With the Nov. 5 General Election on the horizon, here’s a look at some basic voter and candidate information for the Northwest sector of Mecosta County. This sector includes:
- Big Rapids Charter Township
- Colfax Township
- Grant Township
- Green Charter Township
BIG RAPIDS CHARTER TOWNSHIP
VOTER INFO:
Election Date: Nov. 5, 2024
Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Voting Site: Big Rapids Charter Township Hall (14212 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307)
More Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index
CANDIDATE INFO:
Supervisor (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Bruce Borkovich, REP, Big Rapids
- Experience: Deputy Township Supervisor, Director of Public Safety at Ferris State University (8 years), former Michigan Conservation Officer
- Inspiration: Experience in government and organizational units
- Focus: Ensure the voices of Big Rapids are represented, maintain recreational and agricultural nature in the area
- Quote: "I feel I can fulfill that role as part of a really outstanding board at the township, focused on determining what the needs and desires of the constituents are, not deciding what is good for them without their direction."
- Tim Hahn, DEM, Big Rapids
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Experience: Census Crew Leader (2010), Mecosta County Treasurer's Office, Hearst/PioneerNewspaper (since 2013)
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Inspiration: Behavior and actions/inaction of current board, misleading with Project Elephant
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Focus: Better engage and communicate with the community, collaborative leadership and stronger relationships with our neighboring local governments and Ferris State University
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Quote: "Anyone who truly knows me can tell you I thrive on working with diverse groups of people to solve problems, or even just improve efficiency. I love this community, and I will always put the interests of Big Rapids Township and its’ residents above my own. I’ve seen first hand over the last 50+ years what we can accomplish when we find common ground and set out to achieve a goal. We are stronger together."
Clerk (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
Linda Combs, DEM, Big Rapids (WITHDREW)- Hannah Saez, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Karen GreenBay, DEM, Big Rapids (WRITE-IN)
- Experience: Secretarial, recruitment, coordinator, and assistant manager positions within Ferris State University; board member for Crossroads Charter PTA, Manna Pantry, Meceola Children's Council, Big Rapids Public Schools Sports Boosters, and planned fundraising events with Angels of Action
- Inspiration: Long-time experience in area, extensive involvement in community projects and organizations
- Focus: Improving the relationship with residents and township, set the tone within township offices
- Quote: "As a small business owner and long time resident, I am invested in this community and would be ecstatic if our child could continue the business legacy in this community. I view Big Rapids as my village and I want residents of Big Rapids Township to know they can be confident in their vote to elect me as the next Township Clerk that will write our next chapter forward together!"
Treasurer (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Dena Marek, REP, Big Rapids
Trustee (Four Year Term) – Four Seats Available
- Amy Bowling, DEM, Big Rapids
- Experience: Clinical chaplain at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans (10 years), computer programmer, adjunct professor for Grand Rapids Community College
- Inspiration: Division and anger within our community
- Focus: Hear out diverse perspectives and show love into community
- Quote: "I am a mother, wife, farmer, teacher, and chaplain. I run a small business using the fiber from my llamas, alpacas, and angora rabbits to make yarn, roving, and lots of other items. I understand the challenges of small business owners in a community that takes their business to box retailers or out of town. I would love to have your vote for Big Rapids Township Trustee."
- Joe Bechaz, REP, Big Rapids
- Jerald Everett, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: Township Trustee (8 years), U.S. Army Special Forces Veteran (1968-1971), project manager
- Inspiration: Neighbor's suggestion
- Focus: Support the wishes of the Township with no political ambitions, bring constructive and researched discussions to the board
- Quote: "Remaining focused on the task at hand can be a challenge in today’s toxic political environment, but it is not impossible. We need to be building bridges between various ideas while looking for compromises that focus on how to live and work together."
- Krysti Kidder, DEM, Big Rapids
- Experience: Food Service Management Company Area Director for Local Schools (26 years), Local Youth Hockey (BRAJHA) Board Member, Cardinal Varsity Hockey Booster President (3 years)
- Inspiration: Seeing local board accepting 'status quo' and lack of attention to Industrial Park
- Focus: More direct line of communication, relationship building with other area boards, and creating a vision for the future
- Quote: "I have been a township resident for the last 26 years. I am a mom, a wife and a business leader. I care about our community and the future. My daughter is finishing her MBA at Ferris and my son is a Junior at Ferris. Sitting back, waiting, and pretending the area is doing okay instead of taking an active role in helping move forward, is important. I enjoy working with people with differing views and opinions and think we should take a positive approach to looking at the future. Communication, collaboration and compromise will set us on a good path to achieving our goals."
- Chris Teceno, REP, Big Rapids
- Ron Welch, REP, Big Rapids
- Steve Sims, NPA, Big Rapids
COLFAX TOWNSHIP
VOTER INFO:
Election Date: Nov. 5, 2024
Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Voting Site: Colfax Township Hall (14428 157th Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307)
More Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index
CANDIDATE INFO:
Supervisor (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Nick Kaye, REP, Rodney (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: Township Supervisor (12 years), Mecosta County Road Commission employee (26 years)
- Inspiration: Initially asked to run by former supervisor
- Focus: Bridge the cimmunication gap between citizens and the township board
- Quote: "I intend on continuing to work with the different personalities/views on our board while being responsible with public funds while minimizing township intrusion on our people."
Clerk (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Susan Olson, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
Treasurer (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Julie Johansen, DEM, Rodney (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: Township treasurer (14 years), co-owner and office manager for Angus beef farm
- Inspiration: Previous treasurer's recomendation
- Focus: Improve the township
- Quote: "I believe in the things we do. In my time in office, the board has completed many projects to help our residents and I would love to continue to improve our township. I have enjoyed my time in office and would appreciate your support."
Trustee (Four Year Term) – Two Seats Available
- Bill Burmeister, DEM, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: Township Trustee (4 years), former high school teacher and coach, professor at multiple state universities
- Inspiration: Give back to the community
- Focus: Work together with board members, be a 'team player'
- Quote: "As a former United Way Board Member, I bring a commitment to help others. The last four years have been very rewarding, and I would like to serve one more term."
- Karen Morningstar, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
GRANT TOWNSHIP
VOTER INFO:
Election Date: Nov. 5, 2024
Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Voting Site: Grant Township Hall (15081 20 Mile Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307)
More Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index
CANDIDATE INFO:
Supervisor (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Cheryl Aris, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT - CLERK)
Clerk (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Lisa Cranney, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
Treasurer (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
Trustee (4 Year Term) – Two Seats Available
- Nicholas Bentley, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Travis Horstman, REP, Big Rapids
GREEN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
VOTER INFO:
Election Date: Nov. 5, 2024
Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Voting Site: Green Charter Township Hall (21431 Northland Drive, Paris, MI 49338)
More Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index
CANDIDATE INFO:
Supervisor (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Jason Kruse, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Joseph Percy, DEM, Big Rapids
Clerk (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Corri Riebow, REP, Paris (INCUMBENT)
Treasurer (Four Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Jilliane Walsh, REP, Paris
Trustee (Four Year Term) – Four Seats Available
- Katy Battle, DEM, Hersey
- Experience: Postal Service Clerk,
- Inspiration: Asked to run, seeing the TWP Board recalled last year
- Focus: Bring back unity in the community
- Quote: "I have lived in Green Charter township all my life. I only live 5 miles from where I grew up. I feel that it is my duty to give back to my community."
- Kelly Cushway, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Scott MacFarlane, REP, Paris
- Ross Meads, REP, Big Rapids
- Jeffrey Thorne, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
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