Kalamazoo County Commission

Do you support or oppose the ballot proposal for the countywide transit tax? Why or why not? [60 words]
Since voters have twice rejected proposals to replace the County Jail, what do you propose as next steps to address issues with our correctional programs and facilities? [80 words]
Which county programs or services do you consider noteworthy for their excellence? Why do you think so? [80 words]
What are your top priorities for the county in the coming two years? [90 words]

District 1
City: Kalamazoo [precincts 2, 20, 21, 24]

Mark Liddle
Republican. Did not respond in time for publication.

Jack C. Urban
Democrat. Age 65. Volunteer community activist. BSCh.E., Lehigh U, 1963; Ph.D., U of Maryland, 1967. Retired manager, chemical production facilities, Pharmacia Corp. Part-time chemistry instructor, KVCC. Treasurer, Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy & Action in the Community (ISAAC), treasurer; co-chair of its Divided Region Task Force. Member, Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority (term expires at the end of 2006); chair, City of Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals, early 1970s.

1. I support the tax because without it, the earning and spending power of many people who depend on the bus would decrease and the economic and social health of our community would suffer. A “yes” on this proposal is the necessary first step in consolidating Care-A-Van and Metro Transit service under countywide management with direct accountability to citizens.

2. I propose conducting research using focus groups throughout the county to learn what law enforcement and crime prevention options are most favored by the voters. These could be tied to the issue of replacing the jail so people could feel they are getting greater value for their investment in those areas of governance. Creating better public awareness of the parts of the criminal justice system that are working well would also help.

3. (a) All those programs that promote public health (immunizations, restaurant inspections, etc.) which get no public attention unless they fail. (b) The County’s ability to partner with nonprofit organizations to bring grant money into the county to work on tough public policy issues—$19 MM in the last 5 years. (c) The Healthy Babies, Healthy Start program; it has been very effective in targeted areas of our county in reducing infant mortality.

4. (a) Completing the consolidation of public transit services under a countywide transit authority so that routes and schedules can be adjusted and expanded as necessary in response to population density and demand, and no longer be dependent on what jurisdiction one lives or works in. (b) With public input and support, helping develop a comprehensive law enforcement stratagem that both urban and rural parts of the county have confidence in. (c) Looking for creative partnerships and for greater intergovernmental cooperation to achieve the savings needed to keep essential services going.

District 2
City: Kalamazoo [precincts 7, 8, 9, 11]

Carolyn G. Alford
Democrat. Age 56. Payroll specialist, KVCC, 15 yrs. Associate degree, business administration, KVCC; expected completion in 2007, Bachelor’s degree, public service administration, Siena Heights U. Family Health Center, finance department, 16 yrs. School board trustee and officer, 16 yrs. Since 1969, Kalamazoo City committees: Minority Concerns, Parks and Recreation. Northside Association for Community Development, YWCA Domestic Assault Committee, Loaves and Fishes, Kalamazoo Northside Non-Profit Housing. Local, state, national awards for community work. Member, Galilee Baptist Church.

1. Yes, I support the transit tax. We have so many low and fixed income citizens who work in various areas of our county and they need reliable and convenient transportation to get to and from work. In addition, public transportation will enable citizens to have the opportunity to take care of their day-to-day errands, appointments, etc.

2. Education is the pathway to our correctional challenges. Place our focus in areas of preventive and corrective programs. If we would place more emphasis on rehab, there will be less need to expand the county jail. A good start is to be more involved in expanding and enhancing our continued cooperation with families and educational systems, then we all will yield exceptional returns. I really believe that education offers the greatest key to foster effective restorative solutions to criminal justice challenges.

3. In my view, the following are noteworthy county programs because they touch, improve and made a difference in the quality of life for our citizens. They offer a good balance by working with both families and children: Juvenile Home, Older Adults, Kalamazoo County Human Services (Head Start, Homeless Shelter, Solar Gardens, Weatherization, Home Energy Assistance). Further, without question, our airport transportation system is one gateway to our county that boosts our economy.

4. I will work for what is in the best interest of all citizens, promote cooperation between governmental units, foster effective restorative solutions to criminal justice challenges, and encourage more involvement by non-traditional participants. I will work to ensure that our county government will be even more involved in our educational systems and neighborhoods. Anyone who knows me would say that I am a team builder, sincere person with integrity, compassion, and common sense. I will strive to cultivate and embrace relationships which will allow us to broaden our focus to meet needs of county. . . .

