The challenges of balanced growth and the future of downtown Davisburg were among items debated by candidates for the Springfield Township Board last week.
Most of the hopefuls on the Aug. 3 primary ballot appeared at a Thursday, June 22 breakfast forum at the Columbiere Center sponsored by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
The candidates (all Republicans) were allowed one-minute segments to introduce themselves and outline their qualifications, after which chamber President Tim Patterson asked questions written and submitted from the audience of about 50.
Notable were differences in approach of candidates supported by Citizens For a Progressive Springfield against the incumbent supervisor, treasurer and clerk.
The trustee forum came first, however, and the only candidate fielded by the coalition, Marc Cooper, was absent. The four candidates who were present almost sheepishly admitted their answers would be very similar, including the question of how to balance diverse citizen concerns with ‘the reality of sometimes making unpopular decisions.?
‘In politics, you do not make everybody happy, but you still have to make the decision that is the most responsible one for the township,? Roger Lamont said.
Incumbent Dean Baker quoted President Harry Truman’s witticism: ‘If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog.? He said the township’s master plan and zoning ordinance are ‘a set of standards we look to give us guidance at times like that.?
Trustee candidates also agreed that growth is an ongoing issue, with the need to balance legitimate business development with preservation of the township’s natural features.
‘People want to maintain the rural atmosphere,? incumbent David Hopper said.
Incumbent Dennis Vallad agreed that growth is the big issue, but added a need for police and fire protection to keep up with the development.
‘It’s something we have to continue to monitor and get the biggest bang for the buck,? Vallad said.
When candidates for supervisor, treasurer and clerk were called to the table, they were respectful but open with disagreements. Bill Sahutske, the supervisor candidate supported by Citizens For a Progressive Springfield, was bold with his argument for a change in administration.
‘While they have done a good job up to today, to now currently, they have become ineffective and they do not have the well-being of the community in mind in the decision-making process,? Sahutske said.
Sahutske did not offer ? and the time limit did not allow ? specifics to back up his accusation.
Incumbent Supervisor Collin Walls said his 27-1/2 years in office was a good standard for citizens to evaluate.
‘Who I am, what I believe and what I’ve accomplished is an open book.?
In answer to a question concerning managing growth over the next five years, incumbent Treasurer Jamie Dubre said the master plan is the most important guide.
‘I think growth is inevitable, but it’s a manner of managing it,? Dubre said.
Dubre’s challenger, James Ashley, was not present at the candidate forum.
Incumbent Clerk Nancy Strole said the township is in ‘an excellent position? to manage ‘viable growth? with an emphasis on ‘redevelopment,? citing the example of the Dixie Highway corridor.
In this area, clerk challenger Christine Reilly agreed to a point, but called for better followup.
‘The incumbents are leaving us with a fine master plan,? she said. ‘Our job will be to coordinate fair and enforceable ordinances with that master plan.?
The biggest disagreement among candidates was in response to a question concerning plans to ‘revitalize downtown Davisburg.?
‘My specific goal for reviving downtown Davisburg is: I don’t have any,? Walls said, noting two of his family members who operate downtown businesses. ‘Until the business people and property owners of downtown Davisburg come to the township and ask for help, I don’t think we as a unit of government should be imposing our will and our philosophy on it.?
Sahutske and Reilly promoted the national Main Street program, in which communities compete for grants.
‘It’s a great way to get funds for the development of the downtown area,? Reilly said. ‘It would also assist the businesses, and if they had some encouragement, they would feel more like contributing their own monetary support.?
‘I would like to see something done in the hamlet, but I also believe it is the responsibility of business owners to get together and decide what their vision is,? Dubre said, noting such a vision is a requirement for the Main Street program.
Strole said the revitalization ‘is already happening? with the sale of the old township hall to an attorney who is renovating the building for his law practice.
‘It needs people who actually live there and own businesses there to initiate and take an active part in the solution,? Strole said.