WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Ten Democratic candidates will emerge from this August’s primary election as four members of the Superior Township Board of Trustees. Voters can choose four of the 10 candidates in the Aug. 6 primary.
There are no Republicans on the ticket, so the victorious four on Election Night will run unopposed in the November general election. The candidates include current township Supervisor Kenneth Schwartz, incumbent Trustees Bernice Lindke and Rhona McGill and challengers Brenda Baker, Tom Brennan, Sarah Devereaux, Dana Greene Jr., Dana L.
Harris, Brenda L. McKinney and Bernedia Word. Schwartz was appointed supervisor in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020.
He opted not to run for re-election this election cycle, instead throwing his hat in the ring for a trustee spot. Township trustees are elected to a four-year term coinciding with the presidential election cycle and serve on the Township Board of Trustees along with the supervisor, treasurer and clerk. They are the legislators for the township and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of township government, the township budget and other duties required by county, state and federal law.
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 , most of candidates discussed why they’re running and weighed in on topics such as experience and what they believe are the most serious problems facing the township.
Schwartz, McKinney and Word did not respond to the questionnaire. 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? Baker: Superior Township Resident since 1987.
Township government experience: Wetlands Board – 12 years; Planning Commission – 6 years; Steering Committee to update the Master Plan – 3 years, just completed. Township volunteer experience: Committee to Promote Superior Township – 2008–present; Neighborhood Watch Block Captain – 1990-present. NGO Experience: Superior Land Conservancy/Superior Township Chapter of Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy – Founding member, current Co-Chair.
I have considerable connections in both the southern (densely populated Urban Services District) part of the Township because that’s where I live and the northern part of the Township because of my land conservation work. I consider land use planning to be my major strength, due to formal work on the Planning Commission, Wetlands Board, and Master Plan Steering Committee in combination with extensive volunteer work in land conservation. Brennan : I currently serve on the Superior Township Planning Commission and have been since 2015.
I currently serve as the secretary. I also am the Planning Commission Liason to the Zoning Board of Appeals which I was recently appointed as chair. I recently served on our Master Plan Steering Committee as well.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bowling Green State University. Devereaux : My career in the tech industry (including as a Google exec) and as a Leadership Coach and Strategic Advisor has allowed me to develop deep expertise when it comes to decision-making, prioritization, and how people and systems can work together towards a common goal. I’m also a master facilitator, designing and facilitating programs for top leadership and executive teams across the globe and close to home.
I’m highly innovative, collaborative, and optimistic. I believe that no challenge is too great when well-intentioned people work together. I don’t take “we can’t” or “this is just how it’s always been done” as an answer (or excuse) for why we can’t make things better or try something new.
My background, experience, and training has made me an expert at solving hard problems and getting things done.I have a bachelors from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and obtained my Leadership Coaching Certification from the International Coaching Federation. Greene Jr.
: I received my Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan in 2016 and my Master of Public Health in 2019. My experience in the public health profession allows me to view issues with a complete perspective. I view lack of economic opportunity, food insecurity, housing instability, and educational disparities as societal issues rather than placing blame on the individual.
These problem require policy solutions and collaboration to address across local, state, and federal organizations to address these issues appropriately. Harris : My experience working in different leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, also serving in several union leadership roles has taught me how to represent people in need and become very effective at solving problems and getting results that the people needs. Lindke : I have a master’s in Public Administration and bachelor’s in Business/Accounting.
My work experience has focused in county government and in higher education; most notably serving as the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Eastern Michigan University. After retiring from EMU, I consulted with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.
, Mott Community College in Flint and Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills to assist with enrollment administration and planning. Both my education and work experience have helped inform the work I have done as a Trustee to Superior Charter Township. If I had to highlight one thing I’ve learned from these roles, it is how to go from a project idea to its realization - having navigated countless projects through bureaucracies.
