Kalamazoo County Officials

Prosecuting Attorney
Four year term. Vote for one.

1. How would you improve the delivery of justice in the county? [70 word limit]

2. What is the most promising development in criminal justice affecting the county? Why do you think so? [70 word limit]

3. What essential talents and skills would you bring to the County office which you seek? [50 word limit]

Jeffrey R. Fink
Republican. Age 49. Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Kalamazoo County. Portage Public Schools; WMU; Toledo U, Law School. Assistant Prosecutor, 24 yrs. Currently oversees daily operations of Office which handles 10,000 cases yearly. Responsibilities include hiring, training, office administration, case review, court work and budget. Community service on Mental Health Recipients Board, Community Corrections Board, Child Abuse Prevention, and Senior Service Crime Prevention.

1. The Prosecutor’s Office is rated one of the best in Michigan and is a national mentor site for leadership and innovative programs. Criminal justice includes accountability, victim restoration, treatment and crime prevention efforts. Continue cold case homicide team, neighborhood prosecution and expand drug court and truancy/delinquency prevention. Consolidation of law enforcement services. We are currently developing the ability to electronically share information among police, prosecutor and courts.

2. (a) Drug treatment court for non-violent offenders. Intensive treatment with accountability reduces crime. (b) Forensic science like DNA improves investigations. Electronic information sharing among police, prosecutor and courts improves efficiency and public safety. (c) Cold Case Homicide Team, brings to justice those that almost “got away with murder.” (d) Restorative justice programs that show offenders how their conduct impacted victims, and re-entry programs that support defendants upon sentence completion.
3. Twenty-four yrs of experience as Assistant Prosecutor. Proven leadership, management skills, trial attorney abilities and integrity. Consensus builder with community partners to improve public safety. Innovator of programs such as juvenile drug court, truancy and delinquency prevention programs. Knowledge of community, being raised and educated here.

Alan Harbaugh
Democrat. Age 37. Attorney. B.A., MSU; J.D., Cooley Law School; LL.M., environmental law, Pace U. In law school, Alan distinguished himself by being the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. For the past decade, Alan has worked as a successful defense attorney, and also served as an Assistant Prosecutor. He has developed a successful civil litigation practice in courtrooms all over Michigan.

1. The jail overcrowding crisis will not solve itself. My opponent has had 24 years to deal with the problem without success. Unlike him, I will separate offenders that we are afraid of from those that we are mad at, and create individualized results. I will convict violent felons and protect victim’s rights. I will insure that our scarce jail beds are occupied by those who deserve to be in them.

2. Budget cuts in county government combined with the jail overcrowding crisis are creating an atmosphere where interagency cooperation, collaboration and innovation are requirements, not merely options. We have the unique opportunity to find new ways to protect our citizens with less bureaucratic waste of resources. I will replace outdated thinking and remove politics from the equation. The result will be a safer Kalamazoo and a more efficient Criminal Justice system.

3. I bring broad experience, a balanced perspective and a desire to serve. I am not a career politician or bureaucrat. I’ve worked in courtrooms all across Michigan helping people solve problems in a straightforward manner. I will take the proven best practices from around the state and implement them here.

Sheriff
Four year term. Vote for one.

Michael J. Anderson
Republican. Age 63. Sheriff, Kalamazoo County. Master of Pubic Administration, WMU; B.S., criminal justice, MSU; Police Science & Admin., Southern Police Institute, U of Louisville; Michigan State Police Academy. Michigan State Police, 1963–86, last 6 yrs as Commander (rank of Major) of Uniformed Services Division (1600 officers and 200 civilians). Undersheriff, 1986–2003; Sheriff, Nov.15, 2003.

1. Add jail beds to restore meaningful sanctions for criminal behavior and motivate offenders participating in alternatives to jail to successfully complete their programs, i.e., failure means jail. Provide jail space and staff for programs that reduce recidivism Programs would include jail industries, education, life skills, cognitive restructuring, etc. Increase road patrol staffing by changing current funding system for officers. Reduce costs and enhance efficiency through consolidation of police services.

2. Growing collaboration between governmental entities on law enforcement services. Prime example is the joint crime lab recently developed between the Sheriff’s Department (KCSD) and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) that reduced costs and increased effectiveness. Another is the co-located/integrated dispatch center involving KDPS, KCSD and the Kalamazoo Township Police Department. This initiative will significantly enhance citizen/officer safety and reduce dispatching costs over time.

3. Strong education, training and experience in law enforcement. As Undersheriff, and now as Sheriff, I have demonstrated an ability to be a highly effective team builder and leader to bring about positive change in the criminal justice system and do so with dedication, passion and professional excellence.

Thomas E. Shepard
Democrat
Did not respond in time for publication.

Stephanie Frizzell
Green. Age 29. Full-time mom. Some college. Petite Pooch Chateau, Dallas, TX, manager. People’s Food Coop, Kalamazoo, volunteer. Green Party, member.