District 3
City: Kalamazoo [precincts 1, 3, 13, 23]. Township: Kalamazoo [precinct 11]

Robert M. Barnard
Democrat. Age 40. Construction, self-employed. Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors License; 1 yr as professional. Attended Lakeview H.S., Battle Creek, graduated 1984. Attended Kellogg Community College and WMU until 1989 in aviation engineering; minor, business management. Kalamazoo City resident, 21 yrs; property owner, 18 yrs. Member, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services board. Kalamazoo County: Parks and Recreation, Public Housing Commission, Brownfield Redevelopment. Volunteer: fundraising, community building and redevelopment activities for Edison, Eastwood, Vine neighborhoods.

1. I support this ballot proposal. It will enhance the image of Kalamazoo County and be beneficial to economic expansion.

2. As a Commission we must make every effort to maintain and improve all diversion and prevention programs. I recommend we seek additional funding to combine with the County’s reserve funding for the correctional facilities and expand the current jail to some degree. I would also recommend having this overseen by an independent consultant who would address any issues that the public may have with the Commission’s fiduciary responsibility, reduction of early releases, crime prevention and reduced recidivism.

3. The Health and Human Services Department is noteworthy for its excellence in being able to leverage a large amount of funds from both the state and federal level to provide services to those that would not otherwise be able to receive responsible care. I would also identify the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, as noteworthy; it is a non-mandated service that the County Commission has directed to become self-sufficient and is currently on target to achieving that mission.

4. I will continue to participate in both the Public Housing Commission and Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services to provide quality affordable and low-income housing within our community. I will also continue to work on the County’s Parks and Recreation Board to provide our community with quality, effective, enjoyable parks and recreation programs.

District 4
City: Kalamazoo [precincts 4, 5, 12, 14, 22, 26]

Tom Barrett
Republican. Age 25. Staff Sergeant, Michigan Army National Guard; student, WMU, local government studies. Before attending WMU, was a full-time active duty soldier for 2 yrs where I was stationed in South Korea for a year and a half. Army has taught me real responsibility and leadership that I hope to put to work for the residents of the 4th District.

1. I believe that public transportation is important, however I do not support the countywide transit tax because I believe that the tax burden is too high, especially within the City of Kalamazoo. We need to find alternatives to raising our taxes, perhaps developing more fuel efficient ways to transport our residents.

2. County jail problem is one of my top priorities. I strongly believe we need to find fiscally sound and workable solution to our biggest problem, the overcrowded jail. People have spoken on this issue, they do not support tax increase to build new facility, so I believe we need to look for solutions elsewhere, such as transporting some offenders to jails outside Kalamazoo County where we would pay to board them, a cost we would already pay if we build larger jail.

3. Two county programs that I feel are noteworthy for their excellence are the county homeless shelter and the Health/Human Services Department because they are so well run.

4. My top two priorities for coming term would be to really crack down on methamphetamine problem afflicting our neighborhood, and to address jail overcrowding issue. Meth does not just affect the user, but community as a whole, from “meth lab” houses that must be condemned to lowering of property values in neighborhoods, to pollution of environment and our young people forced to live in those conditions. Kalamazoo is number one meth-producing county in the state, and our community cannot continue to grow as long as that remains an issue.

John Patrick Taylor
Democrat. Age 27. I purchase houses to fix them up, sell them or rent them out. I also serve as a Director for Clarke Detroit Diesel Allison and Clarke Fire Pump Division, as well as serving as a County Commissioner. I went to school here at WMU studying psychology and enjoyed Kalamazoo so much I decided to stick around. While at Western I worked for the Sierra Club and PIRGIM.

1. I strongly support the countywide transit proposal for economic development. We can provide countless jobs to this community, but if workers cannot get to their place of employment it’s pointless. We need a steady revenue stream to provide transportation to our citizens. Mobility should not be a privilege to those that can afford it, but a right for everyone.

2. We need to learn from our mistakes. We have a serious problem in this country, in that our criminal justice system is failing us. We have more people incarcerated than any other country in the history of the world. We need programs to stop the revolving door effect of prisoners who get released to find themselves back a few months later. Jail should be a place to teach inmates how to be responsible members of society, not better criminals.

3. The county’s household hazardous waste program is an excellent example of what we as a community can do when we work together. I am very proud of this service for a couple of different reasons. Not only is it an excellent program that keeps toxic chemicals from our landfills and drinking water, but it is a model in cost sharing. Every local municipality chips in and helps pay their share to run this non-mandated service.

