Letter: "Piling on" with a millage question in the primary
Aug 6, 2018
To the editor,
Did you know that there is at least one other proposal on the August ballot? Probably only if you are an absentee voter and have seen your ballot. This is the tactical method local and school governments use to get something passed without much to do ... publicity, debate, or contest. For every “special” election, the taxpayers needlessly foot the bill, as in the May 2018 elections for Onsted and Morenci. Need a hard-to-sell school millage to pass, save a library, etc? Look for it on one of the state-funded primaries where only 20 percent of the voters show up. They are usually successful.
On Tuesday’s ballot, there is a millage increase to support the Lenawee Medical Care Facility. I do support this millage, and I think many will. However, most voters don’t even know there is a proposal. To put this on the primary ballot is seen by the majority as a blind-sided bill. And just because “it’s always been done that way” doesn’t make it right. This tactic only reinforces distrust in our government leaders.
So if you needed another reason to vote, I hope this will get you to the polls. Otherwise, see you November.
Bryan Winder, Adrian Township
Letter: The primaries are of ‘primary’ importance
July 29, 2018
To the editor,
Ever wonder why most voters were disenfranchised with the choices during the presidential election? It’s because most voters (approx. 80 percent) didn’t bother going to the polls during the primaries. The same will likely happen this year as we prepare to elect a new governor, unless you do something about it.
The primaries are in most ways, depending on the candidates, even more important than the general election. If you want a chance to vote for your candidates in November, you had better make the effort to vote for them in August. There are plenty of parties competing for this honor and responsibility, but there are also plenty of candidates to choose from within those parties. Maybe that’s the primary reason for lower voter turnout? As much as information is prevalent and available via the internet in this country, the primary voting age is still the long-retired population, many of whom I suspect, do not use the internet very much, if at all. So how else are they supposed to get information on the candidates? What they really want is for our younger citizens to step up to their responsibility, do the research necessary to narrow the field, and get out there and vote.
More often candidates at every level are using the internet to get their message out, including yours truly. Although we still haven’t mastered social media to its potential, information on most candidates is available on the web. All you need to do is search their names (usually, because I’m still trying to figure out how to get my web page to appear in a search). Did you know you can view your sample ballot on the MISOS website, complete with links to many candidate’s web pages? Visit: michigan.gov/sos for all your the voting needs or webapps.sos.state.mi.us/MVIC/SelectPublicBallot.aspx to see your ballot.
Don’t continue to leave the affairs of our state and our country up to the views of the vocal minority. I for one would love to see Lenawee County break some records for voter turnout this season. There’s still time for you to prepare and vote in the Aug. 7 primaries, or ask for an absentee ballot within the next few days. C’mon millennials, you CAN make a difference!
Bryan Winder
Independent candidate for Adrian Township Trustee
bryanwinder.org, FB@bryanewinder
Letter: Reality for independents: It's still a longshot
Dec 18, 2016
To the editor,
Adrian Township voters: It's not often that you get a concession speech at the lowest level of government, but I wanted to show my appreciation for those voters who supported me at the polls. My apologies for the delay, but we've had a death in the family which takes priority over politics.
Although we came up short, my constituents at the township and I are pleased with the results for a first-time, independent run: 58 percent of you split your ticket and, of those, 46 percent gave me one of your four votes.
So, to the 947 voters who voted their conscience for the vision of non-partisan politics, I sincerely thank you!
My condolences go out to the other five independent candidates throughout the county who came up short as well. So where did we go wrong?
It's no surprise that we are a heavily Republican township and county, as most rural areas are, and that an independent run is an uphill battle. Name recognition is also a challenge, but I didn't want to go door-to-door out of respect for your privacy. The simple math suggests that not enough people really care about township-level politics; too much focus on the presidential race, traditional parties or apathy altogether. This is further evident by the 30 percent who stayed home, and the 54 percent who split their ticket in the higher offices, but not the local ones. If each of the 2,059 voters who split their ticket would've truly considered themselves independent, and desired bi-partisan cooperation, they would've given me one of their four votes, and we would've made history.
Or, if the 564 straight-ticket Democrats would've given me their vote, we might not have a Republican-controlled board. By and large the biggest hurdle is getting enough staunch Republicans to see the value of someone else's opinion outside their own party. No party is perfect.
