6 Democrats run for open trustee seats on Kalamazoo Township board

KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI — Ten candidates are running for four open seats on the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees.

On Aug. 6, voters will select four of the six Democratic candidates to face off against the four Republican candidates in November.

Democrats in the running are Ashley Glass, Colleen Leonard, Michael Seals, Craig Sherwood as well as incumbent trustees Clara Robinson and Steven Leuty.

Four Republican candidates — Theresa Bell, Rae-Anne Booth, Toni Kennedy and Angelina Spohn — will all advance to the Nov. 5 ballots, barring any write-in candidates.

Glass, 36, is an executive assistant at Western Michigan University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, and is currently working toward her master’s degree in public administration.

Leonard34, is a compensation analyst at Stryker with over seven years of leadership experience as a college-level coach.

She holds a bachelor’s from Kalamazoo College, as well as a master’s in business administration from Otterbein University.

Incumbent trustee Leuts61, boasts over 11 years as a township trustee and 21 years of experience as a Kalamazoo County employee.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and American studies from Kalamazoo College, as well as a master’s in public administration from Western Michigan University.

Robinson, 45, currently serving as the township’s deputy treasurer. She has also served on the township board since 2020.

She is an active member in Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association, APT US&C and Michigan Women in Finance.

Seals, 63, is a retired HR assistant with 10 years of experience as a Kalamazoo County Commissioner. He has served as Kalamazoo Township’s deputy treasurer and boasts 30 years of nonprofit experience.

Sherwood, 36, is an environmental consultant and wildlife biologist with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. In addition to parenting, volunteering and running his own business, he serves on the Kalamazoo Township climate committee.

MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide voters with a Vote411 election guide with information about candidates in local primary races across the state. Candidates were asked to fill out information about their campaigns and answer a list of questions compiled by the League of Women Voters.

RELATED: Michigan voter guide now live for August primary

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters or MLive, 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 are your top three priorities for the office you seek? What do you hope to accomplish?

Glass: Strengthen internal and external communication.

Diversify revenue through regularly seeking grants, public-private partnerships, and exploring other innovative strategies.

Explore ways to strengthen neighborhoods by partnering with communities and organizations to fund residential home upkeep and improvements, parks and public space maintenance and improvements, and regular contact and communication with neighborhood associations and community events.

Strengthen collaboration with local organizations and surrounding municipalities, which will lead to mutual benefits and strategic service provision and use of funds.

Leonard: Transparency: Increasing accessibility and collaboration between the township office and residents through improved communication. I plan to listen to citizens’ concerns with empathy and be a public servant. Partnership: The relationship between the township and surrounding municipalities, particularly the city, is vital to the health of the entire area. There have been past issues with communication among these entities and I seek to improve connection and foster stronger links throughout the county. Safe Access: Finding opportunities to increase safety within township neighborhoods, specifically making them more walkable and bike friendly.

Leuts: 1) replace aged fire stations to enhance public safety, 2) align spending with Community Survey’s priorities, 3) fund significant sewer infrastructure maintenance needs

Robinson: During my time serving as a trustee since 2020 I must say my priorities have shifted a bit based on what I have had the opportunity to witness while serving. I believe the number one priority is to build trust and positive relationships between local government and township residents. This relationship is vital to both the stability and growth of our community. Second, and equally important is transparency and community engagement. This goes along with trust, however in order to establish a basis for that residences must be educated in both the roles as well as restrictions of their elected officials. Finally, fair and equitable practices.

Seals: Transparency, Accountability, Finding ways to reduce taxes in Kalamazoo Township.

Sherwood: I will help build a resilient and connected community, foster sustainable economic growth, and grow environmental stewardship by reengaging our local government with its residents.

What essential talents, skills and experiences would you bring to this office?

Glass: My background includes over a decade of experience in leadership, organizational change, and operations management. As an Executive Assistant at WMU College of Arts and Sciences, I have honed skills in managing software systems, optimizing workflow processes, planning and executing events, and fostering communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. My role as a trustee since 2020 has further developed my abilities in governance, community engagement, and efficient operations.

Leonard: I am running to embody the role of public servant and help improve my local community. I fell in love with this area as a student at K College and now as a resident of the township. I believe in the untapped potential of the community and will strive to build it into a thriving, welcoming, and safe place for residents and visitors. I believe that my past leadership and team experience can provide a new perspective for the township. As an individual with strong responsibility, I am committed to stable values ​​such as honesty and loyalty. I am ready to be a strong, visible leader that the township needs to help the community thrive.

