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U.S. Senator

U.S. Representative in Congress, 6th District

Kalamazoo County Sheriff

Kalamazoo County Commissioners, Districts 1, 6, 7, 10

Polling Places

 

What’s New

As a result of redistricting based on the 2010 Census, certain Congressional, Legislative and County Commission district boundaries have been changed. Be sure you know your district for each race. Prior to the Primary Election, all registered voters in Kalamazoo County will receive a new voter registration card showing their new districts and precinct locations. If you are unsure about the district in which you live, check the State of Michigan website— www.michigan.gov/elections—or contact your local clerk.

Kalamazoo County Commission
 Two-year term. Vote for one.

  1. What essential talents, skills and experiences would you bring to the Commission? [100-word limit]
  2. What strategies would you use to improve the effectiveness of the
    Commission? [100-word limit]
  3. What are the most positive characteristics or qualities of Kalamazoo County—ones that attract people and businesses and keep them here? How should the Commission capitalize on them? [100-word limit]

District 1
Kalamazoo City precincts: 1, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 & 27
Kalamazoo Township precincts: 10, 13

Republican
Albert W. Thompson, Jr.

Age 70. Self-employed, Thompson Engineering, semi-retired. K–12; some college, KVCC. Worked for several companies in various capacities, from shop labor to management. Last position, before starting my own company, was plant manager. Self-employed since 1989. My area of expertise is mechanical design and engineering using CAD. Honorable discharge, 4 yrs, U.S. Navy 1960–1964. Board member, VanKal Tea Party Patriots. Member, New Day Community Church.

  1. My business background. Ability to work with others to get the job done. My willingness to want to serve, and a sense of responsibility to want to help and improve a process.
  2. I feel that with the number of districts being reduced from 17 to 11, that it would be a great opportunity for people without a political background to get involved. And with the economy the way it is, having a business background will be beneficial.
  3. Businesses are attracted by other successful companies in the area, i.e., Stryker, Pfizer, Western Michigan University’s Business Technology and Research Park, also two hospitals, and colleges, along with many local satellite companies supporting them. Other things that would also encourage businesses to focus in this area would be Right to Work, reduced taxes, and tax abatement programs, thus helping startup companies.

Democrat
Carolyn G. Alford

Age 62. Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 21 yrs; current position, Payroll Specialist. B.A., Public Service Administration, Siena Heights U.; Assoc. degree, Business Administration, KVCC. Incumbent Kalamazoo County Commissioner, new district 1 (seeking 4th term). Member, Galilee Baptist Church. Past employment: Family Health Center, Finance Dept, 16 yrs; Kalamazoo School Board Trustee, 16 yrs. I have had the wonderful privilege and honor to serve in several leadership roles on numerous boards and committees in Kalamazoo County and city.

  1. Over 20 years as an elected public servant, my approach is to thoroughly research all sides of an issue in order to make an informed decision. As a third term County Commissioner, there have been several critical issues where decisions had to be made and this approach has proved to be invaluable. The one paramount skill is seriously listening to our constituents and setting an open and respectful environment for each individual to share information. I will continue to follow this practice.
  2. Starting in 2013 the reduction of the number of districts from 17 to 11 will be more manageable and better functioning within the Commission. A planned strategy is to advocate for and promote a more inclusive approach to a dialogue among Commissioners, e.g., small group/work study meetings, informational e-mail blasts, etc.
  3. Our County is one community that continues to be the place where people are choosing to live because of our strong education community, “The Promise City,” our progressive healthcare community, economic development initiatives, ongoing support of programs to improve a person’s quality of life, strong active neighborhood associations, and a good faith effort in inter-governmental cooperation. The Commission needs to capitalize on these qualities by keeping them in the forefront and by proactively improving upon and addressing them during every term of office, rather than reacting to them when problems arise.

Robert M. Barnard

Age 46. Self-employed, DBA Barnard Building and Construction and Kal-Trek Demolition L.L.C., 8 yrs licensed general contractor with Federal EPA/HUD certifications in Lead Abatement, Michigan Asbestos Abatement Supervisor/Contractor, NAHB Certified Green Professional. School of Engineering, Aviation Major, Business Minor, WMU. Boards and committees: Public Housing, Parks and Recreation, Appointments, Economic Development / Brownfield Redevelopment, Edison Neighborhood Association, Building Blocks Supervisor.