So how do we do better next time? Keep the conversation going; talk it up with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Be more interested in local governmental decisions that affect townships, cities and the county.
I'm interested in your opinion and feedback as well. Please visit my website to see the full stats and let me know how we can move forward for a more involved and better informed community...because everybody's voice is important, not just the majority's.
Bryan Winder, Adrian Township candidate
Steve May replaces Tom Romain as board trustee in Adrian Township
Jan 10, 2017
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
ADRIAN TWP — Adrian Township lost a township board member Monday, but a replacement has been selected.
Tom Romain just recently was re-elected for a four-year term on the board but resigned as trustee after reading a letter of resignation to the other board members and gathered public at the township board meeting. Romain has served on the board for the past 12 years.
“It’s been an honor to serve,” Romain said. He said his decision was motivated by family. He said he and his wife will “begin a new chapter” as they move to the west side of the state to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Township Supervisor Jim Koehn said he has spoken with Romain over the past month or so about this potential decision, so he knew it might have been coming. Koehn said he and Romain have served together for more than a decade and he’s proud of what they’ve accomplished. “I think we’ve moved the township in the right direction over the past 12 years,” Koehn said.
Township trustee Ray Thompson said the township and board have been blessed to have Romain serve. Each board member issued their accepting vote on the resignation with deep regret.
Romain said during his tenure he was proud to see township roads improve and the township’s overall budget take priority.
“I think the township is in a good place because of its leadership,” Romain said. “I hope I played a small part in that.”
In followup to the announcement, Koehn put forth township resident Steve May as a recommended replacement. The township board has the power to make a recommended replacement within 45 days of the official announcement. However, if it didn’t appoint a replacement within that time frame, a special election would have to be held.
May currently is executive director of the River Raisin Watershed Council and was a longtime Lenawee County drain commissioner. Koehn said May was more than qualified to fill in the spot and is more than willing to serve and is eager to help the township. May also had been informed Koehn would be making this recommendation.The township board unanimously approved May as the replacement.
May will serve until the next general election, in November 2018.
Three incumbents, two newcomers vie for Adrian Township trustee seats
Oct 20, 2016
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
ADRIAN TWP. — One will not move on. Five candidates are running for four spots on the Adrian Township Board of Trustees. Tom Romain, Michael Herr and Ray Thompson are each incumbent Republican candidates seeking re-election. They are joined by newcomers Republican Ben Ruesink and Independent candidate Bryan Winder.
Voting is 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the township hall, 2889 Tipton Highway.
Tom Romain, 65
Family: Married for 42 years with two grown children.
Job: Retired, worked in the banking and the financial services industry for 37 years.
Why are you running for office?
“I currently am serving as a trustee for Adrian Township and have been for the past eight years.”
What do you think are the important issues?
“Currently our township is attempting to negotiate with the city of Adrian to provide a water source for the development of ProMedica Hospital, which is relocating to Adrian Township. I feel this is one of the most important issues facing us today as future development along M-52 seems imminent. Roads are now and always have been a big issue to the township.”
What qualifies you to serve?
“Eight years experience as a township trustee.”
Why should voters pick you?
“After a millage for road improvement failed last year, our township board worked with our residents to develop the means to improve subdivision roads. I feel that this type of cooperation within our current board speaks volumes for its ability to get positive things accomplished and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Michael Herr, 67
Family: Married with five grown children
Education: Doctorate of veterinary medicine from Michigan State University
Job: Owner of the Adrian Animal Clinic
Why are you running for office?
“Having never served in a military capacity, public service through local government participation has been my primary reason for running for office.”
What do you think are the important issues?
“The three most important and immediate issues facing Adrian Township residents are maintaining the function and equipment needs of our police and fire/rescue departments, maintaining and hopefully upgrading all the roads our township government is responsible for, plus facilitating, where possible, the installation of water and sewer for the proposed new hospital to be built in our township.”
What qualifies you to serve?
“Serving the residents of Adrian Township for the last 14 years as a member of the planning commission or as a township trustee has been privilege and an always interesting learning experience.”
Why should voters pick you?