1. As sheriff I would end the “war on drugs”. Legalizing industrial hemp would help free up the jails and let the police concentrate on being of service.

2. I believe the criminal justice system is backsliding. We are building more and more jails when we should be building more schools. We are investing in war and not people.

3. I would bring the ten key values of the green Party into public view and follow those guidelines. The Green Party’s values are ecological wisdom, grassroots democracy, social justice, non-violence, respect for diversity, feminism, personal and global responsibility, decentralization, community-based economics and future focus.

Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Drain Commissioner, Surveyor

1. What is the primary role of the office which you seek? [70 word limit]

2. What strategies would you use to improve the effectiveness of the office in which you hope to serve? [70 word limit]

3. What essential talents and skills would you bring to the County office which you seek? [50 word limit]

Clerk / Register of Deeds
Four year term. Vote for one.

Timothy A. Snow
Republican. Age 45. Kalamazoo County Clerk-Register. Graduate, Comstock H.S., Central Michigan U. Clerk-Register, 8 yrs; Comstock Township Clerk, 12 yrs; Kalamazoo County Republican Executive Director; substitute teacher; many community boards.

1. (a) Custodian of all permanent vital records for Kalamazoo County (births, deaths, marriages, assumed names, notaries public and others). (b) Custodian on all land records for Kalamazoo County. (c) Oversee and coordinate elections for Kalamazoo County. (d) Clerk to Board of Commissioners. (e) Plat Board. (f) Clerk of the Circuit Court. (g) Public speaking on all areas of responsibility of the Clerk-Register’s office.

2. (a) Continue computerization of all records in Clerk-Register’s office in order for the public to have greater access. (b) Encourage all eligible citizens to register and exercise their right to vote in all elections. (c) Continue my and my staff’s education in all areas of responsibility to better assist the public and make the office even more efficient. (d) Effectively enforce all laws and statutes regarding the department to the best of my ability.

3. (a) 20 years experience as County Clerk-Register and Township Clerk. (b) Certification as Certified Municipal Clerk through International Institute of Municipal Clerks. (c) Selected by 2 Secretaries of State to serve on State advisory boards regarding elections. (d) Many classes and trainings in all areas of Clerk-Register’s Office. (e) Many years of service on community and governmental boards.

Elrico L. Hurley
Democrat. Age 26. Consultant. Some college, KVCC. More than eight years in demonstrated leadership within the non-profit community; serves his community as a member of the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education; extensive experience in recruitment, training, supervision, and support of volunteers and staff; well-versed in group dynamics and administrative processes; experience in promotions and sales, fund development and program planning.

1. The County Clerk/Register of Deeds is the chief records keeper of the county. It keeps information like: business operations, birth / death / marriage certificates, archives property ownership, public hearing minutes, etc. The Clerk is the chief elections officer for the county, conducting and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the election results. The Clerk is accountable for maintaining open and fair processes for citizen access to information and public records.

2. (a) Accessible hours for our residents. (b) All office staff will be cross-trained. The Clerk/Register office must be able to handle your inquiries and paperwork much more quickly and efficiently. (c) Higher quality of professional development to ensure your vote is counted properly. (d) Integration of technology. Its use can decrease backlog and decrease the time you wait, making your visit much more efficient, if you have to come to the clerk’s office.

3. I provide a strong administrative background as well as an understanding of how to be a true public servant. Customer Service, time management, and advocacy skills will permeate throughout the office. My ability to advocate at the local, state, and national levels will positively influence our county.

James Wilber
Green. Age 33. Night auditor, Holiday Inn. B.A., comparative religion. Co-chair, Green Party of Kalamazoo; member Kalamazoo Task Force on Poverty; planning committee, Kalamazoo Earth Day 2004; endorsed by Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents to War.

1. The County Clerk safeguards the people’s access to their government. When people need information about their government, they turn to the County Clerk. When people need to know how their business interacts with their community, they turn to the County Clerk. Even in their personal lives, like marriage and genealogy records, the County Clerk is where their need to contact their government is fulfilled.

2. The County Clerk must be sensitive to social justice issues so that all people have equal access to their government. I would lengthen office hours so that real working people have time to use its services. I would reach out to students, the elderly, and minorities to make sure they understand what services are available to them, and vital information about their government, especially their voting rights.

3. I understand the needs of ordinary people. The County Clerk’s Office is out front and center, the first place, and for many people, the only place they have contact with their government. People should not only be welcome, but encouraged to use that contact.

Treasurer
Four year term. Vote for one.

Sharon A. Cubitt
Republican. Age 60. County Treasurer. Education: 550+ hours of Extension Class, Mattawan H.S. County Treasurer, 2003–present; Chief Deputy Treasurer, 1999–2003; Assistant Treasurer, 1987–98; Accounting Supervisor, 1975–86; Account Clerk, 1970–74; all positions held in Kalamazoo County Treasurer’s office.