  1. Through my 18 years of experience working with and volunteering for the Edison Neighborhood Association consecutively with 10 years on the County Commission, I have learned to embrace the differing opinions of others and identify ways to satisfy most for the good of the community, and we all benefit from our activities and efforts. My exposure to working with and supervising the most diverse work groups to successful project completions show that I am capable of working with other Commissioners to fulfill our tasks to you the community.
  2. I would like to see information being posted on a website accessible by Commissioners to see what information has been disseminated and when the issues are to be discussed by the Commissioners at the regular meetings. I believe that we must know the issues fully in order to be able to make the best decisions for the County of Kalamazoo. Being able to access this information weeks in advance of the agenda date would be very beneficial to the decision making process.
  3. It is my belief that some of the most positive characteristics include County Parks, transit systems, entertainment venues in downtown Kalamazoo, and the education system from K-12 to universities, including KRESA. We as a Commission need to be reactive to opportunities that continue to improve these venues to maintain the high quality of life in and around Kalamazoo to set us apart from others. Every progressive community is looking for unique opportunities to exemplify themselves; we must also, in a very strategic manner to maximize our investments.

Andrew Worden

Age 47. Stocker. Working on Bachelor’s, Management and Organization Development, Spring Arbor Univ. Background and experience over a decade at paper factory, retail, medical, food services and farm work to volunteer work with Residential Opportunities Inc., Deacons Conference and Medical First Responder, etc. Eastside parent forum to help make families stronger; the stronger our families, the stronger our community. “I have alternately been called an Aristocrat and a Democrat. I am neither. I am a Christocrat.” (Benjamin Rush)

  1. The essential talents, skills and experiences I will bring to the Commission is to always remember that I am a representative of the people. As a public servant I will be honored to serve the people by informing what is happening and to give an honest assessment of what is happening. Being a Democrat or a Republican is not the answer; it is being able to work with both sides of the aisle. I am running for County Commissioner as a Democrat and as a Precinct Delegate as a Republican.
  2. The strategies would I use to improve the effectiveness of the Commission is that I will be willing to listen to both sides of the “aisle”. Both the Democratic and Republican sides have valid points and there should be some sort of middle ground. Kalamazoo County knows what is happening and would like the input from the public, for we can fix any challenges that come our way as long as we work together.
  3. There are a lot of things that are attractive for Kalamazoo: the Promise, the autism support structures (KARSA, ROI, etc.), the schools of higher education (WMU, Kalamazoo College, Spring Arbor University, etc.), the museums, forests nearby, the art (museum, art hop, etc.). We have creative art centers, festivals year-around which are encouraging for those who would like to have a nice family community. We also have the work force and infrastructure to support businesses for our families. We even have an indoor water park in the county. Kalamazoo is a great place to raise a family.

District 6
 Townships of Cooper, Richland & Ross

Republican

Jeff Heppler
 Did not respond in time for publication

Dale A. Pominville

Age 51. Certified Sales Consultant, Metro Toyota. High school graduate; Michigan Association of School Board Certified. Cub Scout leader, President, Parchment Athletic Booster; current vice president. President Parchment School District Board of Education, second term. Current appointed Kalamazoo County Commissioner. Sales management, Corporate Purchasing agent, Internet Sales management. Inventory Control management.

  1. My ability to interact with a wide variety of people. To be able to listen to issues from different people in and around my community and provide them with direction and resources available. I have a reputation of being moral, ethical, confidential and trustworthy. I have the experience in policy making, finance, personnel and facilities. I am blessed to be a people person.
  2. I believe that in order to be effective is to be engaged. We need to be transparent, approachable and engaged. Not only in our own district but the community as a whole. We need to send a clear message to our administrator of the expectations of our community and then hold him or her accountable. We will need to act responsibly to move Kalamazoo County with the reputation of the place to be, the place to work, live and educate.
  3. Education, Medical Facilities, Safety, Nature. I-94 corridor, the newly renovated airport, Air Zoo and the ongoing downtown development. As a commission, we can capitalize on this by making sure we are great stewards of the funds and budget we make decisions on. We should always look for new business and opportunities. We need to retain all the graduates so that they can be successful right here in Kalamazoo. That Kalamazoo County is the best place to live, work and play.