4. The first is to build a new jail, not necessarily a bigger jail but one that is safe for our inmates and especially our employees. A jail that provides programs and training to help inmates become responsible members of society, not a temporary housing facility. The second is restoring a portion of our revenue sharing. When revenue sharing reserve funds are depleted, counties across the state will feel severe financial strain. This is not just a problem for Kalamazoo County, but a problem for the state of Michigan.

Shane Odean
U. S. Taxpayers. Did not respond in time for publication.

District 5
City: Kalamazoo [precinct 6]. Townships: Kalamazoo [precincts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15],
Oshtemo [precinct 6]

Rob Bricker
Republican. Age 37. Packaging specialist, L. Perrigo Co.; history instructor, Kalamazoo Area Tutors. B.S., political science. District representative for (then) State Representative Tom George; past service on the Homeless Advisory Council.

1. Oppose. This proposal places an unfair burden on the taxpayer, when adequate rate hikes were requested by Metro Transit and turned down by the City of Kalamazoo. Higher fuel prices are driving this issue and everyone, even riders of the bus system, must pay more. Also, another tax increase decreases likely passage of a proposal to finance the County jail, a problem needing correction.

2. (a) Defeat of the Transit Tax proposal. More tax proposals make the taxpayer weary (tired) of considering new proposals, i.e., “taxed out.” (b) The bulk of any budget surplus must go toward county law enforcement and correctional facilities. Increase the “Building Fund.” (c) A proposal from the board that there will be no new tax proposals until the Jail proposal is passed. This may take a few years, but it will show the taxpayer the county is serious and accountable.

3. I have always been impressed with how hard-working and efficient the staff at the Overnight Shelter operate. The task, and service they provide to the community is enormous. They are doing a great job. The Animal Shelter continues to impress me with the service they provide. With limited space, a tight budget, and big hearts, they are giving the taxpayer value for the dollar.

4. (a) Work to expand business growth opportunities for Kalamazoo County. (b) Provide better resources for county law enforcement and correctional facilities.

Brian Johnson
Democrat. Age 55. CEO, B R Johnson Corporation. Attended U of M. County commissioner, 5 terms. Michigan House legislative staff, 10 yrs. Chair, Community Mental Health Board, 1991–92; Private Industry Council, 1987–92; vice-president, Michigan Works!, statewide 1989–91; Ready To Learn Summit Steering Committee, statewide 1997–98; Older Adult Services Advisory Council, 2002–04; Community Healing Centers Board, 2005–06; Community Corrections Advisory Board; Department of Human Services Board Liaison; Poverty Reduction Initiative.

1. I support the ballot proposal for countywide transit tax, because public transportation will not survive without it. Care-A-Van, the dial-a-ride service benefiting so many seniors and persons with disabilities, would disappear. Without this millage, the main bus service would be reduced and fares would increase significantly.

2. We made progress with passage of the Juvenile Home millage and should focus on best practice programs for prevention, treatment and preparation for re-entry. Structural improvements need to be made at the jail to create a direct supervision system and some capacity increase to curtail early release of inmates.

3. All law enforcement services in Kalamazoo County are top notch. Our drug court and community corrections programs are models for the state and must be funded. Our Health and Community Services Department provides a number of vital services to the community, which are noteworthy. However, the excellence of each county service is at risk with future cuts in state and federal funding.

4. We must stabilize funding for county services, which is the primary responsibility of the county Board of Commissioners. We must live up to our strategic plan goals for criminal justice, which means preventing crime and delinquency, seeking treatment for persons who misbehave for medical reasons and keeping the community safe by preparing inmates for re-entry into the community. Whether they get out early or at the end of their sentences, they will live among us. We must also support economic development initiatives that benefit the entire community.

District 6
City: Kalamazoo [precinct 10]. Township: Kalamazoo [precincts 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14]

Franklin Thompson
Democrat. Did not respond in time for publication.

District 7
City: Kalamazoo [precincts 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]

Brandon Moore
Republican. Did not respond in time for publication.

David R. Buskirk
Democrat. Age 55. Kalamazoo County Commissioner, 7th District. Kalamazoo Electric Inc. Board of Directors , Kalamazoo Building Trades Credit Union. Married, Toni L. (Garbacik) Buskirk, Nov. 10, 1973. Children: Karie M. (Buskirk) Peterson, age 31, Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate; Jennifer L. (Buskirk) Jessup, age 29, Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate. Member, Stockbridge Methodist Church.

