop Instructor; member, Edison Neighborhood Association Board of Trustees; ESL volunteer, Hispanic American Council.
- To provide a new passion and accountability that will ensure strategic goals effectively address the struggles residents and businesses face. To do this by enacting policies that reflect the values of my community while adhering to the integrity and professional excellence of Kalamazoo County’s incredible staff.
- County Commissioners must provide the trust, respect and freedom for county staff to share their skilled experience and knowledge in order to provide the most accurate unbiased information for Commissioners to make responsible and thorough decisions. Most importantly, the personal relationships and opinions of all County officials must never undermine the purpose of providing the best services and economic opportunities that reflect the values of such a rich and deeply connected community.
- (1) My top priority is to advocate and support the awareness, healing and sustainable redevelopment of our greatest natural resource—the Kalamazoo River. With the recent influx of corporate and federal dollars we are approaching our greatest opportunity to comprehensively take back one of the most vital characteristics for sustainable economic and environmental development. One that affects all our future families, business and wildlife in Kalamazoo, i.e., water. (2) To explore opportunities for greater efficiencies of all County expenditures as well as identify the vital investments for Kalamazoo’s strong continued rebound from our recent recession. (3) To build this current economic strength off the existing responsible development of Kalamazoo’s medical corridor, and to create effective incentives for renewable energy industries and innovations to create a family here in Kalamazoo.
District 6
Kalamazoo City [precinct 10]; Kalamazoo Township [precincts 1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 14]
Democrat
Michael Seals
Age 49. Veteran’s Support Coordinator, Disability Network of Southwest Michigan. Associate degree, Business Management, Davenport College. Graduate, Kalamazoo Central H.S. Family moved to Parchment in 1967, to Kalamazoo Westside in 1969. Served in U.S. Navy, 1981–89. Two children. Line worker, Consumers Energy, 1990–2005. Graduate, Kalamazoo Chamber Leadership Class, 2010. President, local Chapter of A. Phillip Randolph Institute; United Way Board of Directors, 9 yrs, representing labor; Eastside Neighborhood Association Board of Directors, Treasurer; President, Kalamazoo River Clean Up Coalition….
- Through my experience in community service can and will be a great asset to Kalamazoo County Commission. I have been attending Kalamazoo County Commission meetings for the past 2.5 years. I have worked hard with many other people to help build a better quality of life in Kalamazoo County.
- I believe listening is important to making good decisions. We have to be responsible with the taxpayer’s money but need to remember that we also have to help them when they are in need. It is important to work together with other commissioners, we have to remember we serve the People and we are elected to serve on their behalf.
- (1) Making sure we start putting our residents back to work. (2) Working with community leaders to improve the quality of life for our residents. (3) Make sure the cleanup of the Kalamazoo River continues.
Franklin Carl Thompson
Did not respond in time for publication.
District 11
Portage City [precinct 10]; Texas Township
Republican
John R. Cross
Age 63. Retired Kalamazoo County Sheriff Deputy; owner, Ideal Auto Sales, Portage. Graduate, Comstock H.S., 1965. Various schools and seminars, law-enforcement related during my career. Worked for County government for nearly 40 yrs. Born and raised in Kalamazoo.
- I feel that the current administration is not transparent enough. The commission is too insulated by the administration, not informing them on the real issues and telling them only what they want them to know. The fact that it took the 2 years that it did to settle a contract with the Deputy Sheriff’s union to the tune of $300,000.00 is ridiculous and fiscally irresponsible. The arena issue and the new jail expansion.
- To know all the facts on any requests and budget issues before making any decisions. Find out information on your own by talking to and listening to county employees about their issues and concerns. Sometimes you don’t get the whole true picture of the issue from the administration.
- (1) Jail expansion. (2) Arena issue. (3) Making sure all county employees are treated with respect and fairness.
Tim Rogowski
Age 54. Financial Consultant; owner, Wings Financial Group; establish, manage and consult with business owners, employees and investors to maximize their confidence in achieving stated financial goals. B.S., WMU, 1981. Member and past president, Rotary and Paul Harris Fellow. Member: Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce; Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, instrument-rated private pilot; NRA; Kalamazoo County Republican Party, 20+ yrs. Board member, Friends of WMU. Past board member, Kalamazoo County Airport Advisory Board. Board member, volunteer of numerous non-profit organizations….
- I hope to offer residents of the county and of my district (Texas Township, and wedge of Portage—10th Precinct) the benefit of my financial and managerial experiences. The County government has largely managed its fiscal responsibilities in an appropriate, conservative manner; I hope to extend this achievement. The position may provide me with opportunities to see job-growth and retention efforts succeed via collaborative efforts with private industry groups such as the Chamber of Commerce….