Neal S. Turluck

Age 26. Student, studying geology at WMU. College of Arts and Sciences, WMU; high school diploma, Chelsea High School. Resident of Ross Township, 7 yrs; Eagle Scout; board member, Green Earth Michigan (non-profit leading Michigan to energy independence). Internship: Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education. Member of VanKal Tea Party and Kalamazoo GOP. I believe in limited government, strict budgeting, and a free economy in Kalamazoo County. www.facebook.com/NealSTurluck

  1. I am open minded and teachable, yet I am conservative. I am able to say “No,” and be tough when it counts. I developed my leadership skills through becoming an Eagle Scout. The VanKal Tea Party and the Kalamazoo GOP taught me what it means to be conservative, and to become an informed member of the community. Serving as a board member of Green Earth Michigan has taught me to take action, and I practice those principles consistently. As a leader in this community it is my duty to be effective in moving Kalamazoo County forward in these dire times.
  2. The commission as a whole needs to work in a collaborative effort for us to move forward. I will work as a leader to bring the different party members together so the whole unit can work as one. With a functioning board we would be able to pass policies to help move Kalamazoo County in the right direction. We have had years of stagnation on the county level and my desire for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and a free economy will lead this county into prosperity.
  3. The Kalamazoo Promise stands out as a leading quality of Kalamazoo County; it helps to support the diversity of higher education and training facilities within the county. The education facilities themselves put Kalamazoo County above all else; there is opportunity for a diverse background of people to receive the education they deserve. It is the job of the Commission to assess land and lower property taxes to bring in new commercial and industrial companies into our area. Education is the future for our children, and the Commission needs to support businesses to retain the youth of our community.

Democrat
Tom Novak

Age 47. Middle school teacher, Parchment Public Schools. M.A., WMU. Received the Kalamazoo County’s Excellence in Education Award twice. Named the Parchment Schools’ “Teacher of the Year” in 2007. Received the Red Cross Merit Award for selfless and humane action in saving a life. These accolades are indicative of my character and passion for community and caring. Kalamazoo County resident, 34 yrs. Cooper Township resident since 1994. Married to Lisa James-Novak, 18 yrs; three daughters. www.facebook.com/TomNovakForKalamazooCountyCommission6thDistrict

  1. As an educator, I’ve created a lasting and positive relationship with students and families. I’ve had the unique opportunity to interact with a myriad of County residents that reflect highly varied social, economic, religious, political and professional backgrounds. This has afforded me the opportunity to realize how our local government impacts families and students. I have utilized my skills as a listener and leader with PTO organizations, athletic boosters, and my colleagues as the past president of the Parchment Education Association. I am currently the Treasurer for both the Parchment Education Association and Kalamazoo County Education Association.
  2. The strategy of collaboration and compromise on issues is critical. My skills in this area have been utilized continually for years representing the teachers in collective bargaining with the Parchment Schools. I’ve worked with management in reviewing budgets and making wise, fiscally-responsible agreements with limited funds. I want to incorporate more direct influence from community groups and citizens when forming decisions and votes. There are limited resources available and the need to set aside party affiliation and decide what’s best for our citizens in Kalamazoo has to preempt whatever position the Republican or Democratic parties might exert on commissioners.
  3. I feel one of the best assets that Kalamazoo County has is a strong education-centered community. In addition, we have a wide range of recreational parks and beaches, and strong community involvement in area festivals and events. The Commission can capitalize on these as conduits for direct feedback from the citizens who might otherwise not attend evening Commission meetings. These same citizens need their voice and concerns heard. Working with established educational and recreational institutions can greatly increase direct citizen input in a manner that would not overly burden Commissioners while simultaneously bringing in more businesses and consumers.

