WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal is not seeking re-election, which has led two Democrats running for the position in the Aug. 6 primary election. Related: After 15 years as supervisor, Pittsfield Township leader won’t seek 5th term Christina Lirones and Trish Reilly are seeking the seat.
Because there are no Republicans in the race, whoever wins the primary will run unopposed in the November general election. Lirones has been a Pittsfield Township resident for 30 years and has past experience as a full-time elected Pittsfield clerk, and then treasurer from 2000-08. She currently serves on the Board of Disability Network Washtenaw-Monroe-Livingston.
Reilly has been a Pittsfield Township resident for 28 years and serves as the current chair of the Pittsfield Township Park Commission and is the Washtenaw County chief deputy clerk/register of deeds. The township supervisor is elected to a four-year term and is responsible for setting the agenda, moderating and voting at the township Board of Trustees meeting, as well as developing the township budget and making appointments of members of township boards, committees and commissions with board approval. MLive/The Ann Arbor News has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide the Vote411.
org voter guide. In responses to the voter guide questionnaire , the candidates discussed their experience and topics such as their goals for the position and serious problems that the township is currently facing. Note: All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations.
Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.
What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? Lirones: Public service is my passion. My past experience as full-time elected Pittsfield Clerk, and then Treasurer, from 2000 to 2008, will aid our community. This year, 2 of the 3 full-time elected officials, including the Supervisor, and a majority of the Board, are not running for re-election.
We need experienced, empathetic leaders to provide services efficiently. I serve on the Board of Disability Network Washtenaw-Monroe-Livingston, and am a family caregiver. People of all abilities rely on responsive local officials & services.
I believe residents deserve ethical, accountable, and transparent government. As a Federal Revenue Officer 2010-15, I had a complete background check, & annual ethics training. I’m a National Treasury Employees Union member.
I served on Washtenaw County Farm Bureau 2009-16; my husband and I have owned our farm here since 1994. It’s in a conservation program and Environmentally Verified. I hold a BFA from UofM, and operated a graphics business in Ann Arbor.
Reilly: Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications/Marketing - EMU Master’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations - MSU Master’s Degree in Public Administration - UofM 2017 - Present: Current Elected Chair of the Pittsfield Township Park Commission and Township Representative on the Huron River Watershed Council and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Survey (WATS) Board. 2016-Present: Current Washtenaw County Chief Deputy Clerk/Register of Deeds where I worked to support local clerks on election integrity and now oversee the entire division. 2012-2016: Previous Deputy Supervisor of Pittsfield Township under the current administration where I was instrumental in the development of the Pittsfield Farmers Market, helped secure community-driven grants, assisted in budget oversight, supported planning/development projects and managed resident relations.
2002-2012: Previous Executive Vice President for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, advocating for local businesses. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them with limited resources? Lirones: I will focus our Township’s vision on a more just and sustainable future. My goals will cost little, and will secure a healthy future for all.
I envision a green future & respect for all residents. My guiding principles are fairness & equity for all. I will meet with & listen to residents: solutions begin with the people affected.
I will establish a Citizen Oversight Committee for Police & Township Administration; reinstate the Natural Resources Commission; reinstate the Housing Commission; seek diverse candidates for Planning Commission & all boards. Prioritize infill & brownfield development. Conserve greenspace.
Honor easements put in place to protect natural resources & neighborhoods. Review the Budget and Audit; prioritize needs over wants: affordability begins with responsible management by the Supervisor. Fill vacancies in Planning & Utilities: we haven’t had a Township planner for years.
Reduce use of consultants. Use funds from legal cannabis sales to benefit the community. Reilly: I will advocate for residents and make sure that our infrastructure is of high quality and well maintained while balancing our budget so that taxpayer dollars are put to efficient use.
Service delivery should be efficient, with consistent trash and recycling services, quality police, fire, and public safety services, proper water management, and more. I will support measures that make our roads safe for all users—not just cars, but also for bikes, buses, and pedestrians. It is also important that Pittsfield continues to systematically maintain and repair roads throughout the Township.
We need to give our Park Commission ample resources to increase access to Pittsfield’s greenspace, and continue to look for new ways for community members to enjoy Pittsfield’s natural beauty year round. Most importantly, Township government should be accessible, with plenty of resources for residents to follow Township Hall news and to get involved in our community. What are the most serious problems facing the township and how will you work to solve them? Lirones: I served as Chair of the Planning Commission 2000-2008, after rapid growth outstripped infrastructure here.
We face the same problems now. The Master Plan & utility service area need changes, to protect safe water & sewer service for residents. 2) Pittsfield has its own Police & Fire, often cited by residents as a reason to move here.
We voted to double the public safety millage, and our Police and Firefighters are dedicated to serving our Township. However, problems must be addressed. Our first Black Trustee ran for office in 2000 & won, after he was profiled returning to his own home.
Racial bias has existed in Pittsfield, and we still have work to do. Training, citizen oversight, and policy changes that national leaders are calling for will benefit all Township employees, and our residents. 3) Climate change is real.
I will seek changes to codes to allow for net zero and passive house construction, eliminate excess fees for solar panel inspection, and preserve our green spaces. Reilly: Housing, Infrastructure and Funding Ensuring that housing at all price points is available and that we manage our growth in a slow, thoughtful manner. We want to ensure that our infrastructure can support our growth.
Sustainability should be at our forefront as we cultivate our tight-knit community. We need to ensure that we keep Pittsfield a great place to live, work, and play for years to come with slow thoughtful growth and reliable/green infrastructure. Pittsfield is the second largest township in Washtenaw County, we have a strong voice in the conversation at the local, state and federal level.
I will make sure we have a seat at the table as resources and funding are being allocated. Obtaining additional funding can be a challenge, however leveraging our stellar bond rating and partnerships is essential. Recently I was able to work with Rep.
Brabec and Senator Irwin to obtain $1m for the Waters/Oak Valley Park via state appropriation funding. Partnerships are key! What are the township’s greatest assets and how can they be used to help the community thrive? Lirones: The people of this community & the space we share are our greatest assets. We love our public parks & beautiful open spaces.
These are often cited as the main reasons people move here. Short commutes to Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Saline allow us less stress. In the urban areas of the Township, we have public sewer and water services, and staff to maintain them.
We added a 5 million gallon water storage tank when I was last in office, to safeguard our drinking water supply. We have well-regarded Police and Fire Departments. We are a diverse and welcoming community, and people of all backgrounds, religions, and races feel comfortable here.
However, we must remain vigilant in protecting our open spaces and the beautiful canvas that is the natural beauty of Pittsfield. Unsustainable overdevelopment is congesting our Township and threatening our healthy environment. We must also repair and improve our infrastructure, and our public facilities, so residents and employees are safe and secure.
Reilly: I am so proud of Pittsfield Township and what the current administration has accomplished. I am honored to be a part of it as previous Deputy Supervisor, current Chair of the Park Commission, and current WATS and HRWC Representative..
. but there is more to be done and maintained. Pittsfield’s diversity and inclusion is second to none! The slate of candidates that I am running with in August are from all walks of life and live in all different regions of Pittsfield.
Half of the slate are current elected officials and half new energy which provides institutional knowledge and new energy. We will all work together to use our unique backgrounds as an asset to make well informed decisions. We have parks and pathways that are ripe to be improved and flourish.
Our Senior Center and Historical Society are hidden gems that can benefit all and lead Pittsfield Township into a true “blue zone” where people live longer, heavier and happier lives through purpose and inclusion. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page , the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free “ 3@3 Ann Arbor ” daily newsletter..
