2 Democrats Running for Pittsfield Borough Supervisor

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. — Pittsfield Borough Councilwoman Mandy Grewal will not seek re-election. Two Democrats ran for the seat in the Aug. 6 primary.

Related: After 15 years as supervisor, Pittsfield Township leader will not seek fifth term

Christina Lirones and Trish Reilly are running for 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 resident of Pittsfield Township for 30 years and has experience as a full-time Pittsfield clerk and then treasurer from 2000-08. She currently serves on the board of the Disability Network Washtenaw-Monroe-Livingston.

Reilly has been a resident of Pittsfield for 28 years and currently serves as Chairman of the Pittsfield Parish Parks Commission and as Deputy Clerk/Recorder of Deeds for Washtenaw County.

The commune supervisor is elected for a four-year term and is responsible for setting the agenda, moderating and voting at meetings of the commune’s Board of Trustees, as well as developing the commune’s budget and appointing members of the commune’s boards, commissions and committees with the consent of the council.

MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters Michigan Education Fund to provide Vote411.org Voter Guide.

In their responses to the voter questionnaire, candidates discussed their experiences and topics such as their goals for the position and major issues currently facing the commune.

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 the response exceeded the character limit. Spelling and grammar have not been corrected. The publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be construed as an endorsement. The League never endorses or opposes any candidate or political party.

What elements of your education and experience make you the best candidate for this position?

Lirones: Public service is my passion. My previous experience as a full-time elected official in Pittsfield and then Treasurer from 2000 to 2008 will help our community. This year, 2 of the 3 full-time elected officials, including the Supervisor and most of the Board, are not seeking re-election. We need experienced, compassionate leaders to provide efficient services.

I am a board member of Disability Network Washtenaw-Monroe-Livingston and I am a family caregiver. People of all abilities rely on responsive local officials and services. I believe residents deserve ethical, accountable, and transparent government.

As a Federal Revenue Officer from 2010-15, I completed a full background check and annual ethics training. I am a member of the National Treasury Employees Union. I served on the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau from 2009-16; my husband and I have owned our farm since 1994. It is in the Environmental Protection Program and is environmentally verified. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UofM and have owned a graphic design business in Ann Arbor.

Reilly: Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications/Marketing – EMU Master of Science in Communications/Public Relations – MSU Master of Science in Public Administration – UofM

2017 – Present: Currently elected Chair of the Pittsfield Parish Parks Commission and the Parish representative on the Huron River Watershed Council and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Survey (WATS) Board.

2016-Present: Currently Deputy Chief Clerk/Recorder for Washtenaw County, where I supported local officials with election integrity and now oversee the entire department.

2012-2016: Previously Deputy Borough Manager for Pittsfield under current administration where I was instrumental in developing the Pittsfield Farmers Market, assisted in securing community-based grant funding, assisted with budget oversight, supported planning/development projects and managed resident relations.

2002-2012: Formerly executive vice president of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce, advocate for local businesses.

What goals will you set for yourself if elected, and how will you work to achieve them with limited resources?

Lirones: I will focus our vision for our borough on a more just and sustainable future. My goals will be low-cost and provide a healthy future for all. I envision a green future and respect for all residents. My guiding principles are justice and equity for all. I will meet with and listen to residents: solutions start with the people affected. I will create a Citizen Oversight Committee for Police and Borough Administration; restore the Natural Resources Commission; restore the Housing Commission; seek diverse candidates for the Planning Commission and all boards. I will prioritize development and growth on brownfields. I will preserve green spaces. I will honor easements that were put in place to protect natural resources and neighborhoods. I will review the budget and audit; I will prioritize needs over wants: affordability starts with responsible stewardship by the Supervisor. I will fill vacancies in Planning and Services: we have not had a Borough Planner in years. I will reduce the use of consultants. I will use funds from legal cannabis sales to benefit the community.

Reilly: I will advocate for our residents and make sure our infrastructure is high quality and well maintained, while balancing our budget so taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Service delivery should be efficient, with consistent trash and recycling services, high 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 bikes, buses and pedestrians as well. It is also important that Pittsfield continues to consistently maintain and repair roads throughout the city. We must ensure that our Park Commission has sufficient resources to increase access to green spaces in Pittsfield and continue to find new ways for community members to enjoy the natural beauty of Pittsfield year-round. Most importantly, city government should be accessible, with many resources for residents to follow Township Hall news and engage with our community.

What are the most serious problems facing the commune and how do you intend to solve them?

Lirones: I served as Planning Commission Chairman from 2000-2008, after rapid economic growth outpaced infrastructure. We have the same problems now. The master plan and utility district need to be changed to protect safe water and sewer service for residents. 2) Pittsfield has its own police and fire department, often cited by residents as a reason for moving here. We voted to double the tax for public safety, and our police and fire departments are dedicated to serving our community. But the problems must be addressed. Our first black trustee ran for office in 2000 and won after being profiled while returning home. There was racial bias in Pittsfield, and we still have work to do. The training, citizen oversight, and policy changes that national leaders are calling for will benefit all borough employees and our residents. 3) Climate change is real. I will advocate for changes to the law to allow for the construction of net zero and passive homes, eliminate excessive solar panel inspection fees, and preserve our green spaces.

Reilly: Housing, Infrastructure and Financing

Ensuring affordable housing at every price point and slowly, thoughtfully managing our growth. We want to ensure our infrastructure can support our growth. Sustainability should be at the forefront as we nurture our close-knit community. We need to ensure that Pittsfield remains a great place to live, work and play for years to come through slow, thoughtful growth and reliable/green infrastructure.

Pittsfield is the second largest municipality in Washtenaw County, we have a strong voice in the discussion at the local, state and federal levels. I will make sure we have a seat at the table when resources and funds are allocated.

Obtaining additional funding can be a challenge, but leveraging our excellent bond rating and partnerships is essential. I recently partnered with Rep. Brabec and Senator Irwin to secure $1 million for Waters/Oak Valley Park through state funding. Partnerships are key!

What are the commune’s greatest assets and how can they be used to help the local community develop?

Lirones: The people of this community and the spaces we share are our greatest asset. We love our public parks and beautiful open spaces. They are often cited as the top reasons people move here. Short commutes to Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Saline allow us to be less stressed. In the urban areas of the Township, we have public sewer and water services and the staff to maintain them. We added a 5 million gallon water tank when I was last in office to protect our drinking water supplies. We have respected 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 Pittsfield’s natural beauty. Unsustainable overdevelopment is densifying our Township and threatening our healthy environment. We also need to repair and improve our infrastructure and our public facilities to keep residents and workers safe.

Reilly: I am proud of Pittsfield Township and what this administration has accomplished. I am honored to be a part of it as a former deputy superintendent, current chairman of the Park Commission, and current representative of WATS and HRWC… but there is still much to be done and maintained.

Pittsfield’s diversity and inclusivity are unmatched! The slate of candidates I am running with in August comes from diverse backgrounds and resides in diverse areas of Pittsfield. Half of the slate are current elected officials and half are new energy bringing institutional knowledge and new energy. We will all work together to leverage our unique backgrounds as assets to make informed decisions.

We have parks and trails that are ready to be improved and flourished. Our Senior Center and Historical Society are hidden gems that can benefit everyone and lead Pittsfield Township to a true “blue zone” where people live longer, heavier, and happier with purpose and inclusion.

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