WATERFORD Tuesday, November 3, 2020 POLLS ARE OPEN 7:00 A.M

VOTER GUIDE – NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WATERFORD Tuesday, November 3, 2020 POLLS ARE OPEN 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OAKLAND AREA Website: my.lwv.org/michigan/oakland-area E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 248-594-6602

2 Candidates for TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR for ONE 4-year term CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): SUPERVISOR Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a ONE 4-year term office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than ONE would bring to the position. them?

Democrat As a School Board Trustee I have How to manage township resources in the JOHN PAUL represented the Waterford School District at face of fiscal adversity during the era of TORRES national, state and county levels. During my COVID-19.The allocations of funds for 567 Crescent Lk. Rd. time on the Board I have gone to Lansing communities like Waterford will likely be Waterford, MI 48327 over a dozen times, advocating for strained, we will find ourselves in a position increased/ equitable funding for students in of having to do more with less. As Waterford. During the 2018/2019 fiscal year Township Supervisor I would use my Waterford saw the largest increase in per- administrative experiences to seek pupil funding from the state in nearly a additional funding through state, federal and decade. I currently serve on the Hess- local grants. Throughout my career I have Hathaway Parks Committee, Oakland written and managed over 10 million dollars County Health Network Board (Mental in grants. We must support local businesses, Health), previously served on the Waterford we have to do our part as a township to help Library Board and Waterford Youth stabilize local business in light of the Assistance Board. I have lived and raised pandemic. Over my years on the school my family (wife and two daughters) here in board, I have established relationships with Waterford for over 20 years. I have a local, state and federal officials. With those Masters of Public Administration relationships, I would work to assure (University of Michigan), Bachelor of Waterford businesses have a seat at the table Political Science (Oakland University) and when it comes to fund stabilization's Post Graduate Certificates in Public allocated to communities. Community Management from Michigan State development is important. I have raised my University and Georgetown University. I family in Waterford and have enjoyed living have pushed to implement positive change here. I'm interested in providing during my time on the Waterford School opportunities to help bring more residents to Board. I am running for Supervisor because Waterford. I'll seek resources for more I believe it's time for change & innovation. I parks, sidewalks (throughout our will bring my years of experience as a community), festivals and a downtown Public Administrator, Waterford resident development. and School Board Trustee to the forefront.

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CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): SUPERVISOR Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a ONE 4-year term office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than ONE would bring to the position. them?

Republican As a lifelong resident of Waterford and a Upon reelection for the next four years I will GARY WALL business owner for 22 years I have 3450 Alco Dr. developed the skills to serve the residents of *Maintain our AA Bond rating and our Waterford, MI 48329 Waterford. Having been elected as balanced budgets by continuing to make Waterford Township Supervisor in 2012 and fiscally responsible decisions for future of reelected in 2016 I have worked diligently to Waterford fulfill my campaign promises. Some of my accomplishments include achieving a AA *Be actively involved in the development of bond rating - a two step increase and the the new Oakland Business Center (former highest ever in Waterford history, balanced Summit Place Mall) budgets since day one, implemented blight removal programs that enabled us to *Take all necessary steps to oversee our demolish the long vacant Summit Place Mall recovery from the COVID -19 Pandemic by as well as many other uninhabitable maintaining our employee base, buildings, established the Neighborhood safeguarding the health of our Citizens and Preservation Corps along with Clerk Sue Employees, and protecting the financial well Camilleri to identify blighted areas within being of the assets of Waterford. the township, and reinstituted Earth Day bringing together volunteers across As always, I will continue to be actively Waterford to remove trash from major involved as a community volunteer and as a roadways throughout the township. leader for Waterford.

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3 Candidates for TOWNSHIP CLERK for ONE 4-year term CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): CLERK Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a ONE 4-year term office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than ONE would bring to the position. them?

