The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
'Leadership for Scio' discusses the issues
By Sean Dalton, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: July 17, 2008
"Leadership for Scio 2008" is the name of a group of five candidates running for positions on the Scio Township Board of Trustees in the Aug. 5 election.
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They are Spaulding Clark, Gordon Darr, Richard DeLong, Jean King and Dorothy Lynn Phillips.
However, it is just one of three "slates" of candidates, each with different viewpoints.
The others include "Preserve Scio 2008," which was profiled in the July 10 edition of The Dexter Leader, and "Team for Scio 2008," which will be profiled next week.
With the challenges facing Scio Township, how will reducing the time commitment of certain elected officials benefit the community? What impact will this have on the township government's ability to tackle the challenges that all municipalities are facing right now?
Spaulding Clark: Leadership for Scio believes that just by making elected officers' positions full-time does not guarantee better Township governance; it solely guarantees an increased cost in Township governance. The elected officers' statutory duties have not changed significantly since these positions were part-time.
Many townships with larger populations and much higher tax burdens function quite well with part-time governments. Streamlining government and returning to a transparent township administration will make township governance more efficient, effective, responsive, and respected once again.
The township ran very well previously with a part-time government and can do so again under the right leadership with experience and knowledge. During the prior era of a streamlined/part-time government, the township established a $1 million Public Safety and Improvement Fund. Leadership for Scio believes there is honor in practicing fiscal responsibility while simultaneously defending the beauty of Scio Township and bettering the environment.
We understand tax dollars are to be used for public safety (police and fire), not lining the pockets of township officers. Leadership for Scio respects the values that made our country great: smaller government, protecting our history by saving Gordon Hall and the Delhi Bridge, and aggressively promoting a "green" future.
How do you intend to lower taxes and solve problems, such as the public safety quality in the township, which in turn seems to keep the township out of regional public safety efforts? Some have said that the funds to fix public safety are in the bank, but are those accounts being replenished to pay for necessary investment on an ongoing basis? And how would reducing taxes affect preservation of green space and creation of parks for the community, which has been an expressed interest through last year's township survey?
Gordon Darr: Not one candidate calls for greater police and fire services than Leadership for Scio, but Leadership for Scio is the only team promising not to raise taxes. Leadership for Scio fully supports and endorses the Public Safety Committee's report regarding staffing levels. Public safety for our citizens and businesses is paramount; we call for additional police services with a minimum of eight deputies with backfill overtime and an increase of fire personnel doubling the fulltime staff. The township does not need a special assessment district right now. Future needs may require additional funds; however, that day has not arrived, and will not for at least two more years.
It is unconscionable to ask the citizens of Scio Township for more taxes, in this case an increase anywhere from 100 to 125 percent, while sitting on a stockpile of funds that could be used to address the current public safety needs. Members of the current board have already compromised our citizens' and businesses' safety by cutting two deputies and gutting the fire budget.
Let's keep taxes low, thereby stimulating housing sales and keeping the township's overall taxable value from continuing to fall.
Raising (or lowering) taxes has no direct impact on land preservation, green space, and parks. Proposal J is a dedicated green space, land preservation, and parks millage. This fund is separate from the township's general fund and is not affected by the proposed special assessment district.
The township can and will continue to use those segregated Proposal J funds to promote a green future, and will continue to take an active stance in preserving our local heritage on important issues such as Gordon Hall and the Delhi and Foster bridges.
Many people reading this live in the village and are always concerned about development in Scio. The village has a vibrant and successful downtown that could be affected by any number of developments in the surrounding townships. What is your vision for the Jackson Road corridor and other developed or developing areas of the township?
Richard A. DeLong: The Leadership for Scio team takes great pleasure in supporting the thriving and successful Dexter community of businesses and restaurants. Both Scio and Dexter have their own visions of future development, which may in some respects conflict.
While such conflicts are not desirable, they can often be resolved by fostering amicable relationships and communications. The township's Master Land Use Plan currently addresses future development plans throughout the township, including the Jackson corridor, which emphasizes commercial and some residential development where public water and sewer are available.
It is important to work with Dexter along our mutual boundaries for the benefit of the residents of each community. We promote Scio as a green, semi-rural, well planned, and low-density community with a vibrant business corridor. Leadership for Scio sees Dexter as representing the best of Southeast Michigan. Leadership for Scio promotes a strong, synergistic partnership with Dexter.
