Atlas Twp. – A field of 10 candidates will seek office in the 2008 township primary election on Aug. 5.
All who win seats at the August primary will run unopposed in the November election with the exception of the clerk race, between incumbent Tere Onica (R), and Mary Koppinger (D).
Onica, 49, has served for eight years as clerk. She has a BA from Oakland University and is a certified municipal clerk, which she achieved in 2002 through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. ‘In the eight years that I have served as clerk, I have gained considerable knowledge about how government works,? said Onica.
Koppinger, 54, has been a project manager and field foreman for VFP (Viking Fire Protection) and has worked for Johnny Green mechanical contractors, where she worked in the field and in management as a project manager and fire protection design manager.
‘I believe that Atlas Township should be open to their citizens and be accessible, friendly and helpful,? said Koppinger.
Challenging for supervisor is Shirley Kautman-Jones, who served on the Goodrich Schools Board of Education from 1994 to 2003. She has also been a member of the township planning commission and was on the Goodrich volunteer ambulance service board. ‘My first goal would be to review the assessed property in Atlas Township based on the reality of the current economy and real estate values today,? said Kautman-Jones.
Incumbent Paul Amman is seeking his third term as supervisor. Amman was a township trustee for four years and on the planning commission for seven years. ‘Times are tough throughout the state of Michigan and we can’t ask taxpayers for more funding,? said Amman. ‘We must make do with what we have and get more done with less money.?
Incumbent Ann Marie Slagle has served one term as the township treasurer. ‘We have a great community and I love working with the people here.?
Ann Hutchins will challenge Slagle for the treasurer’s seat. She is a substitute teacher for Goodrich Schools and said she has some corporate background in asset management at IBM. Hutchins was also the chairperson for ‘Goodtimes in Goodrich? in 2006. ‘We are in very challenging economic times and I think it is a good time for some change,? she said.
Four candidates are running for two trustee seats.
Incumbent Scott Statson, 40, has served for two terms as trustee. He is an executive recruiter for sales executives.
‘We have made great improvements in our township over the past eight years,? he said. We hold the county’s feet to the fire while improving services and keeping costs in line.?
Incumbent Barry June, 46, has served one term as trustee.
‘We provide good value for the money that is being spent,? he said. ‘I know how people feel about taxes around here. I also believe we have managed our growth well.?
Susan Arnold will challenge both Statson and June for a trustee seat. ‘I am running for trustee to encourage better planning to protect our water quality and land values; to explore areas where expenses could be shared between the village and township to reduce the tax burden of both.? Arnold has a background in education in planning and zoning policies. She is a 20-year member of the Michigan Association of Planning and former township planning commissioner and chairperson.
Trustee candidate Norene Newton did not respond.