Democrat My name is Justin Clarke and I am a Three priority issues currently impacting JUSTIN CLARKE lifelong Waterford resident. I graduated Waterford are the safety and security of the 5830 Pleasant Dr. from Waterford Kettering High School and upcoming election, adapting for the Waterford, MI 48329 went on to Oakland University to study increased numbers of absentee voting due to political science. Through my high school the changes in absentee voting laws and and college years, I worked for a small revitalizing the infrastructure of the business pet store in Waterford. I then township. With the pandemic, the Clerk’s continued my education with a master’s office has the responsibility to ensure the degree from the University of Detroit Mercy health and safety of all citizens voting, as in information security. Since then, I have well as the poll workers who will be worked on political campaigns and taught at interacting with the public. The Clerk’s local colleges and universities. My unique office also needs to be prepared to handle background of politics and elections, large amounts of absentee ballots, by combined with information and cyber finding any state and federal funding security, provides me with the knowledge possible, to provide training and resources and skills to perform the duties of Waterford to our election officials. Finally, Waterford Township Clerk, specifically the safety and Township needs to be revitalized. There are security of our local elections. I will also empty buildings in Waterford, roads utilize technology to ensure election crumbling, and parks that could be security, provide citizens voting resources improved. As Clerk, I will work to make and connect lines of communication with voting safe and prepare for the influx of local officials. I am running to bring new absentee votes. I will moreover work with energy and ideas to our township while the township trustees and executives, and upholding our traditions and values. I am a county, state, and federal officials, to help dedicated resident and homeowner who clean up any blight, replace and repair roads wants to give back to the place that made and give families in Waterford a place to me who I am today. visit or settle down.

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CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): CLERK Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a ONE 4-year term office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than ONE would bring to the position. them?

Republican I am the current Waterford Township Clerk Waterford Township is a Redevelopment KIM MARKEE and I work for the residents of Waterford Community and I want to ensure Waterford 3189 Mann Rd. Township. I believe in continuous is considered for all potential new Waterford, MI 48329 improvement and strive to make Waterford a businesses and residential growth. I want to vibrant community for seniors and growing bring favorable attention to Waterford and families. My past experience includes a apply for funding grants to promote our Master's degree from Kettering University redevelopment. Recently, I helped and a Bachelors degree from the University Waterford join the West Oakland of Michigan. I have a strong financial Transportation Authority which provides background and know how to get more for rides for seniors age 55 and older and less. Previously, I was a Sr. Financial disabled 18 and over for $2.50 per ride. Analyst for a large corporation and received Everywhere I look, I see opportunity for excellent training to perform my current job Waterford's redevelopment. as Clerk. Sue Camilleri, the previous Clerk, and Gary Wall, Supervisor have endorsed Another priority would be our roads. I me. I am an active board member on the would like to work with our residents to help Library Board and the Parks and Recreation provide funding to residents that are Board for Waterford. I've always wanted to interested in improving their roads. For the be active in my community, and improve first time ever in our 2020 budget, we set places wherever I lived. Whether I'm aside $75,000 to assist residents to use volunteering for my church, doing fund towards improving their neighborhood raisers for schools, or lower income roads. I would like to see this amount grow children, or working Harvest Happenings at each year. Improving our roads would help Hess Hathaway Park, I believe it's my showcase our wonderful community. responsibility to give back wherever I can. The third priority would be to ensure Waterford Township remains solvent for everyone's future. For all our wonderful employees including our Fire Department and Police Department, and our community, it's paramount we maintain a fiscally responsible board.

Green JESSICIA VENTURE Formerly: Jessicia Kay DID NOT RESPOND IN TIME FOR INCLUSION Smith 292 Glenbrooke, Apt. 13303 Waterford, MI 48327

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2 Candidates for TREASURER for ONE 4-year term CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): TREASURER Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a ONE 4-year term office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than ONE would bring to the position. them?

Democrat I have been a Waterford resident for over 25 Work with county, state and federal ERIC LINDEMIER years and have raised 3 children in governments to provide needed resources to 5104 Cohoctah Waterford. I decided to run when I realized our small businesses effected by the Waterford, MI 48327 that Waterford's small businesses were Coronavirus. harmed from the corona virus. The stimulus package did not provide the needed Stop any police and dispatch outsourcing resources to hold our small businesses efforts. harmless from the results of our economy being shut down. We need township Reduce healthcare costs to Waterford tax leadership that can work with the state and payers and improve benefits for township federal government to assure Waterford employees. small businesses that they get the help needed. In addition 4 years ago the township considered outsourcing our police and dispatch operations to the Oakland County Sheriff's Department. This would take control of community policing out of the hands of Waterford residents. Waterford residents are better protected when the police and dispatch are part of our community.

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CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): TREASURER Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a ONE 4-year term office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than ONE would bring to the position. them?