“Our recently updated Adrian Township master plan contains a mission statement that dictates the purpose of our local officials in guiding township growth while maintaining equitable balance between urban and rural interests. I intend to strongly adhere to that philosophy as I seek my fourth term as a township trustee.”
Ben Ruesink, 36
Family: Married with three children.
Education: Adrian High School and Northern Michigan University.
Job: Lifetime resident and third-generation farmer of Adrian Township.
Why are you running for office?
“I am running for a trustee position because I care about the future of Adrian Township and want to protect and represent our agricultural community.”
What do you think are the important issues?
“To protect our township’s rural character and work to keep spending under control.”
What qualifies you to serve?
“As the current chairman of the Adrian Township planning commission, I believe it is important to be involved. I have always taken an interest in what the township is doing and began serving in 2014.”
Why should voters pick you?
“I believe in honesty and think with a little hard work we can find solutions that work for everybody. Voters should choose me if they want a trustee who will protect our township’s rural character and work to keep spending under control.”
Ray Thompson, 71
Family: Married with four grown children
Job: Lifetime Adrian Township farmer
Education: Vocational agriculture degree from Michigan State University
Why are you running for office?
“To help Adrian Township to be one of the county’s best places to live and work.”
What do you think are the important issues?
“Continue to keep township at a level to provide needed services and roads, at a reasonable level of taxes.”
What qualifies you to serve?
“Twenty-eight years as a Adrian Township trustee and 24 years on the township’s planning commission.”
Why should voters pick you?
“Experience and conservative spending of township taxes.”
Bryan Winder, 54
Family: Married 32 years with three grown children and two in middle school, one of which is adopted.
Education: Onsted High school, Community College of the Air Force
Job: Deputy clerk of Adrian Township (voter registration, absentee ballots, and elections)
Why are you running for office?
“I want to have more of a voice in the decision processes and in the direction the township is headed.”
What do you think are the important issues?
“Fiscal responsibility, blight enforcement, sewer rates, road maintenance and safety in coordination with the county road commission, vacant build-able lots, millage increases that shouldn’t make it to the ballot.”
What qualifies you to serve?
“Three years of seeing the inner workings of the township as deputy clerk and 30 years of cutting waste and finding efficiencies in federal government (military). I also have experience on the planning commission, zoning board of appeals and as back up for the township office manager.”
Why should voters pick you?
“I’m an independent. I’m not ‘business as usual’ or status quo person, except where it makes sense. I’ll ask the tough questions and make the tough decisions. I’ll be proactive in customer relations, resolving complaints and in updating our customer-based processes. I’ll look for ways to increase new home construction while maintaining our rural, agricultural and forested appeal. I hope to encourage more people to take pride in their property and community to make Adrian Charter Township the desired place to live and invest in Lenawee County.”
Letter: Split tickets, vote for person, not a party
Oct 1, 2016
To the editor,
Neighbors in Adrian Charter Township and beyond. Many of you have voiced extreme frustration over the partisan politics of the last few years, particularly during this election season, and have said you would vote independent if there was a viable candidate. But, given the unlikelihood of a successful independent presidential bid at this point, we have to start somewhere. So let’s start a grassroots “No Party Affiliation” movement right here in our own back yard!
My name is Bryan Winder. I am currently your Adrian Charter Township deputy clerk. I am a devoted family man of 32 years. I am a 30-year Air Force veteran. I grew up in Clinton, then Onsted, graduating in 1980. I am an open-minded independent thinker who tries to see all sides of an issue and find common ground for progress. I believe in an effective but efficient government, doing the most good for the most people. I believe in being proactive, not reactive; responsive, not indifferent.
Both parties share responsibility for our current state of affairs. With the two-party system, one side will always control our government’s destiny, good or bad, whether you like it or not. We need strong leaders that will stand in the middle of the issues bringing forth equitable solutions for all sides, and make the tough calls when needed.
Join me in my vision of challenging partisan politics as usual so that tri-partisan cooperation becomes the new normal at every level of government. The latest polls tell us about 40 percent of voters consider themselves independent. Additionally, Gallup reports 60 percent of us say a third major party is needed. I’m asking you to take a step of faith and vote independent or third party wherever you have the option and aren’t inclined to support a major party candidate. If you can’t make it on election day, simply ask for an absentee ballot application.
