VICTOR GOLDSCHMIDT (R) Three candidates are seeking the Leelanau Township Supervisor’s seat that’s been occupied for the past several years by James Neve, who is not seeking re-election.

Victor Goldschmidt and Edward Reinsch are seeking the Republican nomination for the supervisor’s post. Doug Scripps is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The winner between Goldschmidt and Reinsch will face Scripps in the November General Election.

BACKGROUND

 Goldschmidt has been a township resident with spouse Denice since 2000. They have grandchildren in California, Florida and Texas. He is a professor emeritus of Purdue Mechanical Engineering with five years as Department Head. His previous work experience includes time as an accounting clerk, land surveyor, and as an engineer with Honeywell Control Valves.

EDWARD REINSCH (R)  Reinsch has been married to Northport school teacher Sue Reinsch for 30 years. They have a daughter, Allison Reinsch, who was married this summer in Tucson, Ariz. Reinsch is a longtime cherry farmer, real estate agent for 10 years, Northport Public School athletic director/bus driver — the last 12 years Leland Public School bus driver. He also served eight years as Northport Village President and six years as trustee on the Leelanau Township Board.

 Scripps is an Alma College emeritus professor who has taught and conducted orchestras throughout Michigan and Central Europe. A former teacher at Northport School and part-time assistant harbormaster, he is the president of the Northport Community Arts Center an active in Northport/Omena Lions Club. He and his wife, Merilee have six children and nine grandchildren.

DOUG SCRIPPS (D) ANSWERS

Following are responses to four questions posed to the candidates.

(1)

GOLDSCHMIDT: I welcome this question! I will work for broad public participation, with visitors knowing the agenda ahead of time and with access to background information on key items. Aware that “the collective wisdom of our citizens exceeds that of any one elected officer,” my role will be to serve as moderator, anticipating and encouraging citizen input prior to critical votes, and as chair to assure this is done in an orderly and respectful and manner.

REINSCH: Public comment can be very beneficial, and would be allowed especially if it helps the board learn facts that they may not be aware of. It also helps to render a decision. The question however raises an interesting point, when is discussion not helpful? Examples of that are, when comments are combative, redundant, off point or disruptive. These cannot be allowed. Leelanau Township has a long history of running orderly meetings which are beneficial.

SCRIPPS: Public participation in government is the cornerstone of our democracy, and public comment is our right and obligation as citizens. Current township procedures allow considerable space for public comment, and boards or commissions may seek open discussion on matters of special signifi- cance. As Supervisor, I will encourage public participation, and will structure the comment periods to ensure all have an opportunity to be heard.

(2)

GOLDSCHMIDT: On the average most likely above 35 hours; some weeks more than 60, others less than 30. I will meet and exceed the statutory requirements of the job and be responsive through posted office hours, phone, emails and off-site meetings. Probably out of town around 21 days but during those days I will still be Supervisor, and continue to be responsive to our citizens via phone and internet. My laptop will be my “office.”

REINSCH: In order to do this job correctly a Supervisor must be available most of the time, by holding regularly scheduled office hours. I intend to be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. five days a week. I will attend all the after hour meetings as well as to be available by phone. As far as vacations go, I have a daughter in Arizona, whom I’d like to see at winter break and spring break.

SCRIPPS: I will maintain office hours similar to those of the current Supervisor and other township offi- cials. As Supervisor I will make myself readily available to township residents, and regular office hours are part of that commitment. Specifically, to increase availability to residents in all parts of the township, I plan to periodically hold office hours in Cherry Homes, Gill’s Pier and Omena.

(3)

GOLDSCHMIDT: Summarizing content of www.vg4supervisor.com.: I offer three major strengths: Experience. Township Trustee, Township and County Planning Commissions, University major department head with full fiscal and administrative responsibilities, service on Boards (Industrial, professional society, and National Boards) — “Experience paves the way for advancement”; Relevant training. Township Governance Academy graduate, Master Citizen Planner, Certified ZA, MTA conferences; and Special skills: I facilitate training sessions on leadership, problem solving, strategic planning, creativity, and group dynamics.

REINSCH: My community service prepares me for this job. Eight years on the Village Council in Northport, six as village President, during which time I was minister of finance, for the budget. Four years, Trustee for Leelanau Township, eight years, Leelanau Planning Commission and two as chair. Many years on the Leelanau Township Fire Department. Many years the chair of the Northport Sportsman’s Club. Eight years service as athletic director for Northport and Leland Schools, plus a long time coach.

SCRIPPS: In leadership positions throughout my career I have always sought to respectfully include all reasonable points of view in every decision. This approach has led to greater collegiality and better results, and I will continue it as Township Supervisor. Readers can find more details on my leadership background at www.dougscripps.com.

(4)

GOLDSCMHIDT: The need for millages is affirmed via the ballot box. Fire/rescue, emergency medical services, police protection must be provided; and facilities (parks, roads, library, other buildings) must be maintained. My role will be to address budgets and strategies for creative cost savings without compromising services, with full awareness that “Every dollar spent by an Elected Official is a dollar from a taxpayer’s pocket.” Voters then define the need.

REINSCH: Yes! The fire millage has come down, (.2 mills) as we have achieved our 10-year goal for up-dated equipment and services and full time EMTs. Also, the emergency services got us new ISO ratings for insurance purposes with major savings. To keep our roads up, there are shared costs with the county, the Township must pay 50 percent. Also, our facilities require maintenance. Operational millage pays for everything else which is a lot to ask of 1 mill. The police millage is a choice of the people.

SCRIPPS: Leelanau Township is a ‘general law’ township and as such is limited to one mill for operations. Extra services are subject to separate voter approval, and must be renewed every few years, a procedure that leads to greater transparency and accountability. The current practice works well, and as Supervisor I will continue this approach.

Job duties, compensation

The township supervisor is frequently the first official contacted about any township business or complaint, and is often perceived as the township spokesman. The supervisor acts as a moderator of township meetings and has the authority to place a person under oath. Supervisors are also the township’s agent for transacting legal business, and have the power to make appointments with board concurrence.

The Leelanau Township Supervisor is paid $30,000 per year. The supervisor also receives 10 percent toward the retirement fund, and may receive health insurance. If the supervisor ops to not receive health insurance, he may receive 75 percent of that benefit cost with funds placed in a deferred compensation account.