Republican Resident of Waterford Township over 40 • Continue to scrutinize the distribution of STEVE THOMAS years. Graduate of Waterford Township state sales taxes to municipalities known 2597 Elsinore High School. Degree from Wayne State as State Revenue Sharing and push for Waterford, MI 48328 University. action toward a more just and equitable Vietnam Veteran awarded the Bronze Star. distribution to our Township. Adjunct Professor at Oakland Community College. 40 Successful years practicing • Work with the Township Board to address Architecture and Interior Design. Current and find solutions to the potential Waterford Trustee. Serve on the Election financial impact resulting from the Commission, Cable Commission and expected critical economical downturn developed the space needs program for the that will effect our community services. proposed future Waterford Community Center. Qualities include attention to detail, • As a significant source of revenue to the positive attitude toward problem solving Township I plan to oversee the progress and deadlines. Professional projects and contribute to the success of the former included Commercial Offices, Hotels, Summit Place Mall, now identified as the Restaurants, Country Clubs and Medical Oakland County Business Park. facilities. Involvement with Space Planning, Schematic Design, Design Development, Project Budget, Construction Documentation, Installation supervision and Project Closeout. Critical thinker with positive work ethics. My professional skills will be a great asset working as the Township Treasurer.

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8 Candidates for TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE for FOUR 4-year terms CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): TRUSTEE Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a FOUR 4-year terms office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than FOUR would bring to the position. them?

Democrat I am currently a registered nurse with a law 1. Covid-19 has changed the conversation CYNTHIA ATIEMO enforcement background. I served as a around the world. The world as we know 6546 Skylar Ln. police detective for 11 years in the area of it have changed with a lot of people on Waterford, MI 48327 crime scene, homicide and human unemployment with businesses shutting trafficking investigations. I am a strong down. There should be a plan on how to woman who stands and fight for things that keep businesses open in our community I believe in. I am a passionate and resilient and keep unemployment down. person, who does not give up until I achieved that which I set out to do. I am a 2. To make the streets safer for school kids people’s person and a team player. especially the high schoolers who leave home before sunrise, by increasing police I am running for township office because presence during school bus pick up and I’ve always wanted to serve my community drop off times. There are some school bus and give back to my country. Because it’s stops that are too dark and secluded that time to get off the fence and take a stand. could use a street light and a cop to It’s time for a positive change and we need prevent it from becoming a potential all who are capable and able to help. We kidnapping and trafficking sites. need all hands on deck. 3. There’s a need to make Waterford more visible on social media platforms to get the youths interested and engaged in the affairs of Waterford Township. We need the youth to see Waterford as a place to live and work.

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CANDIDATES for Question 1 (150 Words or less): Question 2 (150 Words or less): TRUSTEE Provide biographical information and What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your explain why you are running for Township township and what actions would you, as a FOUR 4-year terms office and relevant qualities and skills you township official, take regarding each of Vote for no more than FOUR would bring to the position. them?

Democrat As a resident if Waterford for 48 years, I 1. We need a common vision for our MARY CRAITE believe in and care about my community. I community. I believe we need to develop 3655 Mariner have raised 4 children that have all attended a strategic plan with both short term and Waterford, MI 48329- the public schools in Waterford. This is my long term goals for our community. 2272 35th year as a Waterford School Teacher and entering my 4th year as the Waterford 2. We need to bring the Township and Education Association Union President School District together as they are representing 570 teachers. interdependent. Healthy schools bring Volunteering in the community is a passion! businesses and families to the community, I serve on the executive board for the while a healthy community provides Waterford Coalition for Youth. In this role I support and resources for the schools. donate my time for events like Shop with Hero, The Taste of Waterford, movies under 3. We need to bring in and support small the moonlight and educational events such businesses. We have lost so many stores as suicide prevention, substance abuse and and businesses to outlying communities. protecting our youth. I serve on the steering committee for My priorities will all start by developing a Blessings in a Backpack which helps to feed strategic plan with a variety of community over 300 Waterford students on a weekly stakeholders that will allow us to create a basis with weekend food bags. vision for our community. The plan needs My personal strengths are compassion, to include both short term and long term kindness and communication. Problem goals that include: solving and Teamwork are 1. Where are we today? skills that I believe are critical to moving 2. What do we want our community to look our community forward. As an active like and be in 1 year, 5 years and 10 listening I am willing to sit down and listen years. to all sides of an issue and then work 3. What do we have that’s working and together for a solution. what do we need to change? 4. How will we determine if we are meeting our goals? 5. Transparent communication that brings the community together will be needed every step of the way!