Let’s make history together on the Nov 8 ballot, especially our faithful seniors who carry the vote every election. DO NOT vote a straight party ticket ... SPLIT IT and vote your conscience! Let’s make Lenawee County the birthplace of No Party Affiliation. I’m asking for just one of your four votes for Adrian Township trustee. And just so you know, millennials, you don’t even have to vote for anyone else. But please just vote. For the People, Not the Party! www.bryanwinder.org.
Bryan Winder, Adrian Township
There are six candidates from around Lenawee County who seek office under no party affiliation, perhaps better known as an independent.
Aug 12, 2016
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
Some Lenawee County residents will see some names on their Nov. 8 election ballots that they didn’t see on the primary ballots.
There are six candidates from around the county seeking office under no party affiliation or better known as an independent. They include Bryan Winder running for Adrian Township trustee; Brittany Alcock running for Blissfield Township clerk; Orrin Gregg running for Blissfield Township trustee; Douglas D. Lake running for Cambridge Township supervisor; Walter Jamie Murphy running for Clinton Township trustee; and Amy Daniels running for Deerfield Township trustee.
Lenawee County Clerk Roxann Holloway said anyone can run for any office as a no party affiliation candidate.
“They will be listed on the ballot under the specific race they are running for after the partisan candidates,” Holloway said. “Voters can vote for them just like any other candidate.”
However, she said they do have some different requirements for filing.
“They have a later filing deadline than the partisan candidates because they do not participate in the primary election and they are required to collect more signatures than partisan candidates, in order to qualify as a candidate for the November general election,” she said.
Winder, who for the past three years has served as deputy clerk for Adrian Township, said an independent political stance is growing and it’s one with which he most connects.
“I’ve always considered myself an independent, but we don’t often have that choice come election day,” Winder said. “Many people I talk to say the same thing, especially during this heated election season.”
He said he’s running, in part, because he believes he can better influence the issues by having a voice and a vote at the table.
“There isn’t as much opportunity for public discussion and input on the issues as I’d like to see and I hope to change that,” he said.
To do that, he, like the other no-party affiliation candidates, have a task before them in convincing voters, who typically vote along political party lines, to pick a candidate not listed as either a Democrat or Republican. In Adrian Township, besides Winder there are only Republican candidates on the November ballot running for trustee.
“Well, hopefully I’ve at least given our Democrat voters an option,” Winder said. “The latest polls indicate that 40 percent of Americans identify themselves as independent, so I’m really asking the township Republicans to be open-minded and see the value of a ‘middle-man’ who truly wants to do the most good for the most people. After all, I’m only asking for one of the four positions.”
Gregg, a former manager for the Lenawee County Road Commission, said independent candidates can be at a disadvantage sometimes because a lot of people will always vote straight ticket. He said there are probably candidates who would like to run as an independent, but believe they will not get any votes because partisan politics are so strong.
“I’ve never voted straight ticket,” Gregg said. “I vote for the candidate who I believe will be the best for the job.”
Gregg said he has chosen to run as an independent because he’s never been affiliated with either political party and doesn’t want to be dictated to by either party’s platform.
“Vote your heart,” he said.
Telegram 'almost' gets it right.
Come November, the Adrian Township Board of Trustees will have one new face.
Aug 2, 2016
By Lonnie Huhman
Daily Telegram Staff Writer
Current supervisor Jim Koehn, treasurer Jim Malarney and clerk Rob Hosken all were unopposed in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.
Seven Republican candidates competed for trustee four spots.
Heading unopposed, save a [No Party Affiliation or] possible write-in candidacy, to November’s general election, are Ben Ruesink and incumbents Michael Herr, Tom Romain and Ray Thompson. Herr topped all seven with 525 votes followed by Ruesink with 388, Romain with 360 and Thompson with 301.
“I feel thankful that the voters supported me,” Ruesink said Tuesday night.
Going forward, he said, “I am looking forward to the November election and the opportunity to serve this wonderful community.”
Those who came up short are candidates Joan Jeschke at 287 votes, Tim Watterson 260 and Charlie Morris, who was seeking re-election, with 253.
The total of 1,092 votes cast in Adrian Township was a [paltry] 22 percent turnout. [We can do better!]