1. The function of the Treasurer is to maintain the County treasury, to undertake good accounting practices to record and track funds and accounts, to invest County funds, and to report to the Board of Commissioners on the condition of the County finances. The Treasurer is responsible for the custodianship and banking of funds, statutory supervision and distribution of all property taxes, and sits on various advisory, licensing and regulatory boards.

2. (a) Collections: Implement a barcode system for the collection of delinquent taxes making this a more efficient process for both public and staff. (b) Investment Policy: SLY —Safety, Liquidity, Yield—know the institutions you invest with. (c) Cross training of all staff members. (d) Maintain close relationship with local units of government. (e) Open door policy: Public and staff may come in at any time with questions.

3. (a) Strong work ethic; extensive knowledge of the taxation system and investment opportunities. (b) Ability and willingness to communicate with public. (c) Good working relationship with local treasurers. (d) Knowledgeable of State tax laws and their implications on the operations of both county and local units of government. (e) High level of commitment and dedication.

Michael D. Ankley
Democrat. Director of Accounting, Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice. B.A., financial administration, MSU. Investment Consultant, Gruntal & Company; Transition Coordinator, The Northern Trust, responsible for securing multi-million dollar transactions; former Treasurer and present member of Board of Directors, The Guardian, Inc.

1. The County Treasurer is responsible for collecting County taxes and fees and investing the assets of the County. The Treasurer is also responsible for: overseeing a department budget of approximately $600,000; providing and disseminating accurate financial information to County officials; supervising the staff of the Treasurer’s office; and participating with County task forces with respect to County issues.

2. Accessibility to County residents is important. Residents should be informed about the functions of the Treasurer. A direct link from the Kalamazoo County website to a site specifically for the Treasurer’s office would improve accessibility by providing information about activities of the Treasurer to County residents. Moreover, I hope to utilize current technology to allow County residents to possibly pay their taxes on-line and more frequently than twice per year.

3. As Treasurer, I will bring my education and experience in Financial Administration to the office. Through my education, employment and family life, I have accumulated invaluable management and organizational skills, and continue to learn the patience and compassion that are necessary in this elected office.

Drain Commissioner
Four year term. Vote for one.

William B. French
Republican. Age 54. Hydrogeologist. President, Crystal Scientific, LLC. B.S.–biology & earth science, M.S.–environmental earth science, WMU. Continuing education via numerous seminars and short courses. Environmental consulting, 25 yrs. Community service in a variety of roles, 23 yrs. Certified Consultant (MDEQ) Storm Water Construction/Industrial Sites, Kalamazoo County Road Commissioner, Kalamazoo County resident, 33 yrs.

1. (a) Maintenance of county drains and stormwater systems (in platted areas by establishment of drainage districts for construction/maintenance of all structures to properly purify and convey the flow of drains). (b) Administer Soil Erosion and Protection Act at the county level (ensure proper site construction for protection of water quality).

2. (a) Recognize that county drains do not belong to the Drain Commissioner—they belong to residents of the drainage district (Commissioner’s role is to assist in maintaining drain/storm water system, and to ensure that all procedures are correctly followed). (b) Work closely with local elected officials to determine priorities and establish fair assessments. (c) Assist constituents in administration of the Soil and Erosion & Protection Act. (d) Utilize local professionals & consultants. (e) Be fiscally responsible.

3. (a) Technical competence—understanding of hydrogeology and environment. (b) Objective evaluation (based upon experience as an environmental professional) of conditions followed by appropriate, prudent response. (c) Patience to hear all sides, respect for diverse opinions, desire to seek common ground, action orientation to pursue mutually beneficial outcomes representing public’s best interest.

Mary B. Powers
Democrat. Age 53. County Drain Commissioner. B.A., graduate work, U.S. EPA Watershed Academy graduate. State-certified Soil Erosion Control Agent, state-certified as Soil Agent and licensed stormwater operator. I sit on committees at the national level that help keep me educated. County Commissioner, 14 yrs; Drain Commissioner, 4 yrs.

1. The office of the Drain Commissioner is responsible for many development issues county-wide except for the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage, and Village of Vicksburg. The D.C. is also responsible for stream-like drains, typically in rural areas but not always, 3 lake levels and soil erosion control (Part 91 of P.A. 451).

2. (a) Provide more information to elected officials and their staffs, boards and commissions is #1 but this requires more help in the present Drain Office. (b) Perform more maintenance of drains but this requires better public awareness of the benefit derived from good drainage and the real cost of providing it.

3. I actually do the job (not other things). I am state-certified and licensed for issues pertaining to job performance. I strive to educate anyone who has concerns (cares) about drainage and soils. I will provide citizens with any information they ask for and frequently organize site visits to sort conflicts.

Surveyor
Four year term. Vote for one.

Robert Snell
Republican
Did not respond in time for publication.

VOTE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2004