Waterford is an amazing community, working together will allow us to strengthen our community and schools!

Democrat JASON A. HERR DID NOT RESPOND IN TIME FOR INCLUSION 3160 Warren Dr. Waterford, MI 48329

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Democrat Waterford Township Trustee candidate Matt COMMUNITY IN UNISON MATTHEW K. McClure has lived and worked in Waterford McClure sees a lack of transparency in MCCLURE for 44 years. He attended Waterford Public government and wants leadership to move 5324 Sara Ln., Apt. #8 Schools, from Jayno Elementary School, towards becoming better "resource and Waterford, MI 48327 Mason Middle School, and graduated from facilitators" to the people rather than a tax Waterford Mott High School. The son of and spend agency. Matt sees our siloed union educators, Matt earned a merit boards as inefficient and promotes a new Scholarship to Case Western Reserve CIA "Joint Leaders Council" to define common in Cleveland. goals and build better recruitment of non- elected leaders. Matt wants input and public As owner of small businesses in Waterford, participation from our 72,000 citizens to Matt submitted 2 million Sq/Ft of promote community pride, a strong public redevelopment concepts in 2006 for Summit mandate, and expand our teams working Place Mall. He has extensive experience towards ambitious goals. McClure wants to with the permitting, bid proposals, and streamline our budget by utilizing funded branding/marketing projects seeking to resources already doing great work right secure funding for community non-profits. now in our town and sees a more community developed agenda based on For the past seven years, McClure has citizen's outreach between board meetings. directed and developed the free "Dare to Inspire Riverwalk Fest" donated to Matt has ambitious plans for NEW Waterford, which raises funds to remove DESTINATION COMMERCE that creates blight from the Highland Road Clinton unique investment opportunities within a River underpass. Their group has presented new Master Plan with more reverence to five mural installations that were the pilot concept. Matt has specific plans that program for state-level grant legislation promote a unique "Park and Walk" brick with MDOT. Matt donates time to at-risk and mortar experience that features more youth, works with anti-addiction groups, is shared social space and inward-facing an executive committee member of the centralized entertainment - Matt sees a Waterford Democratic Club, Waterford "Main Street." Precinct Co-Chair, and is now independently developing concepts for a STUDENT LED BRANDING & Centralize Commerce Center. RECRUITMENT to build tax base "The Heart of Oakland."

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Republican I have been a Waterford resident for 22 My first priority would be to redevelop ANTHONY years with my wife Mary, and am very Summit Place Mall. Being on the Planning BARTOLOTTA active in the community, serving on many Commission allows me to keep the 2915 Voorheis boards. I have managed a successful development moving in the right direction Waterford, MI 48328 business here in Waterford for 28 years. I for Waterford. have been on the Waterford Township board for 10 years striving to keep the Township Second, would be to keep the budget moving forward in these trying times. balanced, by finding new ways to consolidate services within the departments. First elected to the Township Board in 2010, These items alone would keep the I ran for Waterford Trustee promising to Township’s budget intact for years to come. fight runaway government and balance our budget. I have kept those promises, and Third, would be to improve public safety by continue to strive to represent the citizens of maintaining the police department with Waterford with a strong, responsive voice Township control. With consolidating on the board. I have proposed reforms that services, I would want to and put more will save Waterford millions of dollars, and officers on the streets where they are our budget has been balanced for 8 years. needed. As a local businessman in the township, I talk to the citizens on a daily basis and hear their concerns.

This experience brings a real world common sense to the Waterford Township Board. Waterford needs to keep this kind of real world thinking on the job for taxpayers.