1. Yes. We need a consolidated effort in this county to provide public transportation to everyone, including the poor and elderly.

2. We have already convened a combined committee to make the decision as to what is the next step at the jail. We will need the community’s support and their understanding that this problem will not go away, just get worse. I believe a stepped approach to solving this problem is probably the only way the public will support any expansion at the jail.

3. Our Human Services Department, the airport, our parks systems. The Human Services Department serves all aspects of the community, not just one area; our airport is our prime economic development tool of the county; and our parks are a place where all walks of life come together for recreation and relaxation.

4. To continue our watch on the budget, expand our airport facility and to continue to serve the citizens in the most equitable way I can.

District 8
City: Portage [precincts 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 17]

John W. Zull
Republican. Age 65. Retired educator, Portage P.S. B.A., M.A., political science, WMU. Portage City Councilman, 1987–2000; Kalamazoo County Commissioner, 2001–06; Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Board, 2002–06; Kalamazoo Gospel Mission Board, 2005–06; Portage Free Methodist Church, member 30 yrs. Married to Arlene 44 yrs, 2 children, 4 grandchildren. Strong supporter of traditional family values, fiscal responsibility, limited government, and restorative justice backed up by appropriate and assured means of retribution.

1. I support the democratic vote of the people (however it turns out), but I do think it is time for a consolidated mass transit system enough to place it on the ballot.

2. Since the voters have twice rejected proposals for justice programming millages, I will not favor asking for these program millage issues again. However, I will work for some limited restorative programs as we find ways to afford them within our existing budget.

3. Our newly administered animal services and enforcement department has turned around a department in disarray for years. Our new Parks and Recreation master plan is a giant step forward in enhancing and making our parks self-sufficient. Our new business approach to running the airport and returning the buses to the downtown transit authority is an important step toward economic development for our county.

4. I think our priority has to be continuing to cut the budget in some areas and learning to make quality improvements in areas of mandatory services. Our attention needs to be centered on justice and corrections. We must avoid being diverted by some (well-meaning) goals that are actually unrealistic for our county.

District 9
Cities: Kalamazoo [precinct 25], Portage
[precincts 7, 8, 11, 15, 20]

Nasim H. Ansari
Republican. Age 59. Kalamazoo County Commissioner. Master’s degrees, chemistry and business administration. Will bring unique experience to the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. Retired local government employee. Small business owner. Adjunct professor/instructor. My experience on the Portage City Council and various county and city boards and commissions will be an asset to the Kalamazoo County Commission. I am compassionate and a good listener.

1. Transportation services are essential to economic development. They benefit the environment and save energy. Care-A-Van service is vital for the elderly and those who cannot drive, while bus services are necessary for the needy. While this tax may be necessary, I believe taxation is not the only solution. We must find methods for operating the service more efficiently and economically.

2. We, the Kalamazoo County Commissioners, realize the need for many improvements at the jail facility and to that end are setting aside funds. The county is also implementing and exploring alternatives to incarceration to reduce the pressures associated with overcrowding at the jail.

3. Head Start, regional Laboratory, service to aging population, restaurant inspection data on website, emergency management, immunization, dental clinic, overnight emergency shelter are all noteworthy for their excellence. Most of these programs and services are essential, health and safety related, and promote public good.

4. These are challenging times with local job losses and reduction in state and local revenues. Economic development/job creation and intergovernmental cooperation are my priorities. We must promote policies that will retain existing and attract new businesses, combine resources of the public and private sectors to effectively promote economic diversification, and create job opportunities. Favorable taxes, skilled work force and necessary infrastructure would be incentives to prospective investors. I will promote intergovernmental cooperation and long-range planning necessary for future economic development by communicating with other government units.

Tina Marie Michaels
Democrat. Age 38. Retail Help Desk Specialist, National City Corporate Office. Certified Master Trainer, 2003; currently junior at KVCC, communications studies; Phi Theta Kappa and Dean’s list. State Representative volunteer, 5 yrs; intern, 1 yr. Precinct Delegate, 1986–87. Spokesperson and counselor for a women’s center; founded “second mile” donation center; Love for Children volunteer. Single mother of two.

1. Strongly support! For a year, I personally benefited from our system as my primary means of transit to find and maintain work and also to continue college. Anyone who has seen this first-hand could not deny the need in our county. I feel that it needs to be improved and expanded, not diminished.

