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Duby, Hyder, Richardville, VanWashenova for Frenchtown Twp. supervisor

VaselineJuly 30, 2024

0 4 minutes read

Duby, Hyder, Richardville, VanWashenova for Frenchtown Twp. supervisor

MONROE COUNTY — In Aug. 6’s primary election, voters in Monroe County have more than 30 contested races. The Monroe News sent questionnaires to the candidates in the contested races. Profiles of the candidates in contested primaries will be published over the next few days.

Frenchtown Township supervisor incumbent Republican Al VanWashenova of Newport is being challenged for the four-year supervisor position by Republicans Tim Duby, Steven Hyder and Randy Richardville, all of Monroe. No Democrats filed to be supervisor.

Their responses are printed as provided, although they may have been edited for clarity or truncated if the answers exceeded the given word limits. Hyder did not respond by the provided deadline.

In-person voting will take place from 7 am to 8 pm Tuesday, Aug. 6. Absentee ballots may be requested from township clerks.

Tim Duby

Age: 64

Occupation: Retired federal law enforcement officer — 22 years

Spouse/kids: Married to Deanna Johnson with two married boys and five wonderful grandchildren

Government experience: I am currently the Constable in Frenchtown and serve Ida Township and Milan Township as their zoning administrator and code enforcer. I serve Dundee in code enforcement and liquor license inspections.

Volunteer/community service experience:

Why are you running for this position? I decided to run after seeing and hearing of nothing being done to eliminate the blight properties and business.

What do you think is the main challenge facing Frenchtown Township, and what should be done about it? Currently, we have a supervisor that is hardly ever in the office and running the township has been tasked to clerk and treasurer on top of their statutory duties and that’s not right. This challenge needs to be eliminated and a strong person with experience in the supervisor’s office.

Why should people vote for you? There is an enormous amount of wasteful spending and when questions come about the current administration won’t answer or return calls. I am not a career politician or an attorney or a farmer. I don’t own any rentals, I have no businesses that I own. I will work with all residents daily to be responsive daily and to provide leadership in the township itself.

Randall (Randy) Richardville

Age: 64

Occupation: Executive Director/Consultant/County Commissioner, former Fortune 500 executive in areas of finance, operations management and organizational design. Richardville has a bachelor’s degree in economics, master’s degrees in management and religious education and an honorary doctorate in education.

Spouse/kids: Wife, Melissa, children Adam and Mandy, grandchildren Jamie and Sophia

Government experience: Majority Floor Leader, Michigan House of Representatives; President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader, Michigan Senate; Vice Chair and Operations Chair, Monroe County Board of Commissioners; Port of Monroe Economic Development Director; City of Monroe Planning Commission

Volunteer/community service experience: Catholic Social Services/Head Start of Monroe Board Chair; MCOP Board/Building Committee, Monroe Senior Center Board, YMCA Board and Strong Kids Campaign Co-chair; Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners Board; Michigan Children’s Trust Fund Board Chair; Salvation Army Blue Ribbon Committee; Chance For Life Prison Ministry Board Member

Why are you running for this position? I seek to fill a void in the leadership of the Frenchtown Supervisor role. The current trustees, clerk, treasurer and fire chief have demonstrated competence, ability, and a willingness to serve; with experience, statewide relationships and recognition and an attitude of servant leadership, I hope to lead the Frenchtown team.

What do you think is the main challenge facing Frenchtown Township, and what should be done about it? The lack of leadership in the Frenchtown supervisor’s position is apparent and troubling. County Commissioner Jon Heinzerling and I together have established strong relationships with Frenchtown’s constituents and elected officials. Significant issues, including infrastructure, taxes, ambulatory response, ARPA funding, sewer/water capacity and economic development are among those we have addressed with the current Frenchtown Board, Sen. Bellino and Representatives Thompson, Bruck, and DeSana. These conversations and actions must continue. Frenchtown faces a myriad of issues including quality of life, roads, education, senior services and public safety. I hope to provide effective leadership, experience and professionalism to the people of Frenchtown.

Why should people vote for you? This election is about values, relationships and qualifications. First elected to represent Frenchtown 25 years ago, my values have been steadfast. An unwavering fiscal conservative, I have been endorsed/recognized by Michigan Right To Life, Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, MUCC, Sheriffs, Deputy Sheriffs, NRA, FOP, ABATE, Michigan Firefighters, and veterans’ organizations during my career. I have solid relationships at the county, state and federal levels, including endorsements by Joe Bellino, Mark Brant, Jon Heinzerling, Kyle Bryant, Gary Klemz, Chris Collins, Christiaan Carlton and others. Finally, I listen, care and get things done. Thank you and I hope for your support.

Al (Alan) VanWashenova

Age: 67

Occupation: Farmer/Equipment Sale Service

Spouse/kids: Wife of 46 years, four boys, two daughters-in-law, six grandchildren

Government experience: Four years as Trustee; four years as Supervisor; MTA, County Chair;SEMCOG, Executive Committee Member; Justice 40 Communities Task Force; Ottawa-Stony North Watershed Steering Committee

Volunteer/community service experience: Many years on the Parish Council and President; numerous events and community programs; Newport Historical Society

Why are you running for the supervisor position? I have experienced first-hand specific needs of Frenchtown Township residents. This opens my mind to these issues, allowing me to understand the residents that live here and changes they want to see. I have started several projects to improve our township, projects I plan to complete in the next term.

What do you think is the main challenge facing Frenchtown Township, and what should be done about it?I feel communication is a need in the township for future growth. I believe every resident deserves recognition and a chance to voice their thoughts.

Why should people vote for you? As a lifelong resident, I am proud of where we live, go to school, play, work and shop. I’m not a politician. I am a Frenchtown resident, and just like the people who live here I want what is best for Frenchtown. Everything I have done and hope to continue doing has proven beneficial to the people living here. Our roadways and drainage have improved through grants, over millions of dollars, but there is still a lot to do, and I hope to see it through completion. As supervisor, I will continue to strive for a bright future for our township.

For more information about Monroe County’s primary election, visit co.monroe.mi.us/409/Elections.

— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at [email protected].

VaselineJuly 30, 2024

0 4 minutes read