District 7
 Townships of Charleston, Climax, Comstock, Wakeshma & City of Galesburg

Republican
Danielle M. Gray

Age 24. Night Auditor, Kalamazoo’s Candlewood Suites. Graduate, Gull Lake H.S., 2005; majoring in business accounting. Raised in Richland. Retail sales, administration, volunteer work. Recently appointed to the Board of Animal Services, Kalamazoo County. www.facebook.com/electdaniellegray

  1. I am a planner by nature, have a deep empathy for people and a strong desire to help. My ability to understand the consequences of, not only my actions, but how my actions affect other people gives me an advantage when being placed in a position of making choices for others. Participation in the volunteer activities I am part of has given me a better perspective of how important communication and implementation is. My experience in sales has shown me how to get results and how precious something can be, like taxpayer dollars.
  2. I think the redistricting is a good opportunity, cutting from 17 to 11 Commissioners is a huge improvement in efficiency, and when something is more efficient it is more effective. The County Commission is a board that people do not understand very well, even though it is an important position. I believe that the effectiveness of the board would be greatly improved if more citizens got involved and educated about the issues being dealt with. My plan is to get involved educating people what the County Commission does, and what they can do to help.
  3. Kalamazoo County has a lot to offer the citizens who call Kalamazoo home, like the Kalamazoo Promise for school, the national recognition of Bronson Methodist Hospital for healthcare, prime manufacturing companies including Stryker, Pfizer, and Graphic Packaging for employment, and more than a few first-rate colleges/universities to obtain higher education. I feel that the County Commission should be able to help our community programs and organizations reach their goals by not imposing too many regulations and providing the appropriate funding.

Roger Tuinier

Age 61. Greenhouse owner / operator. H.S. graduate; KVCC, 2 yrs. 40 yrs of owning and operating a successful greenhouse business.

  1. I have been a business owner for 40 years. Also served as a director and past president of Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers. Served 6 years in a leadership role in the National Guard. I’ve served on the church board several times as Elder and Deacon. I also served as a director on the Greenstone Farm Credit Board, as well as many other committees.
  2. I really don’t feel qualified to answer this question at this time. I have no experience serving on the Commission and am not certain of its effectiveness.
  3. It’s a great place to live and work. We have good schools for the most part; all schools are struggling some. We have WMU, K College and KVCC, all great schools. We are located on the I-94 corridor which gives us many opportunities for business growth. I think we can capitalize on these by giving tax incentives, possibly by doing away with or change the personal property tax. We should continue to encourage businesses to come to our county.

Democrat
Leroy Crabtree

Age 47. Business Manager / Financial Secretary. B.S., Occupational Safety and Health. I have 20 years experience in contract negotiation and dispute resolution. I served on the Board of Commissioners from January 2007 through January 2009. I serve on the Board of the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, the Facilities Committee for Ministry with Community, the Environmental Health Advisory Committee for Kalamazoo County, and the Board of Directors for the Kalamazoo Building Trades Credit Union.

  1. Effective governance requires cooperation and intelligent conversation. It cannot simply be a competition that makes one party the winner. I bring experience in consensus building and negotiations that will help to bring opposing parties to an agreement. Kalamazoo County government is responsible for providing much needed services even though revenues are declining. Any adjustments that must be made need to be thoroughly considered. I will work to ensure a thoughtful discussion occurs and the needed services are provided as efficiently as possible.
  2. I believe the most destructive manifestation of current political climate is one-party control. The party lines create a false division between people. I will work to foster cooperation and communication across the Board without regard to party affiliation. I don’t believe that a majority of our community is at odds with each other and I don’t believe that our elected representatives should be either.
  3. The greatest asset to our County is the people who live here. They have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and compassionate in the face of disaster time and time again. We have great schools and colleges in our educational community and a really great city at the core of our County. We have a thriving business community and need to continue working to foster its growth. We should capitalize on our great assets and continue to improve our community by focusing on intergovernmental cooperation, early childhood education, public transportation and business development.