2. The current County Jail situation is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Short of building a new facility—which in the long run would save the taxpayers’ money—we must focus on prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Priority should be focused on violent and repeat offenders. Programs such as K-PEP and the Drug Court should be expanded to alleviate overcrowding.

3. 4-H, Head Start, School Readiness—programs that assist our teens and pre-teens to succeed in school and to become productive members of society. These programs help improve safety and prosperity of our community. Southwest Michigan First—the county’s economic development corporation—for encouraging businesses to settle in our county, creating job opportunities for people in our community.

4. Improving and expanding the transit system to be a safe, true county-wide service; funding programs like the Kalamazoo County Health Plan—which due to budget cuts is no longer taking applicants—and the county-wide Housing Trust Fund that are proven methods of assisting the most vulnerable members of our community. Fully funding the county Methamphetamine Prevention Task Force.

District 10
City: Portage [precincts 1, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21]

Thomas C. Drabik
Republican. Age 55. Kalamazoo County Commissioner, 4th yr. M.A., organizational management, U of Phoenix; B.A., advertising, MSU. Principal, T-SPAN Associates; Professor of marketing, management, general studies, U of Phoenix; Executive Committee, Michigan Works! Association (statewide); liaison, Kalamazoo/St. Joseph Counties’ Workforce Development Board and Kalamazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Parishioner, St. Catherine of Siena. Married, 4 children attending Portage Public Schools. Portage resident, 17 yrs.

1. I support it. The Transportation Authority, which we appointed to represent diverse segments of our community, developed this proposal because of the rising costs to provide this vital service. Those unable to reach important destinations due to physical limitations, economic circumstances, or other reasons rely on this system to meet medical needs, shopping and other necessities of life.

2. We are grateful that Kalamazoo County citizens passed the Juvenile Home millage, and we will increase their trust by making every attempt to build this facility under budget and ahead of schedule. Early releases at the County Jail continue to threaten our citizens’ safety, so expanding the existing jail is a necessity. Jackson County built temporary but secure facilities to house criminals. This is a model to consider until a permanent solution can be found and funded.

3. (a) Kalamazoo County’s criminal justice system sets an example for other communities by working together to develop fair, just and innovative programs that increase public safety. (b) Our court system has worked with Sheriff’s Department to maintain a safe environment while attempting to alleviate overcrowding at jail by utilizing alternative programs. Sheriff’s Department, meanwhile has provided outstanding service, including providing public safety service to townships, with minimal resources. (c) Human Services has also done marvelous job educating and serving public on health and community issues.

4. Economic development, fiscal responsibility and intergovernmental cooperation will be essential to assure a positive future for Kalamazoo County. (a) Economic development is more than corporate attraction; it also entails workforce development, so enterprises considering locating in Kalamazoo County can find skilled, trained workers to help them succeed. Education is key. (b) Our Board needs to continue budgetary efforts that promote fiscal responsibility, particularly in light of pending state revenue-sharing cuts. Our survival as a viable provider of public services depends on it. (c) Intergovernmental cooperation can produce cost efficiencies and countywide cohesiveness.

Michael Quinn
Democrat. Age 59. Corporate statistician, R&D Dept., Summit Polymers, Inc. Loy Norrix graduate, 1965; B.A., applied mathematics, WMU, 1991; M.S., statistics, WMU, 1998. Voluntarily enlisted Marine Corps, 1966; served in Vietnam, made Sergeant. Peace Corps Volunteer, Nicaragua 1975–77. Married to same wife for 29 yrs, 2 daughters, both Portage HS grads, now in college. We own Shamrock Montessori Center; wife is director, I am treasurer. Portage resident, Summit employee, 21 yrs.

1. I strongly support countywide transit tax. Mass transit should be improved so that any resident will find it an attractive option for commuting to work and shopping. There are appropriate models in other cities and countries. Practical solutions will probably be a mix of public and private enterprise systems.

2. The next proposal will have to be scaled back even further. The commission should lobby the justice system to incarcerate only when absolutely necessary. “Tough on crime” demagoguery has resulted in incredibly expensive incarceration costs, and not just at local levels. Criminal justice now devours nearly 2/3 of county revenue. Social programs and infrastructure investment give a better payback on our tax dollars.

3. The Kalamazoo airport has always impressed me for convenience and the friendliness of the people who run it. And it provides revenue to the county. I am also impressed by the staff at Community Health. Despite repeated cutbacks in resources, the attitude of the staff is inspirational. They deserve better support.

