Townships Advance Priorities, Not Politics
How important is partisan voting at the township level? Townships, particularly Cascade, are focused on priorities everyone values, like protecting green space, promoting public safety, preserving property values, supporting strong schools, and attracting thriving businesses. Cascade's Board of Trustees has little to no influence on partisan politics and the topics traditionally addressed by candidates further up the ballot.
This fall, on November 5, voters have the opportunity to vote for the best four Trustees for the job to join a Supervisor, Clerk and Treasurer. Whether you vote "Straight Party Ticket" or opt for individual choices in each race, you CAN choose up to FOUR Trustee candidates in this election from a mix of both parties and your ballot will still follow the proper protocol to be counted.
According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan:
- Michigan uses a partisan process for nominating and electing township and county officers in contrast to the non-partisan method used by most cities and all villages and school districts.
- Many of the services provided by townships and counties are mandatory and cannot be provided in alternative manners because of political leanings. The size and role of local government as it relates to non-mandatory services are usually driven by the size and density of the populations served.
- Reform of the township and county officer elections can improve confidence in government and participation in elections.
While I am not actively campaigning for township election reform, I believe it's
responsible to focus on what candidates bring to the table for the community, including competence, initiative, and effectiveness.
Townships are required to assess property for taxation, collect property taxes for themselves and on behalf of all overlapping jurisdictions, and conduct elections.
The services local governments may choose to engage in are no more influenced by political leanings than mandatory county services. Neither police, fire, and emergency medical services, parks and recreation programs, economic development, nor health services are provided in Republican or Democratic manners.
Beyond this, electing a Board by a pre-determined majority "slate" or that is one-sided does not foster important dialogue. This practice also takes away the opportunity for effective evaluation and decision-making. If everyone is pre-committed to voting the same way, then what's the purpose of listening to public comment or encouraging transparency? We've seen the challenges this can bring to neighboring communities, like Ottawa County, which are now overwhelmed with FOIA's and legal fees.
Vote for the strongest candidates and encourage neighbors to research the stance and experience of each name on the ballot.
I stand for Diligent and Inspired Leadership.
My "It's Time" for Cascade platform is focused on Transparency, Initiative, Moral Leadership and Effectiveness. I'm here to be a voice and conduit for all residents and to maintain an open mind. I have experience meeting and talking with representatives across all sides of the aisle. I am committed to gathering, reviewing, and evaluating all available perspectives and data before voting on the Township Board.
Vote Smart!
