The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
'Preserve Scio' candidates state their positions
By Sean Dalton, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: July 10, 2008
"Preserve Scio 2008" is the name of a group of six candidates running for positions on the Scio Township Board of Trustees in the Aug. 5 election.
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However, it is just one of three "slates" of candidates, each with different viewpoints.
The others, "Leadership for Scio 2008" and "Team for Scio 2008," will be profiled in upcoming editions of The Dexter Leader.
Due to space considerations, an abbreviated list of questions and answers from the candidates is below; for the full version and candidate biographers, go to www.dexterleader.com.
Other candidates are talking about keeping taxes low, but members of this slate in particular recently voted to create a Special Assessment District in the township for the purpose of generating additional tax revenue for fire service. What is your position on the issue of taxes in Scio, and how do you reconcile trying to keep residents' costs low and solving township problems?
Charlie Nielsen: Our "Preserve Scio" slate of candidates will keep taxes low; and we plan to solve the problem of not having enough police or fire protection in Scio Township.
We will not exhaust all of our savings to get adequate protection for a short time, nor will we support a large millage. The "Preserve Scio" slate will support a small millage (less than 1 mill) to be levied on that part of Scio which is outside of Dexter Village (which pays for its own public safety services).
Basic public safety services are not a "political football," they are not free, and adequate police and fire protection are absolutely critical for every resident of Scio Township.
Taxes in Scio are just a fraction of what they are in other places, and we plan to keep them very low. Even if the voters approved a .9 mill Special Assessment District, or $1.2 million for our Fire Department, we would still have one of the lowest tax rates in Washtenaw County, and the state of Michigan.
It is not as if we were charging people a dollar and wanted two; it is more comparable to charging a penny, and now asking for two pennies.
The percentage increase is not the story here; the actual amount is small.
Your group says it wants to "participate in the education of voters on this important issue" in regard to public safety. This is a perfect opportunity for you.
Mary Shindell: As I'm canvassing the voters, I am explaining that our current township budget only covers one sheriff's deputy and one firefighter on duty on each shift, and there may be times when there are none on duty, due to circumstances such as illness, training, or vacation.
Therefore, there is a need to add staff. The goal would be to have two of each on duty at all times.
I agree with the current board that a tax increase for public safety should be a proposal voted on by the township residents and should be set up as a Special Assessment District to exclude Dexter, as they have their own police and fire departments.
I understand that the current board has scheduled a public hearing and that the exact amount to be on the ballot proposal has not yet been determined.
I also understand that the proposed strategy is to pay for the fire department out of such a fund, if approved by the voters, and then current funds would be directed to the sheriff patrols.
I see no other recurring revenue, other than a tax increase, that can address the need for adequate police and fire protection.
If the tax increase is less than 1 mil, then it represents a small increase for each homeowner.
To do nothing will only cause our homeowner's insurance rates to rise and leave us all at risk for loss or damage that could have been prevented.
How will Preserve Scio's vision of the township look in regard to farmland and open space preservation, as well as the creation of parks and active recreation? What are township residents providing and what more would you need to fully realize that vision? Explain how accepted that vision is by the citizens.
Chuck Ream: Our "Preserve Scio" slate is the only group of candidates with a balanced vision of Land Preservation in Scio Township.
We will leverage the funds that Scio voters provided in Proposal J of 2004 to the maximum extent in order to preserve farms, protect natural areas, and to provide Scio Township parks and trails.
The Scio Township Survey of Residents completed in April 2007 found that "a large majority of residents think that Scio needs additional public parks."
The Scio Township Board got a letter from the Dexter Soccer Club dated June 27, 2007 stating that "purchasing land for an active recreation park is well-intentioned, excellent planning, and overdue."
Scio is the only township near Ann Arbor with no parks it can call its own. The "Preserve Scio" slate will buy parkland.
I also believe we should seek and take every opportunity to link preserved lands to other preserved lands and residential areas by walking and bike trails.
It's difficult to read your group's stance on defending the Master Plan without seeing a strong allusion to the Sloan-Kingsley development proposed by Peters Building Company. Spell out your stance on that issue and explain your strategy for avoiding that situation altogether and dealing with future proposed developments. Describe a development that would not work and one that would.