4. I would promote a Local First initiative to encourage patronage and support of locally owned businesses, and encouragement of local entrepreneurs at the level currently offered to big-box and chain corporations. Encourage people to use the financial services of credit unions and local banks that are more likely to invest in and loan to local entrepreneurs. The more we can do for ourselves, the more our money stays in the county. I think we have great potential to improve mass transit, so that we don’t have to use a car for every trip.

District 11
City: Portage [precinct 10]. Township: Texas

Grady G. Biby
Republican. Age 66. Assistant Service Manager, Allen Edwin Homes; Co-Owner, Custom Surfacing Ltd.; Kalamazoo County Commission. Mechanical engineer & B.B.A. Retired: U.S. Navy Submarine Service, Consumers Energy. Texas Township: ZBA and committees. Kalamazoo County Commission: Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee; Housing Committee; Local Development Finance Authority for WMU Business, Technology & Research Park; Fairgrounds Focus Group; Interview and Recommendation Committee; Human Resources Committee.

1. I support the countywide transit tax. Although it is not widely supported in District 11, it would be good for the betterment of the whole. It would provide needed transportation to those who cannot afford other methods of movement around the community.

2. The situation at the County Jail has only degenerated as a result of the double rejection of financing. Revenues are on the decrease and the voters have told the County that maintaining a jail unsafe for both deputies and inmates while releasing convicted felons early is more important than paying increased taxes. The county needs to find resources to begin small steps toward improving facilities and programs which provide marketable skills the incarcerated can use when returned to society.

3. Good quality housing should be available to all county residents. The creation of the Housing Authority (HA) continues to grow and support those residents that have difficulty finding housing through its endeavors to buy, sell, own, manage and subsidize lower income housing through rental and ownership programs. The HA now has the ability to provide lower income housing which benefit the poor, elderly and unfortunate. This County supported function is excellent. Contributing to the meth clean up was a significant move.

4. (a) The County should continue its endeavors to stimulate the economy by supporting efforts to attract new companies to the area. Supporting the new Aeronautics Board to help the airport draw in new businesses by providing improved quality of life. (b) Finding a long-term solution to overcrowding at the County Jail through increased education to provide alternative life paths. (c) Supporting the construction of the new Juvenile Home and adoption of programs to break the cycle and reduce recidivism associated with the jail and Juvenile Home.

Bob Jones
Democrat. Did not respond in time for publication.

District 12
Township: Oshtemo [precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9]

Robert Brink
Republican. Age 58. Kalamazoo County Commissioner, 2 terms, last 2 yrs as Board Chairman. St. Augustine Schools, Loy Norrix 1966, attended KVCC. President, Forum Communications, Inc, a radio broadcasting company, 24 yrs. Michigan Association of Counties Judiciary Committee, currently vice-chair. In past 30 yrs served on several civic, government, and service organization boards and committees. Life-long resident of Kalamazoo County.

1. Yes. If we do not pass millage, Care-A-Van will cease to exist. Demand service is vital to seniors, medical patients, handicapped and disabled citizens. This millage will provide two-year funding and guarantee service until future funding stream can be found. Will also offer line haul transit for same two years and allow time to create firm coverage area and funding source for future.

2. We have formed a Jail Committee that is studying this issue once again and looking for cost-effective ways to create jail bed space, address staffing concerns and ways to operate our jail, and still find ways to treat prisoners with drug-alcohol addiction and mental issues. We must continue to work towards solving this serious problem and lowering our costs.

3. The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Service Department is excellent. Reduced staffing and financial resources has not deterred Dale Hein and his staff from providing valuable services to the residents of Kalamazoo County. Health issues, dental clinic, services to our community are still provided due to the hard work and creative efforts of the employees at HCS. The response to the current outbreak of “whooping cough” and the education of students and parents is one recent case of service to the community.

4. Top priorities are: (a) Get the juvenile home built under budget and in less than three years. (b) Work on the jail issue. (c) Knowing that our state revenue sharing will be gone in 2010, keep on the five-year rolling budget to continue to cut operational costs and offer vital services. Kalamazoo County is a service and justice government. We must plan ahead. We are mandated by law to offer many services, but the funding that also came with these mandates has been eliminated. We must continue to make government accountable.

John A. Nieuwenhuis
Democrat. Did not respond in time for publication.

District 13
City: Parchment. Townships: Alamo and Cooper.