Leuts: I served my 21 years as a county employee and 11 years as a township trustee as a public servant, strategically focusing on prioritizing limited resources (particularly property taxes) to achieve the greatest results to enhance our community.

Robinson: I have always had a heart for service as far back as I can remember. I understand that there will never be a way to please everyone every time, however I bring a distinct ability to communicate effectively. Effective communication is an essential tool in everyday life, but absolutely necessary in governance. This allows me to bring clarity to situations where conflict resolution and relationship building are key factors. I also, bring over 20 years of experience of working for and with local to federal government levels. Most importantly, I bring a willingness to serve my community along with my character, integrity, and fortitude.

Seals: • Accounts Receivable at WMU • Kalamazoo County Commissioner from 2010-2020 • New Department of Corrections Bldg. with Solar Panels • New addition for the expo center. • In my first year on the board of commissioners Saving of the Parks. Last year we Purchased the Boy scout camp for new county Park MDHHS New Bldg. I pushed for at the state was built in this campus. And Repair to the Foster care System to provide prompt payments to the Foster Care Families. Former KTWP deputy treasurer. 15 Years as a Line worker at Consumers Energy! 30 Years in Non-Profits. 6 years’ work on the Charles A Pratt Court House

Sherwood: I am naturally gregarious and want to meet my community and hear what they have to say. I do not believe I have the answers but know we can find the best solutions for us collectively when we listen and speak to each other in a civil manner.

I grew up in the country but have lived and worked in both rural and urban areas holding a number of different jobs. My experience as a small business owner and parent helps me relate to and understand where many folks come from as well as the daily struggles they face. Finally, I want to see my local government improve and believe we can create something better together that functions better for all.

What are the major environmental issues facing your township and what activities or initiatives would you support to address them?

Glass: Water Quality and Pollution: Collaborate with surrounding municipalities to explore innovative stormwater management and river cleanliness opportunities and ensure adequate research and treatment of PFAS and other water contaminants.

Loss of Biodiversity & Protection of Green Space: Advocate for initiatives that preserve native species, protect recreation/green space, and explore remediation opportunities.

Promote walkable neighborhoods and public transportation to decrease gas emissions and improve air quality.

Promote energy efficiency of township and residential infrastructure and facilities.

Leonard: Climate change is affecting communities far more than we have seen previously. As a township trustee, I plan to improve emergency protocol in the event of a natural disaster, as we have seen in neighboring communities. In the township, we must attend to long-term sustainable development that can serve residents for many years. This includes focus on green building, increased access to public transportation, improvements to water quality, and innovations for stormwater management. I will continue the focus on improving the park system throughout the township to offer recreation areas and green space for residents to enjoy.

Leuts: I support resources for: 1) our Fire and Police Departments to best respond to Climate Change events that result in health emergencies due to stronger storms, power loss, and extreme heat, 2) further enhancing sidewalks to help residents get out to enhance their physical and mental health (particularly during the pandemic) and connect to their neighbors, to bus stops to get to work or school, and other community connections, and 3) redevelop historic, brownfield contaminated properties.

Robinson: One major issue facing not only our township, but many areas all around the county is climate change. This will be a huge environmental problem for many years to come. I will continue to support the Climate Change Committee and their efforts to push the township towards “Think Green” alternatives. Another major issue that effects the township greatly is homelessness which causes it’s own set of environmental issues such as, excessive trash and discarded drug paraphernalia that can pose a risk to public health and safety. I am open to having the exploratory conversations to offer support in anyway I can while learning of options to assist.

Seals: Electrical infrastructure for EV charging Stations. Additional Solar panels at future sites. Maintaining green spaces for parks and recreation. Continuing Collaboration with the citizens of the KTWP to complete the work they have already started.

Sherwood: 1. Climate change: It is so large we cannot possibly solve it on our own yet we must prepare to deal with it daily on a hyper-local level. I will push for a broad range of initiatives including native plantings, rain gardens, more efficient government buildings, EV charging stations, bike lanes, greater bicycle accessibility, and more green space.

2. More intense heat and storms: I will push for establishing community actions plans for when these events occur and make sure our communities are organized and prepared to spring into action.

3. Canopy loss: I will support and help initiate native tree plantings to help restore our canopy.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org.

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