McGill : My education and experience uniquely qualify me for the role of township trustee. I began my college journey focused on Political Science and Government, and ended with a degree in Occupational Studies with a focus on Management and Leadership. I have several certifications in leadership and over 25 years in Sr.
Leadership positions.I take seriously the fiduciary responsibility of government and have dedicated my life to service and advocacy for the community.As an incumbent, I also understand the many issues facing our township and am prepared to work with the next administration to get things done.
I have a proven track record of leadership, problem-solving and fiscal responsibility. I believe in the importance of making data-driven decisions, and I am an advocate for our community. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them with limited resources? Baker: • Communication – Despite existing, traditional channels of communication, I believe that today’s constituents feel disengaged and not heard.
I plan to organize “listening sessions” by neighborhood where one or two Trustees meet with constituents where they live to hear and address concerns. • Land use planning – I will vigorously defend the Master Plan against any outside force that tries to override the established plan for land use set forth by the people of Superior Township. The way we choose to use our land sets the foundation for how we develop as a community.
• Responsible management of vendors – Just since the pandemic, Superior Township has had major service and/or cost issues with builders, construction firms, solid waste collection, brush removal, IT, and sidewalk repair. I gained relevant experience managing vendors in my career as a Manufacturing Engineer and Project Manager, and I feel I can provide practical advice in this regard. Brennan : I want to make sure that all citizens in our township have a voice and access to services in the township.
We also need to make sure that ordinances are being equitably enforced. Residents don’t always have the ability to maintain their property according to township ordinances, and I want to work with the rest of the board to propose a volunteer corp to go around doing tasks such as lawn mowing, and snow removal. I also would like to establish a lending resource for various tools, perhaps in partnership with the Ypsilanti Library.
Devereaux : I believe that great things can be accomplished with very few resources when communities work together — pooling their talent and their passion to contribute and make the lives of their neighbors better. Although I have much to learn and many residents to listen to, my goals in this moment for the Township are: Keep Our Spaces Green & Clean: Improve parks and paths, protect forests and wildlife, remove roadside trash. Fix Our Neighborhoods: Repair streets and sidewalks, plant and trim trees, replace street lights.
Expand Our Community Services: Launch new youth programs, invest in community center and garden. Support Our Small Businesses: Promote local businesses, make it easier to launch and grow a small business in Superior Township. Get Our Government Working: Demand respect and honesty, work together to make faster progress, involve and listen to all citizens.
Greene Jr. : If I was elected as a Superior Township Trustee my goals will be as follows: 1.) To create policies to ensure we have equitable hiring and compensation practices for township staff.
We can’t address the larger inequities in our township if we fail to practice these values within our own government. 2.)Increasing transperancy between local government officials and residents.
Residents should have multiple ways of connecting with board officials outside of the board room. 3.)Ensuring projects like the proposed Community Center South of Geddes road in the Washington Square neighborhood reaches it conclusion and supporting the Clay Hill Farms project to help tackle food insecurity.
Harris : If I was elected as a Superior Township Trustee my goals will be as follows:1.) To create policies to ensure we have equitable hiring and compensation practices for township staff. We can’t address the larger inequities in our township if we fail to practice these values within our own government.
2.)Increasing transperancy between local government officials and residents. Residents should have multiple ways of connecting with board officials outside of the board room.
3.)Ensuring projects like the proposed Community Center South of Geddes road in the Washington Square neighborhood reaches it conclusion and supporting the Clay Hill Farms project to help tackle food insecurity. Lindke : My goals are to 1) ensure that funds are budgeted and spent in an equitable, lawful and fair manner for the programs and services provided by our township; 2) make sure that the open spaces purchased by the township are serving the public through programs like regenerative gardening, and that we are good stewards of the land; 3) prioritize repairs to our streets and roads, sidewalk and pathways to make them safer for all residents; 4) identify and repair or replace outdated utility infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water is available to all and that wastewater is managed safely and appropriately.