Deb Buchholtz-Hiemstra
Republican. Age 39. Business consultant. B.A., political science and economics, U of M. M.B.A., U of Chicago. Kalamazoo County Commissioner, 6 yrs, chairman, 2 yrs. Small business background with ongoing business consulting and community-building project experience. Helped establish and expand international carbon-based commodity broker business, currently company’s chief financial officer.

1. While I fully support the concept of countywide transit, I’m not convinced the current proposal is ideal. I encourage a two-tiered funding approach based on line haul vs. demand-only service. Long-term funding solutions to stabilize transportation systems will likely require local taxpayers to pay more, but we can dig deeper for creative and more equitable solutions.

2. First, the County Board, with administration and elected justice leaders, must continue to work within current budgets to dedicate internal resources (cost savings/efficiencies, cuts, increased revenues) toward jail expansion. Next, consult with voters to assess their desire to pay for additional jail space. Finally, develop an affordable plan melding jail needs with community support. Whether alleviating or solving the undercapacity, any proposal should utilize the current facility while adding a separate new building with future add-on ability.

3. A focus on process, or “how” decisions are made, has infused a striving to increase public input and participation, a utilization of expertise from the community, and an infusion of accountability and performance measures into programs. Collaboration as well as competition are required to make good decisions and reduce the cost to provide services. Most recent examples are initiation of the County’s employee wellness program, creation of the Aeronautics Board, and the new directions of Animal Services and Parks departments.

4. (a) Efforts to increase accountability in government, and be innovative, creative, and find better ways of providing services through competition, collaboration and eliminating poor performing or redundant programs are never-ending priorities. (b) Specifically, developing a solution to our severely undersized jail is the County’s largest problem. Our justice system and alternative programs are severely hampered and public safety is threatened by an inadequate jail. (c) Lastly, to increase and improve ties with public and private entities, and taxpayers; to build trust and the capacity for the County to provide greater community leadership.

District 14
Townships: Charleston, Richland and Ross

M. Jeff Heppler
Republican. Did not respond in time for publication.

District 15
City: Galesburg. Township: Comstock [precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7]

Joe VanBruggen
Republican. Did not respond in time for publication.

Leroy Crabtree
Democrat. Age 41. Teacher, KVCC; contract negotiator for IBEW Local 131, union president. Pursuing a degree from the National Labor College. Contract negotiations, 15 yrs experience. For full details check out my website: www.crabtree06.com

1. Public transportation is a cornerstone of our economy. Ensuring reliable buses will ensure that people can get to work and make purchases at all our businesses. Not only that, but public transit reduces pollution and cuts our consumption of gas. It is pivotal that this proposal pass. I hope everyone will join me in supporting the proposal.

2. I want to prevent people from turning to crime in the first place. That means putting more resources into rehabilitation (e.g., Juvenile Home), job training and education. While we are working on those long-term goals I propose that in the short term, we need to examine sentencing to make sure only those people who pose a danger to the community are locked up, and we need more jail cells to deal with the overflow problem.

3. Kalamazoo County was the first county in Michigan to employ the “drug courts program.” This program is specifically designed to help people who are brought in on drug charges get off drugs and stay clean. That’s very impressive. I also want to compliment our recycling program on its excellence. It’d be easy to take our recycling program for granted, but even though parts of the program were cut in recent years, they still do a great job.

4. My top priority will be to do what I do best: help people find common ground. For 15 years I’ve negotiated contracts between 2 parties that seem to be polar opposites, and I’ve done it well. I find the things those groups can agree on, and get those things done. I want to solve real problems that our community faces and I will make my number one priority in the County Commission to build bridges. Party lines be damned, I want to work for the people.

District 16
City: Portage [precinct 2]. Townships: Climax, Pavilion, Wakeshma, Comstock [precinct 5]

Jeff Balkema
Republican. Did not respond in time for publication.

Thomas Post
Democrat. Age 58. Expediting manager, Clausing Industrial Inc. B.S., Eastern Illinois U, 1970. Manufacturing and transportation related-business management, 30 yrs experience. Board member, Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County. President, Pride of Scotts Community Service Organization.

1. Support. Everyone these days is talking about job creation; people have to have a way to get to these jobs. We will not be serious about our “Energy Crisis” unless we support public transportation.

2. We must have adequate jail facilities developed on county-owned land. The more times this proposal is presented, the more likely we will find a plan that the taxpayers can afford. We must keep trying for the sake of the protection of our citizens.