Why doesn't Scio Township need a "Super Sewer System?" What is the environmental impact of having or not having such an addition to the township's infrastructure?
Jean King: One way to limit sprawl and keep our township a green, semi-rural, well planned, and low-density community is to restrict our sewer system to Jackson Road and the present existing developments.
A greatly expanded "Super Sewer" will have the capacity to affect the township's development plans based upon excess capacity alone. Only Leadership for Scio is pursuing the savings of regional cooperation.
The "Super Sewer" has been under quiet discussion for a long time, with no effort to involve Ann Arbor, our current (and experienced) supplier. This issue needs far more public light and it is time to cease being an internal discussion. Further, it needs extended review by independent outside engineering and environmental consultants, because the plan proposes to discharge effluent to Honey Creek and eventually the Huron River.
Has deficit spending been an issue in the past? How does someone who likes the idea of fiscally responsible government gain more voting for a Leadership for Scio candidate over the other two slates (Preserve Scio 2008 and Team for Scio 2008)?
Gordon Darr: Deficit spending was not an issue during the previous Spaulding Clark administrations.
On May 1, the state Department of Treasury notified Scio Township that "an operating deficit had occurred" in the township's 2005 general fund.
The Team for Scio 2008 slate is supported by "Friends of Scio Township" PAC. Some of their yard signs carry the disclaimer, "Paid for by Friends of Scio Township." "Friends of Scio Township" PAC was the sole support and backer of the infamous 2006 initiative to raise township taxes 300 percent (1.945 mills), which was soundly defeated by more than 70 percent. The "Friends of Scio Township" PAC paid fines of $2,600 for not disclosing in a timely manner expenditures supporting the millage. If this group wants to raise taxes 300 percent, where will they stop? This does not sound like sound fiscally responsible government to us. Team for Scio 2008 now wants to raise taxes 100 percent while sitting on $1.7 million. Preserve Scio 2008 also fully supports raising taxes 100 percent while sitting on $1.7 million.
We would ask why the need to unnecessarily tax the township during such dismal economic times.
It takes leadership, experience, and knowledge to run a township, not an open checkbook.
How do you intend to direct, control or contain sprawl in the township?
Dorothy Lynn Phillips: Through aggressive enforcement and defense of the Master Plan, maintenance of its present themes through subsequent revisions, and appropriate and meaningful appointments to the Planning Commission.
Any increase in sewer capacity beyond that needed to meet the requirements of the existing sewer service district must be viewed as potentially encouraging sprawl.
Candidate biographies:
Dorothy Lynn Phillips
Age: 52
Where do you live? 3643 N. Maple, Ann Arbor
Education: B.A., Michigan State University, M.S., Eastern Michigan University, Ph.D., University of Detroit.
Family: I am mother to two terrific kids, Caleb, age 13 and Haley, age 10. I am engaged to U.S. Navy Capt. Rollin Bellfi, who has seen active duty in Iraq and will be returning to civilian life in 2009. I am the oldest of eight children.
Qualifications/background: Corporate hiring consultant to a national firm for 15 years. Fund raising and organizational support to the Wounded and Fallen Soldiers Fund. Co-founder of the Ann Arbor-based group CORSE Group co-leader and fund raising for Camp Fire Emerson literacy volunteer, provision of mental health services to children and their families since 1990.
Why are you running? I am very concerned about the direction the township appears to be taking with regard to taxation, fiscal management and the degree to which the Master Plan is being ignored.
Specifically, a Special Assessment District proposal during a difficult economic climate for many Scio residents does not seem to be in their best interest.
Second, the township can be run more efficiently and less expensively through a consolidation of duties and positions.
Third, the proposed super sewer system cost savings is unproven. It will leverage the Township and obligate it to a level of development that goes far beyond the sensible scope of the Master Plan.
We will have failed in our roles as stewards who are responsible for leaving a green future to our children.
Spaulding Clark
Age: 67
Where do you live? 3648 Deerfield
Education: B.A. from Albion College; Juris Doctor from University of Michigan; Master of Laws from Wayne State University.
Family: Wife Kathy employed as a Nurse Practitioner in the U of M Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology Department; adult daughters Lindsay and Hillary.