McGill : I will continue support the residents in my community and ensure them that they have a voice in our government and true representation at the table that is working for them. I will prioritize responsible budgeting and fiduciary oversight. I will continue to raise questions and seek answers when I observe that something is not in the best interest of our community.
I will work with all areas of our government to continue to enhance our township’s infrastructure, including roads, walking paths, parks, and community facilities. It is through collaboration that we can address the many needs of our community to get things done. Our community is rich with resources and when we all work together, we can do so much more to move the needle for our residents.
I believe in the power of community involvement. I will continue to work with residents to identify ways to keep them engaged with with their government so that their voices are always heard. What are the most serious problems facing the township and how will you work to solve them? Baker : The most serious problem facing Superior Township is lack of civility in conducting both routine and nonroutine business.
The toxic environment at the Township Hall workplace has driven some employees to quit, some to tears, and some to file suit. I will advocate for a clearly defined Human Resources function, including a formal organizational chart and a basic employee handbook/code of conduct. Sadly, this has spilled over into dysfunctional public meetings that are both ineffective and embarrassing.
I will call out anyone (officials and citizens) who does not conduct themselves with the level of decorum a Township meeting deserves. The next most serious problem facing the Township is that the Zoning Ordinance is woefully out of date. This has led to a couple of unfortunate Zoning decisions that have adversely impacted residents, while at the same time, modern land uses (such as allowing solar panels on residences and in agricultural fields) are needlessly stifled.
Brennan : One of the most serious problems is affecting us globally. Climate change is a major issue. One issue is our current zoning ordinance does not address solar panels for farm land.
I want to make sure this is addressed so that anyone with land can put solar panels on the land and make homes less reliant on fossil fuels. The other issue is the urban service area is what is known as a “food desert” Residents either have to drive to the nearest grocery store or rely on bus service that only serves the area once every 30-60 minutes. The hope is that Clay Hill Farm will help give access to fresh produce.
With that and the new library branch, my hope is to try initiatives to attract a small business in the form of a corner store to consider opening up shop. Devereaux : I believe that striking the right balance across both rural and urban developments is paramount. We are a highly environmentally conscious community, and we value the beauty and serenity of our natural spaces.
At the same time, however, we need to ensure that our more urban neighborhoods are taken care of. We’ve done a lot right on this front, but there’s still a long way to go. Public safety, green spaces, and land conservation are three priorities at the top of my list .
I am also disheartened by the divisive narrative I’ve heard over the past few months, pitting residents who live South vs. North of Geddes against each other. I believe strongly that we need to invest more heavily in our South of Geddes neighborhoods.
But, I don’t believe that framing this need for further investment as a “them against us” argument serves anyone. We need to work together to protect and enhance our entire community. Planting seeds of division does nothing to advance our collective progress.
Greene Jr. : The most serious problem facing our township is economic inequality. The median income within the township is $84,500.
However the median income is significantly skewed with one census tract (4070 blocks 1 & 2) with median incomes of almost $200,000. While census tract 4074 is barely $40,000. This type of income inequality within a small township like Superior should not be acceptable.
In fact income inequality of this nature anywhere in unacceptable. Harris : Resources to mental health, better access to mass transportation, and improve the relationship the community and law enforcement. If elected I would reach out to our state representative and members of congress to help Allocate resources to our township to help improve the concerns list above.
Lindke : 1) Upholding principles of accountability and transparency in all of the discussions at the Board level. 2) Helping to foster an awareness of the unique needs of all of our residents and provide resources according to those needs. 3) Protecting the cash assets of the township by putting better safeguards in place through the installation of a more robust and secure IT system.
4) Ensuring that the work of the township staff is guided by written policies and procedures to allow for continuity, accountability and professionalism. McGill : Some of the most significant issues are related to some of the roads that need to be repaired, sidewalks and walking paths that are needed to ensure safety of our residents when walking. These are safety issues which must be addressed.