District 10
City of Portage precincts: 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19 & 21

Republican
Charles Bogren

Age 21. Campaign Manager, Congressman Tim Walberg’s reelection effort in Michigan’s 7th District. B.A., History/Political Science, U of Michigan; Portage Central H.S. Lifelong Portage resident with the exception of time achieving a Bachelor’s degree from the U of Michigan, where active in Relay for Life. Became interested in politics while interning for Congressman Fred Upton, then served as Field Representative for Tim Walberg. Following this, elected as statewide Chairman of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans. http://www.facebook.com/BogrenforCommission

  1. My time as a leader while in school and in politics has shown me how important effective communication is in ensuring the confidence of those who have elected you. My commitment to transparent and open government and keeping the electorate up to date on what the Commission is doing in its day-to-day deliberations is essential in instilling a sense of trust with the county government. I believe strongly that my deep ties to Portage as a lifetime resident help me as a leader in our great community, and I will strive to make it apparent that Kalamazoo is a great place to live and grow.
  2. Open communication with our electorate is essential to the effectiveness of the Commission, and I would strive to ensure that the decisions made by myself as a Commissioner, and the body as a whole, would always be explained. I believe that increased cooperation with local municipalities will help to improve the efficacy of the group. With more interoperability at all levels of government we will be able to cut cuts and streamline the organizations in order to better serve the people of Kalamazoo County.
  3. The hardworking spirit and sense of community defines the people of Kalamazoo County, and when coupled with an environment that fosters economic development and family values we are one of the premiere areas to attract socio-economic development. Strong infrastructure is a key component to attracting more businesses, and thus people. The Commission should emphasize our location between Chicago and Detroit as well as the surrounding natural resources in order to stay competitive. Kalamazoo County is an amazing place for a child to be raised or a business started, and I will work hard to demonstrate that as Commissioner.

Phil Stinchcomb

Age 50. Kalamazoo County Commissioner; Sales Representative H&H Metal Source. B.S., Marketing, Indiana Univ., Married to Pam, 3 children and one dog named Maximus. My children are in the Portage Public School system with my oldest graduated and attending WMU. I have lived in Portage since 1997. I was elected in 2010 and have one term experience as your County Commissioner. I’m a professional manufacturers’ sales representative, selling steel sheets and coils to area manufacturers. www.philstinchcomb.com

  1. I’m passionate about the future of my children and the opportunities that will be before them here in Michigan. My ability to listen, learn, and persuade has provided for my family and is a benefit to the people of Kalamazoo County as well as the board which I have served on since 2010. I’m about empowering people, limiting government.
  2. Collaboration as we work for consolidation. That is, work within our board, then work with local governments. We must work together going forward to collaborate or consolidate services, utilizing what each level of government does best. We cannot continue to have 3 layers of government providing the same service.
  3. Location, location, location. We are halfway between Chicago and Detroit, Grand Rapids and northern Indiana. Our natural resources are abundant and beautiful. Our schools are good to outstanding. The Commission working with Southwest Michigan First will attract private business. Kalamazoo County’s Brownfield Redevelopment assists in cleanup and attracts business by partnering with them to clean up in exchange for tax revenue down the road.

Democrat
Connor Farrell

Age 25. Internet-based entrepreneur and business manager; graduate business student, WMU. B.A., The Univ. of Chicago; Master’s candidate, Business Administration, WMU. I have experience and training in business development, retail, and research. The web businesses I manage is using the internet for good by helping those in need. Please visit CompassionPit.com if you ever need a safe and caring place to vent to a caring listener. www.facebook.com/ConnorForCommissioner

  1. As a business student with 21st century business experience, I will be uniquely able to foster more efficiency in the growth of Kalamazoo County. Education has always been an important part of my life, and I feel my commitment to education will fit well with Kalamazoo being a destination for education. I intend to help grow this wonderful education-focused community.
  2. With my business being based on the web, we have always valued efficiency as a business practice. Our company creates value and helps people in need, we do this with just a computer and an internet connection. That is the focus on efficiency that I can bring to the Commission. It takes business training to help run, set the budget for a county, and foster business growth.
  3. Kalamazoo is a special place. We have a tremendous reputation as an education community, with a strong network of support for business. From small businesses like my own, to great corporations like Stryker, we can attract and sustain business of all sizes. Kalamazoo is known for the amazing schools located here, like WMU, K College, and KVCC. We are also known for the great business and corporations located here. The business development and revolutionary focus on education are qualities that must be preserved, and my extensive education and training in business will help further this goal.