- Communication and collaboration are key principles of such a relationship. Administration officials must carry out the orders from elected officials, whose ambitions may be dissimilar. Listening to county departmental leaders, or the Administrator, has value unto itself. These leaders have training and experience that has gotten them to this point in the first place. Blending the will of the people, to whom Commissioners must answer, and possibilities with the County, based on budgets or existing policy takes listening skills and collaborative efforts.
- While Republicans are unfairly depicted as the party of cold-hearted business owners, I hope to blend solutions for our residents who really need our help. The elderly and their care-givers are and will be in a difficult bind inasmuch as funding support-sources are shrinking, while their own numbers are dramatically increasing. I hope to provide stability to these folks in need. Law enforcement personnel need every opportunity to thwart the bad-guy and allow them to safely conduct and grow in their careers to protect the citizenry. Finally, both tradesmen and business-owners need ways to conduct and grow in our professions. I hope to represent both interests by listening and guiding growth here in our County.
Democrat
Barbara Hammon
Age 58. R.N., Neuro Care Unit, Borgess Medical Center, 14 yrs; small business co-owner, vineyard. Previously worked in Housekeeping at Borgess, 20 yrs. Associate’s degree, Nursing, KVCC, 1994; B.S., Nursing, Ferris State U, 2010. Lived in southwest Michigan all my life, in Kalamazoo County since 1972, more than 20 yrs in Texas Township. Homeowner, taxpayer. Three adult children, one granddaughter, who all live in the area.
- I have been involved in politics for eight years and believe this is the time to increase my involvement by running for office. If elected I will be the fourth woman on a board of seventeen members. There should be more women involved in making the decisions for this community. I live in a rural area and own a small vineyard so I will be a voice for the rural and agricultural community.
- As the County Commission allocates the money for county departments, the commissioners must actively listen to the officials responsible for these departments. We will make many difficult decisions in the coming years as tax monies are decreasing even as the county needs are increasing. It is important for the commissioners to be well versed in the needs of the county and the obligations of the commission.
- I hope to be a part of making Kalamazoo County an attractive place for investments and jobs. The beauty and recreational opportunities of a community are influential in investment decisions so an important part of that goal is the protection and preservation of the lakes, streams and wetlands of the county. Quality education and human services, including our public safety services, are vital for future investment in the county as employers look to these as indicators for a well-educated, safe and healthy employee population. I do not favor the downtown arena at this time. I feel we do not need an additional and unnecessary tax for a luxury when too many are doing without necessities.
District 12
Oshtemo Township [precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9]
Republican
Brandt Iden
Age 27. C.F.O, Baron Properties, a real estate management and development company. Graduate, Kalamazoo College. As C.F.O of Baron Properties, I have significantly grown the multi-family housing development department and I am helping to transition the company into affordable housing and veterans assisted living facilities. Member, board of directors for numerous local non-profits and politically active. For more information, please visit us at www.voteiden.com.
- Local government’s role is to create the best environment for citizens to succeed. We need responsible leadership to produce tangible results. As a business entrepreneur and non-profit board member I can offer a results oriented leadership style. I do not agree with government taxing citizens over and over for the same programs without holding those programs responsible for tangible results.
- A commissioner is the citizen’s representative and is responsible for setting direction. County officials execute the direction established by the commission. The basis for a constructive relationship is trust and communication. It is imperative that a high level of trust be established, which will allow officials to be autonomous in their decisions, while creating a working relationship with the commission. Furthermore, trust cannot be achieved without communication. All commissioners, regardless of political party, must work in concert to create a high standard of communication, which will allow for both officials and commissioners to fulfill their role in the government process.
- (1) Create Jobs. As a job creator, I will utilize my extensive community and business leadership experience to drive economic development and create more quality jobs. (2) Oppose New Taxes. As a business leader, I understand that you and your employer have to work on a fixed budget and so should government. I will not support tax or assessment increases. (3) Support Public Safety. I believe that a critical component to local government is a strong public safety program. Therefore, I will continue to support efficient public safety programs, which ensure that our homes and property remain safe and secure.
Democrat
Scott McCormick
Age 38. Oshtemo Township Trustee; Field Director, Thomas Batten State House campaign. Started college at KVCC, then transferred to WMU. Union Steward, UFCW Local 951. Born in Kalamazoo; parents are democrats; father taught for the Kalamazoo Public Schools for 31 yrs. I am pro-choice, pro-labor and liberal. Elected official; volunteer for the Democratic Party in many ways.
- Oshtemo Township deserves a full-time county commissioner. The county commission position will be my top priority. I will attend every county commission meeting and every township board meeting. I will be involved in my district.
- I helped the current drain commissioner and sheriff with their campaigns in 2008. They have helped my district since then. There is no substitute for friendship.
- (1) Job creation must be our top priority. Our youth need good jobs. Young people are leaving Kalamazoo County for employment opportunities in other states. I will promote the re-development of brownfields to create jobs. (2) I will promote Sunday bus service for the poor, the elderly and the disabled. (3) I will actively oppose the arena.
