WALTER DANIELS (R) Three candidates are seeking two, four-year terms as trustees on the Cleveland Township Board.

Incumbent Republican trustee Walter W. Daniels hopes to retain his seat. Daniels is opposed by Bill Olsen, a Republican. Also on the ballot is Dan Klimaszewski, Democrat.

BACKGROUNDS

 Daniels is also a former supervisor .

 Olsen, a Cleveland Township resident for 60 years, is a fourth generation farmer. He has served on the township planning commission for three years and has worked with the Leelanau Conservancy to help protect our farmlands in the county for six years.

 Klimaszewski, a Michigan native, is a retired special education administrator who worked in Washtenaw and Genesee counties. He holds a masters degree in social work from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from UM-Flint. He is married to Pat Haber.

DAN KLIMASZEWSKI (D) ANSWERS

The following are the responses to four questions posed to the candidates:

(1)

DANIELS: Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and other assigned duties.

KLIMASZEWSKI: I believe it is important for townships to work closely with the county and state governments to address issues that affect the health and safety of the community. I expect that there would be meetings to facilitate collaboration between governmental units. I will participate in any activities that would assist in the development of the former Sugar Loaf Resort or other community issues. I will also be available to address concerns of the Cleveland township residents.

BILL OLSEN (R) OLSEN: I would be sure to get all the facts and also get every point of view from all parties affected before voting on a matter.

(2)

DANIELS: I do not pledge any set number of hours, rather whatever number of hours it takes to get the job done.

KLIMASZEWSKI: I anticipate that there will be additional time needed to work on issues that come before the board. I would also anticipate additional committee meetings, and time required for community contact. I would be available for these duties. Like almost everyone else in Leelanau county, we usually spend two to four weeks in warmer climates in the winter. We are full time residents of Leelanau County.

OLSEN: It all depends on the circumstance of the issue at hand. I will work as many hours as necessary to get the job done. Vacation day, what’s that? With cattle and farming it’s a day now and then.

(3)

DANIELS: Good common sense and six years service on the Board of Appeals, one year on the planning commission and two years as zoning administrator.

KLIMASZEWSKI: Qualifications: Masters in Social Work, Bachelors in Urban Studies, 30 plus years of experience in working with people and problem solving. Active in city government committees in Ann Arbor.

Tools: Problem solving skills. Organizational development skills. A strong belief system that good government works with people, not against them. My professional background equips me to work with people who may have divergent beliefs and values.

OLSEN: I have lived in this township for over 60 years. I would work to keep the restriction on people down. Too many rules are hurting our whole society.

(4)

DANIELS: Nothing as long as the Posellis and Kate Wickstrom keep playing games.

KLIMASZEWSKI: Yes, by working with the county to address health and safety issues on the currently dormant property. Work in collaboration with the county to encourage private development or/public development of the land. Throughout the country there have been numerous innovative development projects where the private and public domains have collaborated. Such an approach is what needs to be explored at the former Sugar Loaf Resort.

OLSEN: One of the main things we can do is to do a little research on the people who are interested in the purchase. The county and township have been wasting to much time and money on every dead beat that comes along. If a person has the resources to get it operating, then give them all the support and resources available to us.

Job duties, compensation

Like the supervisor, clerk and treasurer, the trustees are members of the township board with an equal vote in legislative and administrative government decisions within the jurisdiction of the township board. However, unlike the supervisor, clerk and treasurer, however, trustees are not delegated specific statutory duties and responsibilities.

Cleveland Township trustees receive a per diem of $80 per meeting.