Deborah Bulley: The goal of the "Preserve Scio" slate of candidates is to forever preserve the semirural character of the Township of Scio.
We will defend our Master Plan, so we won't be allowing 575 housing units into an area which has been planned for roughly 200.
In the future we hope that our firm stance in defense of our land will cause developers to not bother submitting plans that are wildly out of conformance with our Master Plan.
Plans that basically meet the goals of our Master Plan, especially if they are innovative and creative, will be well received.
Any plan not conforming should be rejected and any nonconformities would have to demonstrate strong and clear public benefit to be considered.
Discuss the transportation situation along the Jackson Road corridor. How will Preserve Scio benefit that situation? What are some of the potential options that your group has said it will look at as potential solutions?
Leslie Douglas: Our "Preserve Scio 2008" slate supports public transportation along our beautiful Jackson Road boulevard for our residents who need help with transportation.
With the increasing cost of gasoline and concern over greenhouse gases, the time to bring back public transit is now.
Josh Warner: Our Downtown Development Association (DDA) is supporting a pilot program to provide public transit, using People's Express for one year. The Preserve Scio slate will vigorously seek out private sector funding from a number of businesses and residential developments to fund this program into the future.
With enough participants, each individual donation would not need to be large.
Candidate biographies:
Charles Nielsen
Age: 54
Where do you live?: Scio Farms Estates
Education: High school and college honor student (Ohio Institute of Technology), numerous credits through Washtenaw Community College and New York University.
Family: Single, 28-year-old son and 3-year-old grandson
Qualifications/background: Top management position in local business (15 years). Branch Office Manager for Southfield-based computer company (five years). Business owner (computer and retail equipment dealer, since 1997). President of large astronomy club that is an outreach program for the University of Michigan. Supervisor of Scio Township since 2004, and current chairman of the Michigan Townships Association Washtenaw Chapter.
Why are you running?: To keep Scio government progressive, responsive and friendly.
My first term has seen a lot of progress made on environmental issues, office efficiency, and taking on difficult and complicated problems (such as public safety, transportation and roads).
The previous 3-1/2 years has been an incredible learning experience that I will utilize in becoming an even better supervisor during my second term.
Chuck Ream
Age: 61
Where do you live?: 4500 W. Liberty Rd.
Education: Batchelor of Science, (magna cum laude), Western Michigan University; master's degree in Education (Counseling) and education specialist degree (early childhood education) from the University of Michigan.
I have three successful grown children: Ian, Gillian, and Evan; and am now engaged to be married.
Qualifications/background: I came out of a group of activist neighbors who were fighting a huge and inappropriate development in our "backyards."
I have now served for 20 years on the Scio Township Board, as well as on the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Budget, Parks, and Solid Waste committees of Scio Township.
I have been spokesman for the Committee to Save our Sheriff's Department, and a leader or member of a number of social justice causes.
Why are you running?: This is the final time I will run for election. I run for office to protect the beautiful land of Scio Township.
It is absolutely true that we need funds for fire and police protection and we need responsive, transparent government.
These goals can be accomplished simultaneously with my central goal of preserving the semi-rural nature of Scio Township forever.
We will preserve farms, natural areas, and buy land for future parks (out of the money from Proposal J of 2004, which is now sitting in the bank).
Most people are fully aware that I will defend our Master Plan to the maximum degree possible under the law, no "stick" can threaten me, no "carrot" can buy me. I never, ever, give up, and I play to win. I speak for all citizens who love our land, and refuse to see it degraded.
Mary Shindell
Age: 56
Where do you live?: 2698 Roseland Drive, 48103
Education: MA, Guidance and Counseling in Community Agencies, University of Michigan, School of Education, Ann Arbor; and BA, Psychology, with Teaching Credential, University of Michigan, Flint
Family: Husband, David Shindell; daughter, Robin Cupal
Qualifications/background: Community volunteer leadership, including Huron River Heights Property Owners Association - Trustee for 12 years, including three years as chairman.
Also served as an American Business Women's Association member since 1990, serving on the Maia Chapter board for nine years, chairing annual Women's Leadership Day for three years and Co-Chair of three Holiday Art & Craft Festivals (fundraiser averaging more than $10,000 per year), currently serving as Chapter Treasurer and Woman of the Year 2008-09
Served the Washtenaw County Democracy for America as an organizer since 2004.