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Republican I am proud to have called Waterford Protecting Small Business - Sometimes MARIE E. Township my home for 37 years. It is the policies and ordinances in effect are HAUSWIRTH place I CHOOSE to live, work and play antiquated or no longer make sense in the 3910 Covert Rd. today and tomorrow. All of my children are "real world". In addition, the post-pandemic Waterford, MI 48328 also homeowners in Waterford Township. It future for business is extremely volatile. is of utmost importance to me that we The sustainability of businesses will depend preserve our quality of life now and for the on critically re-assessing how we can future. Decisions we make today will creatively work together to keep doors open. impact our children tomorrow. This is of This could include temporary lifts or great concern to me and I want to make a changes to current ordinances, community difference when and where I can. The role development strategies (districts or hubs), as Executive Director of the Waterford Area community grant opportunities, etc. Chamber of Commerce (15 years) has provided me unique experience bringing Budget - I am concerned with the long- term business, government and citizens together impact of the pandemic on our township towards solving problems, identifying budget from federal and state funding opportunities and build the capacity that distributions to local tax revenue. It is makes a community vibrant and strong. important to me that our community is also Small business is the backbone of treated equally in revenue sharing as other community, bringing economic municipalities in Oakland County. Working development, jobs and services to the aggressively and collaboratively with our people of Waterford. As a former Waterford board, EDC, commercial realtors, school business owner, I understand the need to district and police department towards new create “common sense” policies and business attraction and re-development is strategies to strengthen our economic key. vibrancy and preserve local business. I have Professionals and Families - It is critical to been fortunate to work side by side with all attract young professionals and families for sectors of our community and the best sustainability. No different than the interest of our community of residents and balancing act of keeping customers and businesses will be top priority for the future. obtaining new ones. We have amazing amenities that need to be marketed.

Republican I am a licensed registered nurse. I have I would like to help ensure that our JANET L. MATSURA worked in management positions in township's budget is conservatively 7182 Terrell St. hospitals and kidney dialysis centers. I have managed without incurring additional taxes Waterford, MI 48329 also owned and operated adult foster care to put further burden on Waterford homes for the elderly. Since retirement, I residents. have assisted my husband with our property management business and volunteered with I would like to ensure that Waterford rental Michigan Conservative Coalition. properties are licensed and inspected to prevent instances of poorly maintained I desire to serve on Waterford Township property harming property values of Board of Trustees to ensure that Waterford neighboring families or businesses. continues to be a great community to live in for all it's residents. I will assist with efforts to prevent any type of voter fraud from occuring in Waterford.

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Republican •Waterford Resident since 1984. Member of 1. Continue development of the Summit MARK MONOHON Our Lady of the Lakes and Knights of Place mall space to anchor new business 3517 David K Dr. Columbus. and contribute/compliment to existing Waterford, MI 48329 Waterford business. •Husband and father of two, a son and daughter, Past Football and Soccer coach at 2. Commercial improvement and Waterford Park & Rec. development of the M59 & Dixie Hwy corridors, Search for new business •Graduate of Oakland CC, and LTU: looking to start up or existing ones Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees looking to relocate. Addressing the including the fields of Airport Planning, needed update to the Township's Master Engineering, and Operations & Project Plan, addressing infrastructure concerns Management which can be addressed at the township level. Investigating options for those •Over 40 yrs. in the automotive industry, other issues and working with other with the last 12 yrs, working and managing branches of government towards government and regulatory affairs for an solutions. automotive supplier: in Lansing , Washington DC. and International (EU & 3. Recognizing and addressing impacts for UN) the recent pandemic on business and residents, make sure that residents and •Member of the Society of Automotive business have access to accurate Engineers (SAE) and MI Chamber of information and the resources they need Commerce, Instrument-rated pilot, aircraft to move forward. mechanic and auto mechanic, past board member on several trade associations' 4. To work from a commonsense approach government affairs committees. by communicating within the township to residents and business and inform and •Experience with reviewing and writing work with State and US officials to commonsense into laws and regulations, and address those needs. Work on the understanding the need to building positive business side to promote Waterford and relationships to achieve the needs of bring in new opportunities. business owners and taxpayers alike. Working to Make Matters Mean More!, not •Improving our community to be a desirable just to me but to all residents and place to live and work and relax and without stakeholders of Waterford. •No hidden new taxes! agendas! Questions or concerns can also be emailed to [email protected]

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan national organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League never supports or opposes any candidate or political party. Candidate responses are included as submitted and have not been edited except in cases where the replies have exceeded the stated word limitations. Spelling and Grammar were not corrected. The inclusion of candidates’ statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and in no way is to be construed as an endorsement by the League of Women Voters which takes no responsibility for any views or facts stated by the candidates.