The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
August Primary to determine treasurer
By Sotirios Adamopoulos, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: July 17, 2008
There are two candidates vying for the Augusta Township treasurer seat for the Aug. 5 primary election, Angela Sherbine and incumbent Lynda Dew. There are no Republican candidates.
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Name: Angela Sherbine
Residence: Ypsilanti
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: None prior
Why are you running?
My husband and I have lived here since 2005. I want to help improve the personal maintenance of the township because that's my background. In doing volunteer work and helping in my township, I saw a need and I think I can fill it.
What major issues are affecting the area?
Water in the township is currently an issue that many people feel strongly about. Some believe we need to expand our water system. I am not of that position.
Why is that?
How would we pay for it? The township is in a bad financial situation due to a development agreement.
We've had several large developers which left us with a large bill. That needs to be looked at before we think of expanding our system. When you decide to expand anything, it costs money.
How have the residents reacted to the water situation?
I have not heard an outcry from the residents of the township that they want additional water and sewer. We couldn't pay for it without an increased burden. If we expand for development purposes then a whole other set of issues go along with that - what's the development going to be, who's going to pay for it. There has been debate about a portion of land in the southern area of the township. The residents should have a say in what's going on.How do you plan on approaching these issues?
I think a big strategy is running as a slate. The four of us (Sherbine, Giszczak, Tobler, and McGehee) have been meeting together for quite some time to try to determine if we have like mindedness about approaching problems. We need to work together professionally to provide leadership for the township. We don't agree on every single thing. But we at least agree that we need to approach the problems of the township in a professional, cooperative way.
What importance does Augusta Township hold for you on a personal level?
When my husband and I first moved here, we tried to find the best place for us to live. We specifically wanted a place where we can raise animals - we currently raise goats. Augusta is a very rural community so that's why we picked it. That's why I'm also serving on the farming preservation board. People here want to remain a rural township.\
If you could give the voters a personal message, what would it be?
I want to protect the rural character of the township as stated in the Master Plan. In the treasurer's office I will manage the township's money in terms of tax collection and distribution. I want work in conjunction with the Clerk to make sure the township's books are kept with 100 percent accuracy.
Name: Lynda Dew (incumbent)
Residence: Willis
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: Deputy treasurer (1996 to 1999), appointed to trustee 2001, elected in 2004, in July 2007 appointed treasurerWhy are you running?
Because I care about the township I live in. Not only do I enjoy working as treasurer, but I also enjoy hosting different functions for the township.
What kind of functions?
I do an annual spaghetti fund-raiser dinner for our seniors. I host a patriot 9/11 ceremony to remember those lost in 9/11. We do spring clean-up, which I head.
I enjoy activities that bring people together. We're a rural community and it's hard to get folks together. We don't have funding for that so we have to find other ways to do so.
What major issues are affecting the area?
In the past we had a lot of developers at once, which was challenging. People live in Augusta Township mainly because they like the rural setting. So that was a difficult balance. Through years of hard work and a solid master plan, I felt that we were able to go forward with knowledge to do the best we could.
How do you plan on approaching these issues?
Whatever it takes. I'm going to continue to pursue alternatives and answers. We constantly try to get funding. Augusta Township couldn't exist if it wasn't for state revenue sharing. The taxes alone are so low that by the time we pay what it takes to keep the township running - by collecting taxes and dispersing money - our township budget is only $600,000. Now that may sound like a lot, but it's not. We're on an extremely tight budget. The hardest part is trying to communicate with the residents and tell them that's how it is. There seems to be a legend that we have this bank account called "government
What importance does Augusta Township hold for you on a personal level?
I've lived here for 28 years. We moved here specifically for the rural area - for the schools. My children graduated from Lincoln consolidated schools and I have grandchildren attending there now. I want Augusta Township to remain a safe quiet place for my grandchildren.If you could give the voters a personal message, what would it be?
Do your research on the candidates and come out and vote. It's important for their future.
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