3. County roads. I live in a rural township (Pavilion) where every home is on a paved road. I have visited other, more densely populated rural areas where half-million dollar homes are on unpaved roads. Snow removal has been good too; I have only been “snowed in” twice in 18 years of rural living. The bridges are also well-maintained.

4. (a) County parks. I am committed to improvement and expansion of our county parks system. Parks improve the quality of life for all members of the community and help attract business to our community. (b) International port. I would like to see an increase in import and export commerce in Kalamazoo County. The key to this will be establishment of an intermodal container terminal in Kalamazoo. This would lower the cost of distribution and create jobs in this sector of the economy.

District 17
Townships: Brady, Prairie Ronde and Schoolcraft

David C. Maturen
Republican. Age 58. Real estate appraiser. Master’s degree, public administration, WMU, 1978. Bachelor’s degree, business administration, WMU, 1970. Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners (BOC), 2 terms; chair, Appointments Committee. Metropolitan Planning Commission, Board of Public Works, GIS Committee, Solid Waste Committee, and Vicksburg LDFA. Current chair, Michigan Association of Counties Economic Development / Taxation Committee; former chair, State Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Brady Township Trustee, 14 yrs.

1. Oppose. I support the concept of a countywide transit service, but not the one on the November ballot. At the time the Board of Commissioners voted to merge with Metro Transit, I was under the distinct impression that we could establish different rates for the rural vs. urban areas of the county. That proved not to be the case.

2. The voters turned down 3-mill and 2-mill packages before finally approving an “affordable” 1/4 mill levy for solely the Juvenile Home. The Board of Commissioners is setting aside funds from our operational savings into a justice facility “cookie jar” to jump start any initiative to expand the jail. Any millage to fund a jail expansion will have to be deemed affordable by the electorate so we must gauge our desires accordingly.

3. We have so many dedicated employees and elected officials, it is difficult to answer. Our courts have won national recognition for their drug courts and alternatives to incarceration. The Sheriff Department puts up with less than ideal conditions and manpower to keep us safe. Health and Human Services continues to serve the neediest in our community and keep our environment safe. All departments have cut their budgets.

4. (a) Continue to seek out efficiencies in county government through the strategic planning process. We have had great cooperation from departments and elected officials in this endeavor. We continue to look at partnerships (some intergovernmental), privatization and review of all programs. (b) Continue to look for ways to improve our jail situation. Our alternatives to incarceration (saving the taxpayers’ money) can only work if there is a penalty (back to jail) should one violate any provisions of one’s probation.

Jerry Rudolph
Democrat. Age 60. Retired; performing advocacy work on contract/retainer basis; Civil Rights Mediator for Dispute Resolution Services affiliated with Gryphon Place. Bachelor’s degree, Davenport U. Problem-solving and dispute resolution experience, 20-plus yrs. Returned to school in 2000 earning a Bachelor’s degree would pretty much sum up my adult life. Completed: State Administrative Office Approved Community Dispute Resolution Program Mediator Training and Victim/Offender program, conducted by Center for Community Justice.

1. I am in total support of countywide transit program. Without the increase the Vicksburg/Schoolcraft and surrounding rural communities would lose current Care-A-Van call-in service along with any future hope of expanded bus lines into South County areas. Voters have to understand this is critical for continued and future service for seniors and handicapped individuals who rely on public transportation for jobs, shopping, physician appointments and many other reasons.

2. Proper programs and usage of the new juvenile facility will hopefully reduce the need for adult incarceration. The current jail system is broken. The overcrowded facility we now have has become outdated and is unsafe for jail personnel and prisoners alike. Renovation may or may not be a consideration; however, alternative types of incarceration may provide some relief. Community safety is paramount to public. Our children and our grandchildren deserve as much and it is up to us to deliver. . . .

3. The county mental health programs are showing signs of major improvements. More directly the Senior Services, Area Agency on Aging and KCASI are providing much needed attention for the elderly. Consolidation of the many departments has resulted in more efficient and cost effective services. An important point to make here would be the negative impact the county transit initiative would have on these programs should it fail on November 7.

4. Fixing County Jail would be at the top of the list along with community safety (see #2). Initiating the concept of true countywide transit system in addition to county awareness in alternative transportation would be near top also. Current gas prices are certain to rise again and we need to reduce our continued reliance on single-seat auto transportation. Austin Lake Dam is concern as breach could cause catastrophic damage to Village of Vicksburg. Reports indicate temporary repairs are more than sufficient until permanent reconstruction has concluded (same was said about New Orleans).