Youth for Understanding International Exchange - Extensive volunteer work for 15 years, serving as Area Coordinator, Regional Trainer and host parent.
Served three years on the National Leadership Council for Youth for Understanding.
Currently employed at Ensure Technologies, Ypsilanti as Partner Program Manager
Had a 20-year career in sales and marketing for several high-tech small businesses in Washtenaw County, as well as an earlier career in Community Mental Health and vocational rehabilitation.
Why are you running?: I am running for Scio Township Clerk, because I want to ensure that Scio will remain a green, healthy and sustainable community.
Scio is facing many challenges, such as increasing cost of services while revenues from property taxes and state revenue sharing are declining.
I want to play a key role in the tough decisions that will need to be made in order to maintain low taxes while improving services, strengthening public safety and preserving land for parks, open spaces and farmland.
I will work full-time to deliver excellent customer service to residents and visitors to the office, and ensure that our township government is open, responsive and responsible.
Josh Warner
Age: Did not respond
Where do you live?: Did not respond
Family: Did not respond
Education: Did not respond
Qualifications/background: I have been a resident of Scio Township since 1998.
An active volunteer in the community, I have served two years as President of the Scio Farms Homeowners Association, and have been an active member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Scio Township DDA.
I am currently employed by Michigan Paving & Materials Company as a loader operator, and am also self-employed, performing home repairs and lawn maintenance for many residents in Scio Farms. I am a licensed Manufactured Home Servicer/Installer.
I began my entrepreneurial career at the age of 18 when I bought Herman's Market, a grocery store/gas station near Marlette, Mich.
I have worked as a road builder and underground utility worker in the Operating Engineers Union and have knowledge of road building and installation of underground utilities.
Having also received training as a residential builder, I also owned and operated a basement waterproofing company.
Why are you running?: I grew up in a home where local politics was an important part of family life.
For more than two decades, my father (a Democrat) has been on the Imlay City Board of Commissioners.
He has served several terms as mayor of Imlay City and currently holds that office.
I am sincerely interested in serving the public, and I look forward to being part of the team that will maintain the pleasant appeal that Scio Township has on its residents and visitors.
Leslie Douglas
Age: Did not respond
Where do you live?: Did not respond
Family: Did not respond
Education: B.A. degree, Adrian College Teaching Certificate; advanced coursework, Eastern Michigan University
Qualifications/background: I have been a resident of Scio Township for six years and lived in southeastern Michigan for my entire life.
Currently working part-time at The University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid, I retired after 23 years with The University of Michigan.
I worked in the Office of Financial Aid as a student adviser and with the Alumni Association as director of student programs. I have prior careers in the manufacturing and printing industries.
I served as a Putnam Township Trustee for two years, on their Planning Commission for four years and on the Zoning Board of Appeals for five years.
Why are you running?: Did not respond
Deborah Bulley
Age: Did not respond
Where do you live?: Did not respond
Family: Did not respond
Education: Did not respond
Qualifications/background: I have been a resident for 17 years, and have lived in Washtenaw County for 40 years. I am also a University of Michigan graduate.
I have also been active in the northwestern part of Scio Township where I have been aggressively defending more than 100 property owners at risk of being annexed by the village of Dexter.
Why are you running?: I view the open land and rural atmosphere of Scio Township as treasures and will do whatever I can to preserve them.
Additional candidate questions and answers:
What makes Preserve Scio the best choice for those who are interested in stopping township property from annexation? Explain the types of situations that have either come close to happening or could happen in the future that you will try to push in the direction of the township maintaining its current boundaries. Is there an annexation scenario that you would approve of under best circumstances?
Deborah Bulley: Preserve Scio 2008 would defend against annexation attempts with vigor.
A strong case would have to be made by the residents affected by annexation that they wish for this to happen, and that there is a compelling reason to do so.
I believe that this slate of candidates will have the strongest resolve on this issue. People who are threatened with annexation should vote as a bloc for me, their Bates Farms neighbor, and the "Preserve Scio" slate.
Our slate will defend the territorial integrity of Scio Township.
Rather than allow annexation, Scio might enter into a cooperative Public Act 425 agreement with a neighboring town.
We might allow annexation if that land was to be preserved forever for recreation or conservation uses.