Encourage business owners in the Dixboro area to look at ways that we can bring even more opportunities to the community by creating access to residents south of Geddes through “pop up” style offerings in various areas of the community. By fostering a business-friendly environment we can improve access to our entire community.I will advocate for responsible land use policies, conservation efforts, and green infrastructure initiatives.
Collaborating with organizations such as Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, The Huron River Watershed Council and others will be critical in the face of the many climate related challenges we face. What are the township’s greatest assets and how can they be used to help the community thrive? Baker: Superior Township’s greatest assets are its people and its land. The diverse population has brought different perspectives, ideas, and wisdom to bear over several decades, resulting in the evolution of our Township into the One Superior Place it is today.
The land is the foundation that supports the activities of both people and nature. Together, the people and the land thrive. Consistent adherence to the Master Plan—including future planning—is the most effective way to manage our land use.
The people can thrive by being engaged in the greater community through effective communication, transportation (trails and buses), and maintenance and enhancement of resources such as the Superior Township branch of the Ypsilanti District Library, the (coming soon) Community Center near the site of the former Cheney School, and Township Parks and Preserves. Brennan: One of the greatest assets is our people. The residents care about the community and that is why we have many residents stepping up when an opportunity arises to serve our community.
Another great asset is the close proximity to multiple outdoor places. In other communities you have to travel great distances to be able to go hiking. Here in Superior Township, you are just minutes away from parks and nature preserves.
Devereaux: Superior Township has two assets that stand out above the rest: (1) Stunning natural and rural spaces, including: farms, forests, community gardens, natural beauty roads, rivers, streams, wetlands, and more. (2) A phenomenally diverse population that is kind, welcoming, and community oriented. I believe that we have an opportunity to combine these two assets more thoughtfully in ways that will further set Superior Township apart as a unique and special place to live.
I’m excited to work with the Board to figure out ways to involve more community members from across the full range of our Township in rural and conservation projects. The Clay Hill Community Garden is a great start, but we could go so much further. Greene Jr.
: The greatest assets in Superior Township are its people and its green space. Superior Township has an abundance of green space the makes it a popular area for aspiring home owners. It also makes it a popular area for development.
Superior Township needs to balance these two competing interest by working to preserve designated lands while also striving to provide opportunity for economic development for residents seeking upward mobility. Lastly, Superior is truly home to some of the kindest people in not only Washtenaw County but in Michigan. It is a community that looks out for one another and cares about providing a great community for all of its residents.
I truly believe that as some of our township inequities become more apparent and residents begin to understand the needs of all of its citizens we can work collectively to make a Superior Township that is prosperous for everyone. I want Superior to be known for its love & care of it’s children and families. Harris: I think some of the greatest assets we have is our diversity in the township.
The more Community events we have is the perfect way to bring people together and learn from one another is the way thrive. Lindke: During the last four years, Washtenaw County and Superior Township worked together to bring a community center to the eastern side of the county. Many township residents voiced their support for the center and helped to make this idea come to life.
Other excellent assets are the many parks and non-motorized pathways available throughout the township. Superior Township is growing and the parks and pathways are inviting spaces to draw people together. Our newest park will be the Dixboro Village Green which is an historical gem added to our inventory of parks.
Over 300 acres of open land was purchased in 2022 and it is important to manage and protect this land in a sustainable way for all of our residents to enjoy. McGill: Our township is rich with natural beauty, including parks, trails, and open spaces. These assets provide recreational opportunities that contribute to our residents’ physical and mental well-being.
We have the benefit of location and convenience with access to surrounding communities and major highways. Our township’s cultural diversity is rich as is our historical. We need to use opportunities such as Superior Days and the weekly Dixboro Farmers Market to highlight the richness as well and engage with our residents from all corners of the township to celebrate our rich culture.
These activities and others will not only enhance our cultural identity but also attract visitors, and contribute to our economic prosperity. Our township does not have to be a “us”or “them” community. By harnessing our many amazing assets effectively, we can be a “WE” community that is vibrant and resilient.
A community where residents can be proud to live, work, and raise their families. 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..
