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You are Viewing an Archived Issue

Posted: 10/31/12

Bruce Township
candidate profiles

      Following are the answers to questionnaires from candidates running in Bruce Township.

BRUCE TOWNSHIP

       SUPERVISOR

       RICHARD CORY (R)
       Occupation: Videographer
       Government, professional and political background: I have devoted my life to community service, and through 25 years of working for WBRW served many organizations, from churches, non-profits, service and governmental groups. I helped start Parks & Rec, Star Transportation, and helped to build one of the best community access stations in the state, where we won over 30 awards. Due to my dedication to our area I was honored to receive the Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement award, Volunteer of the Year by the Romeo Community Schools as well as Grand Marshal for the Peach Festival Floral Parade. Currently, I am helping the Romeo varsity football team videotape its games. In August, I won the primary for Bruce Twp. supervisor.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office? I am a proven community leader. I respect other's opinions, and have the ability to bring people with varying ideas together to solve problems. I have participated in over 20 budgets and audits, and received A1 ratings on all of them.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: 1. Address the sewer debt and engage authorities from the state to study the possibility of an access road to the 33 Mile industrial corridor, to encourage more business. 2. Re-establish better relationships with the Village of Romeo.

       CLERK

       SUSAN BROCKMANN (R)
       Occupation: I currently serve as the Bruce Township clerk and its accounting manager. My additional responsibilities include planning and zoning and human resources.
       Government, professional and political background: I have served as the Bruce Township clerk since elected in 2008. My professional background includes 25 years of accounting, human resources, and project management. I earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Oakland University. I currently serve on the RWB Parks and Recreation/STAR Commission. I am active in community organizations such as Rotary, Romeo Kids Foundation, St. John Lutheran Church, Meals On Wheels, and community recycle events.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office? Since my election in 2008, I have streamlined services in the clerk's office, implemented cost saving measures, assisted in budget preparation, and received outstanding audit reports. Voters should choose me as clerk because my professional and business background brings skills, training, and expertise to the most technical elected office in our township. I have proven myself to be effective at this position. I also have proven to be a prepared and active board member. I've shown an ability to research carefully to aide in discussion of important topics facing our township.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: Continue my efforts in planning and zoning to preserve adherence to our Master Plan while aggressively researching ways to develop a commercial and industrial tax base for our township. Remain diligent in my efforts to enhance services while maintaining cost saving goals. I have been effective in developing business, professional, and inter-governmental relationships proving Bruce Township can maintain its rural character while announcing it is open for business. My goal would be to continue this progress in order to have customers move into our industrial area, thereby developing our tax base, increasing utility revenue, and bringing new people to our township.

       TREASURER

       DEBORAH S. OBRECHT (R)
       Occupation: Bruce Township treasurer 1988 to present.
       Government, professional and political background: Served as treasurer for 24 years; Finance degree from Michigan State University, master's in business administration from Old Dominion University; Certified Level II assessor & certified municipal finance administrator; Serve on Executive Board for Macomb County- Michigan Township Association; Serve as treasurer for Romeo Goodfellows for the past 12 years; Since 1988, member of Greater Romeo Washington Chamber of Commerce and served as treasurer on the board for six years; Appointed by County Board of Commissioners and served three terms to Macomb County Planning Commission.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office? I have maintained 100 percent attendance for 24 years at Township Board meetings. I have proven my dedication, commitment, knowledge and experience in serving the public in my role as treasurer and serving on the Township Board. I have impeccable tax settlement and audit reports for my department. My voting track record has always been fiscally conservative spending policy and supporting rural and open green spaces.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: 1. Work with the board to establish a plan to address the sewer debt obligation. Continue to support and encourage existing businesses to remain and attract new into our existing commercial and industrial districts. 2. Evaluate budget revenues and expenditures to maintain current, excellent services. Work with board to recognize and factor in fewer revenue dollars being collected. Insure all anticipated expenditures are budgeted and can be balanced within conservative estimated revenues. Transparency for the public to have access to this data is important. 3. Maintain our rural character and insure Master Plan is adhered to. Support Wi-Fi development for our residents. Communicate openly with the public and business to make working with Bruce Township a positive experience.

       TRUSTEE

       MARK FALKER (R)
       Did not respond.

       PAUL OKONIEWSKI (R)
       Did not respond.

       ZACHARY D. FOWLER (D)
       Did not respond.