Otherwise, we realize that it will not be possible to accomplish our land-use goals if we allow chunks of Scio Township to be annexed.
Expansion of recycling service in the township seems to be a popular issue this year. How will you expand it and what will that cost for Scio residents? Is this a high priority to residents? How is the current service not meeting the needs of those who wish to live a more efficient and environmentally conscious lifestyle?
Chuck Ream: People who recycle at Scio Township Hall (the third Saturday morning of each month) are very supportive and enthusiastic about the service. Supervisor Nielsen and I are nearly always present to help folks unload.
Recycling is becoming more important as we try to care for our environment. We will expand it prudently and incrementally, by increasing the range of items which can be recycled and/or by providing more pickup times or locations.
Our program is catching on. We are recycling more material all the time, and plan to keep our program growing. Our citizens appreciate it. Scio's $1,000-per-month investment in recycling is money well spent.
Each member of the sitting township board of trustees was once part of a slate too, and many people have seen a group of people who seldom agree on critical issues. Some have even called this board "dysfunctional, though highly qualified." How do voters know that you're going to operate more smoothly if you're all elected together?
Mary Shindell: I have observed a number of township board meetings where the board members did not agree on the course of action on a particular issue.
However, I believe that the majority of them share the same values, which are the same values that brought them to run together on a slate.
I think it is positive, not "dysfunctional," to have discussion and disagreement at board meetings because I believe it results in better decisions.
I would not trust a board that agrees on everything at a board meeting because it would lead me to believe they have made some backroom deals, and that their process is not open and transparent.
Preserve Scio 2008 candidates share the same core values. We've taken the time to have many discussions on the issues that we feel are most important. We respect each other's views and are ready to work together to accomplish the work of the township governance.
We will have disagreements, but under Charlie Nielsen's leadership, we will seek input from many sources, discuss our views and make sound decisions for the good of the township.
Why should someone in Dexter vote for members of your slate? They have many concerns being Scio taxpayers. How will your vision of Scio Township affect their lives, for better or worse? Their downtown businesses are critical to how vibrant their community is. How does that weigh on your decision when a major retail development comes knocking on the township's door?
Chuck Ream: With the uncertainty of "cityhood" staring them in the face, the citizens of Dexter would be smart to go with the "Preserve Scio" slate.
We have defended the village of Dexter for years, some of us helped defeat the huge Harvest Valley development that was planned for south of Dexter.
We will not allow the annexations of Scio Township land that would be necessary to turn Dexter into a big city. We will preserve the semi-rural character of Scio Township, which is the key to preserving the value of the quaint and beautiful village of Dexter.
We won't allow hundreds of new houses to be built - to compete with theirs. We support the downtown businesses of Dexter, and will not allow a new, unplanned commercial strip to be opened nearby.
If major retail development occurs it must locate along Jackson Road.
We will not support efforts to make Dexter expand until it is not a village anymore, which would cause taxes to rise sharply.
Do you plan on making any moves toward regional efforts, particularly in terms of fire operations? The Dexter Leader has heard several concerns off the record about regional participation of your fire department, and incumbents on Preserve Scio have been very supportive of the department, despite criticisms about management and other operational issues. How do you resolve this? In what other areas would you like to see the township cooperate on a more regional level?
Charlie Nielsen: Our public safety committee studied the concept of rejoining the Dexter Area Fire Authority. However, the study indicated that Scio would not see a financial benefit in doing this.
Due to Scio's size relative to the rest of the authority area, Scio would end up paying more to provide the service than we do currently.
We have strengthened our mutual aid policy by implementing automatic mutual aid, although this has been of limited benefit so far. Members of the Scio Board who are the most informed about Fire Department operations understand that any management issues in the department are far outweighed by lack of funding, and further management training has and will continue to occur.
An operation that is trying to provide their service without adequate funding is going to suffer from some infighting, and strong or disruptive personalities will have an even more negative effect.
If the Fire Department was asked about morale over the last couple of months, they would report a marked improvement.
I support and will work toward further regional cooperation, particularly regarding land-use planning, road improvements and preservation/environmental concerns such as a trail network.
Some day, when Scio has demonstrated that the residents have supported a higher level of public safety services, I believe neighboring jurisdictions will be more likely to want to discuss regional efforts regarding public safety.
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