John A. Nieuwenhuis
Did not respond in time for publication.
Scott Spicer
Age 27. Consultant/Nonprofit Professional. B.S., Anthropology, U of California, Riverside; M.P.H., Global Health, Loma Linda U. Over 9 yrs of experience in the Nonprofit Sector; student leader in college; graduate fieldwork emphasized cultural and linguistic competency in private healthcare. Expertise in community organizing, public policy, public health and safety and evidence-based research. Volunteer experience, 15 yrs. Currently active with United Way, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Working for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes….
- I am running because I feel that I have the experience, leadership qualities and motivation to be accountable to voters and successful at working to fulfill the mission of Kalamazoo County Government. I feel that being elected to office should be about making yourself accessible to voters, supporting the local community and reaching out to bring innovation and sustainability while promoting and reinforcing ideals which build safe and healthy communities. It’s about people first, politics later.
- County Commissioners are the advisory board to County Officials and the voice of community members within their jurisdiction. To be constructive, county commissioners need to provide the necessary oversight for officials to effectively do their jobs while allowing these officials the ability to perform their duty to the community within the context of their own experience and expertise. It must be a collaborative, trusting and supportive relationship that is established and maintained by open communication, dialogue and information sharing. Putting the right resources into place and providing necessary oversight is key to this process. Commissioners are citizens supporting government.
- Top priorities: (1) Help to sustain what is working in our district and work collaboratively with my colleagues on the Board of Commissioners. (2) Identify areas of improvement by thoroughly understanding the dynamics of our community, the priorities within our county and the duties and obligation to fulfill the mission of Kalamazoo County Government. (3) Relying on citizen feedback to identify what they want to see happen in terms of maintaining, building upon and improving the livelihood of their community. In doing so I will apply my experience, passion and interest in the areas of local policy, education, public health, small business and community development. I want to help develop a safe, healthy and productive community environment with strong economic and social capacity.
District 16
Climax Township; Comstock Township [precinct 5]; Pavilion Township; Wakeshma Township; Portage City [precinct 2]
Republican
John Gisler
Age 66. Retired Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager. A.B., Biology/Chemistry, Wabash College; M.B.A., Finance, Syracuse U. Extensive business experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 14 yrs as a manager with budget responsibility.
- I want to pay back the Kalamazoo community for benefits my family and I have received since 1971 when we moved here. Our children were raised and educated here. Our family prospered here. Decisions made by county government impact the daily lives and future opportunities of Kalamazoo citizens. I want to have an active role in making those decisions and extending the benefits I’ve enjoyed to others.
- Open communication, mutual respect, an understanding that we are all working for common goals that benefit Kalamazoo County citizens.
- (1) Maintain fiscally sound county government without increasing taxes.
(2) Encourage economic development by broadening citizen participation.
(3) Encourage transparency at all levels of government.
John O’Keefe
Age 54. Publisher, Welcome Home Magazine. High school education; some college. Established and operated local printing company from 1984 until we sold in 1999. Member, Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo since 1990. Parade of Homes Committee since 1995. Past President, Lakewood Community Association. www.voteokeefe.com
- Kalamazoo County is a great place to work, live and raise a family. Operating a successful business gave me experience in job creation as well as understanding the need to be fiscally responsible. As the past President of a local neighborhood association, I have the experience of working toward common goals with citizens and community officials. This experience gave me the desire to serve Kalamazoo County as a Commissioner.
- County commissioners are elected to represent their district and county officials have specific tasks to perform for the benefit of the county. In order for the relationship to be effective both groups must work together in a respectful and productive manner focusing on the good of the citizens and the county. Everyone must work together with the goal of doing what is beneficial for the entire county, not just their district, department or political party.
- (1) We need economic growth and we must be creative and focused on attracting and maintaining jobs. (2) We must evaluate what programs are a poor use of the taxpayers’ money and correct the situation. (3) Public safety and the jail are important issues to the county and its citizens, and I would like to see both move in a direction that makes financial sense while providing the county and townships with the best protection possible.
Democrat
Thomas Post
Age 62. Expediting Manager, Sales Department, Clausing Industrial. B.S., Eastern Illinois U. Have worked for multi-national corporations since graduating from college. Currently involved in purchasing international transportation services; also responsible for purchasing and selling some of our metalworking machine tool products.
- I am running for office to represent the people in a district which has been under represented for years.
- County officials work for the county commissioners who work for the people who elect them. A good commissioner is available, on a regular basis, to hear their constituents’ views on matters which the commissioner may assist them with.
- (1) I would like to work with S.W. Michigan First to help develop an intermodal freight hub in the Kalamazoo area. This would help our local economy by creating good jobs in the product distribution field. (2) I would like to continue my work to help improve our quality of life by developing and improving our county park system. (3) Set up a service office to help residents of the district more easily solve problems they may have when dealing with various government agencies.