Qualifications/background: Over 40 years of experience as an attorney and consultant, including practice in the municipal arena. Over 17 years of direct experience in Scio Township government, including service as the Planning Commission Chair, Zoning Board of Appeals vice chair, Township Trustee, Township Manager, Township Supervisor, and service to the Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Corporation and to the Loch Alpine Sanitary Authority.
I also supplemented with a long history of involvement in community activities and organizations.
Why are you running? I believe that Scio Township government is no longer transparent, effective, efficient, responsive or as respected as it could be.
What is particularly lacking is leadership and experience in the administration and finances of the Township, as evidenced by the reductions in service, lack of oversight, and mishandled funding issues relating to public safety.
I have the demonstrated experience and leadership qualities needed to set the township back on course, and to improve Scio's relationships with its residents, the business community and the surrounding municipalities.
Jean King
Age: 84
Where do you live? Sunward Co-housing off Parkland Plaza
Education: Three degrees from the University of Michigan BA in English, 1948, MA in history, 1953 and a JD in law, 1968.
Family: Husband who is a retired Ford engineer and two daughters (a physician and a law professor) and one son who is Web consultant now working on his second book.
Qualifications/background: list: My legal training is very helpful although the board has recently voted to terminate relationships with an excellent law firm, Foster Swift of Lansing, and hire one considerably less competent because the replacement firm is more likely to conform with what the manager and Jim Dries want in opinions.
I have been very active in Democratic politics at the local, state, and national level for many years supporting many candidates both before election and after they were successful.
The Scio trusteeship was the first time I had ever run fore office.
Why are you running? The township has several very serious problems that I have tried to work on for almost four years and I want to continue until they are fixed.
The willingness of Spaulding Clark, a lawyer), to run for supervisor gives me hope that we can elect a group which will finally appropriately address these problems.
Richard A. DeLong
Age: 81 years old, a veteran of World War II.
Where do you live: Scio Road in Scio Township
Family: My wife, Pat, and I have been married for 62 years and have lived in the same house since 1952. We raised our four grown children at this address.
Education: I went to the University of Michigan on the G.I. bill and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I continued my education at the University at my expense and earned an MBA (with distinction).
Qualifications/background: I am retired from the University of Michigan. I was elected to two terms as Scio Supervisor and five terms as Washtenaw County Commissioner.
Why are you running? As the Executive Director of the Scio Township Downtown Development Authority, I have spent a lot of time working at the Township Hall.
While there I have observed areas that need improvement. Based on experience and education, I believe that I could help solve some of the problems that Scio is experiencing.
Gordon Darr
Age: 47
Where do you live? Dexter Village
Education: MA, University of Michigan, Educational Studies; MBA, Texas Christian University, Management; BA, University of Michigan, History.
Family: Two daughters, Charlotte and Caroline
Qualifications/background: I was a Planning Commissioner and Trustee in Scio Township between 2000 and 2004.
I served as Secretary of the Planning Commission for two of those years. Prior to that, I served as a Trustee on the Dexter Village Council.
I bring a lifetime of service in various local service groups, working with Dexter schools and have helped build collaborative relationships throughout the community.
I was a co-founder of the Dexter Area Technology Advocacy group in 1997, an association of experts and concerned citizens dedicated to connecting the community to the Internet, and bringing about positive transformation.
I was also involved in strategic partnerships with schools in different parts of the U.S., most recently Dexter Schools.
I am currently a substitute teacher in Dexter, and am active in the band and orchestra programs as a volunteer and piano accompanist.
Why are you running? We are not aggressive enough in moving local government into the 21st century.
First, our office must be world-class in customer service, and we should strive to be an employer of choice.
We need more effective collaboration between Scio and neighboring communities. Our local elected officials do not listen to the residents like they should. I am passionate about listening, and will get out and about the community to take the continual pulse of the residents.
We need to keep taxes down while providing a high level of service and protecting the natural beauty of Scio. Times are hard. When breadwinners do not have enough income to provide for their families, they are expected to tighten their belts. Government is no better than people and should be held to at least that standard. No new taxes!
Return Scio to a part-time board, so that our public safety personnel can remain at the highest level of staffing.
No expensive sewer projects that only encourage more sprawl.
No more shoving government programs down the throats of the residents!
We will go for win-win, and let the residents know that they have a place at the table. Finally, to protect and enhance the historic character of Delhi and Scio villages, the Breininger and Wing farms, the Huron River Watershed, while enhancing the appeal of Jackson Road as a community center and destination.
