This year, 16 candidates are vying for seven seats on the Springfield Township Board. These are our picks:
Mike Trout is the candidate best qualified to serve as Springfield Township’s next supervisor. Trout approached the election with a solid balance of professionalism and enthusiasm, and we think that bodes well for the job he’ll do if he’s chosen to replace retiring Collin Walls.
He’s a certified planner with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and formerly served as deputy airport director at Bishop International Airport in Flint. Before that, he was both director and deputy director of Detroit City Airport. He served on Livonia’s Zoning Board of Appeals and has experience as a planning consultant, in real estate, small business and farming.
We especially like Trout’s experience in the complicated process of obtaining government and foundation grants, a skill that, if utilized as promised, could make him invaluable to Springfield Township as revenues continue to decrease. We’re expecting an impressive performance.
Our pick for clerk was difficult. From the pool of five candidates, we think Laura Moreau comes out on top, with Donna Clancy very close behind.
Moreau has the backing of retiring Clerk Nancy Strole, who says she was impressed with Moreau’s commitment to the community while leading her homeowners? association, making presentations to the board, and working as a member of the Planning Commission.
We saw it, too.
Moreau impressed us with her intelligence, her ability to quickly understand issues like zoning, planning and development. We like her energy and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get to work when others stand on the sidelines, too. We’re behind Moreau for clerk.
Incumbent Jamie Dubre gets our nod for a return to the treasurer’s office. Dubre is solid in her knowledge and speaks with authority on all issues related to her office.
She has a firm grasp on general township goings-on, as well, and consistently contributes to township board meetings and won’t hesitate to voice an unpopular opinion.
Three incumbent trustees running for reelection also have our support. Denny Vallad was first elected in 1988.
His long history of service to the township includes appointment to the Election Commission, ZBA, Planning Commission and the Susin Lake Improvement Board. Vallad will be the board’s senior member when Walls and Strole leave in November.
Dave Hopper has eight years on the board, five on the Planning Commission, and serves on a Planned Unit Development Committee and Election Commission.
Roger Lamont, a retail operations director for the Auburn Hills Meijer store, was elected in 2004 and also serves on the ZBA and as chairman of the Planning Commission.
All three share a passion for Springfield Township and take township board responsibilities seriously ? this is especially important now, as the board absolutely must have experienced members for a smooth transition when a new supervisor and clerk are seated.
For the fourth seat, we’re giving the nod to first-time candidate Judy Hensler, a retired real estate broker who says she’s interested in revitalization of the Davisburg Hamlet and quality development along the Dixie Highway Corridor.
Although Hensler will have her work cut out catching up to the more experienced board members, she’s shown interest and enthusiasm, and proved she wasn’t afraid to speak for what she believes in. We think she’s already off to a good start.