Additional candidate questions:
Based on your Web site, you seem to want to "keep Scio green," focusing on open space, farms and woodlands. What about parks? Also, how will you protect the Huron River and defend water quality in the township?
Jean King: Scio's citizens overwhelmingly support land preservation, we agree. Leadership for Scio additionally fully supports the acquisition of parkland for recreation and some members have initiated discussions with Washtenaw County Commissioners and Parks and Recreation regarding construction of a recreational parks complex in Scio. Similarly, participation in regional efforts to protect the watersheds, the Huron River and its tributaries, and ground water in general, will be a continuing effort for Leadership for Scio.
Working with the state, the county, the public and various private efforts, has resulted in improvements in all of these aspects over the past years. The experience of the Leadership for Scio candidates in this respect will serve the township well, as each Leadership for Scio candidate has extensive leadership and experience in helping shape, nurture, and protect Scio Township's and Washtenaw County's green landscape.
It must be noted that one way to limit sprawl and keep the township green and semi-rural is to restrict the sewer capacity to the Jackson Road corridor and to those areas in the township that have been planned for needing sewer.
Can you give examples of the Master Plan being compromised over the past couple of years that Leadership for Scio candidates could have prevented?
Dorothy Lynn Phillips: There appears to have been unsuccessful attempts to compromise the Master Plan via closed session consent agreements. These consent agreements were halted by citizen outcry. Leadership for Scio will staunchly and aggressively defend the Master Plan.
How are you going to make changes at Scio's fire department to solve its problems? What do you perceive the problems to be in that organization? Some seem to think it's a funding issue; others, a management issue; and still others, a mix of both. Will you make the fire department a priority, and why? What are your plans for police services?
Spaulding Clark: Leadership for Scio has led the call in restoring full police department staffing and immediately contracting for additional road patrols. We believe that many of the current board members have compromised the safety of the township's citizens and businesses by cutting two deputies and gutting the fire department's budget while sitting on $1.7 million.
Let us stress, not one candidate calls for greater police and fire services than Leadership for Scio, but Leadership for Scio is the only team promising not to raise taxes.
Leadership for Scio fully supports and endorses the Public Safety Committee's report regarding staffing levels. Public safety for our citizens and businesses is paramount; we call for additional police services with a minimum of eight deputies with "backfill" overtime and an increase of fire personnel doubling the full-time staff.
We feel the perceived problems within the Fire Department might possibly be neither funding nor management, but a total lack of proper direction from the current Township Supervisor and Township Manager. Why these issues have not been resolved or greatly improved under the current board's oversight over the past three years is a direct refection of the incapability of this board to properly govern and its inability to manage and support its resources.
Aside from regional public safety initiatives, where do you see Scio getting involved in regional government? Your slate also wants to make government more "effective" and provide more "pleasant constituent services." In light of Leadership for Scio's position on taking certain government roles down to a part-time basis and lower taxes, how will this be accomplished?
Spaulding Clark: By partnering with Ann Arbor SPARK to attract businesses to Scio, Dexter, and Ann Arbor increasing the need for existing Scio and Dexter housing stock, thereby increasing the value of individual property and the township's overall taxable value.
We would like to partner with Washtenaw County and surrounding townships, school districts and libraries on general fund purchasing, everything from low-wattage/"green" light bulbs to office supplies.
We would also collaborate with AATA and CATS to ensure transportation along Jackson Road and into Dexter.
Teaming with MDOT for additional Park & Ride lots to reduce vehicle emissions output would also be a goal.
We should also cooperate with surrounding townships to provide low-cost curbside recycling programs.
The theory of efforts at regional cooperation is that by combining efforts with other communities, service to all can be improved while taking advantage of cost savings made possible through economies of scale.
Note again that Leadership for Scio's proposal is not to reduce administrative support, only to streamline government and use the savings to provide better, transparent, more effective township governance.
This means providing leadership, knowledge, and experience in the administration of the township, its finances and services.
Our overall goal is to provide more pleasant constituent services. It is all about "government for the people, by the people."
Leadership for Scio members are your neighbors. We will hold monthly open houses throughout the township to meet with citizens whose schedule prohibits them from discussing their concerns during normal business hours.
We understand you want tax dollars used for public safety (police and fire), not lining the pockets of township officers as unnecessary salary. We understand we work for you and not the other way around. We understand you want change. We are change you can believe in.
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