Ed Clark, Joe Rine running in Macon Township trustee election
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that Beth Loesch is the trustee that resigned her position.
MACON TWP. — Ordinarily, there would not be an election in Macon Township this year, but some seats are on the Nov. 8 ballot because of recalls.
Incumbent Republican trustee Ed Clark is running against independent Joe Rine in the Macon Township Board race. Clark was recalled for his support in May of a special land use permit to construct a large solar farm known as the Mustang Mile. Clark was recalled along with township Supervisor Lee Wagner. A petition was also circulated to recall township trustee Beth Loesch, but she resigned.
Wagner and his challenger, Dean Montrief, will be profiled in another story.
The township board was not able to come to an agreement on an appointment to fill the vacancy left by Loesch. The Lenawee County Election Commission had a special meeting, but agreed they did not have adequate time to interview and make the appointment. The election law requires that a special election be held not less than 70 days after the deadline for submitting nominees if the next election date is the even year general November election. The May 2023 election is the next election that a recall election can be held because of the timeline required.
Polls for Macon Township voters will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Macon School, 8320 Clinton-Macon Road. Absentee ballots are available from the Macon Township Clerk's Office at the township hall.
The Daily Telegram provided questionnaires to the candidates. The following are their responses, lightly edited for clarity.
Ed Clark
Age: 86
Occupation: Retired sheriff's deputy, Lenawee County.
Spouse/kids: Wilma. Two sons, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren with one on the way.
Government experience: Trustee, Macon Township.
Volunteer/community service experience: United Methodist Church, Macon Township.
Why are you running for the township board? Seventeen years ago, I was a replacement for a vacancy and after they put me on the board, I kept my name in. I found it interesting that I could help people. I did this as a sheriff’s deputy.
What do you think is the main challenge facing the township and what should be done about it? One of the bigger challenges we have right now is we have been able to keep the road system quite well. But there are dirt or gravel roads that should be improved to asphalt because of the wear and tear on vehicles. It may cost more in the beginning but in the end it would be cheaper.
Are you for or against the Mustang Mile solar project? Why? Yes. There is no law that will outlaw a solar system. Anyone can have solar. It just has to go by code. A person should be able to sell solar whether it’s for their retirement or whatever. Our energy use is putting stress on our environment.
Why should people vote for you? I have been working with the township for 47 years and I try to be very honest with people. I’m straight forward. I don’t pull punches. If you are honest with people, they will respect you.
Joe Rine
Age: 58
Occupation: Vice president of human resources, general affairs, information technology and purchasing for a Tier One automotive supplier.
Spouse/kids: Married 33 years; three adult children.
Government experience: Experience with multiple government agencies from a business perspective. This includes MIOSHA, EPA, Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Environmental Quality, offices of U.S. members of Congress, offices of state representatives and senators and others.
Volunteer/community service experience: Volunteer soccer coach for 15 years, Friends of Tecumseh Schools Orchestra volunteer, multiple Tecumseh Kiwanis service projects, National Arbor Day Foundation member since 1994, guest speaker for high school students making career choices.
Why are you running for the township board? To listen and represent the entire community of Macon Township. I want to ensure that people are heard and answered. People move to Macon Township to live here and to enjoy a quiet, rural environment. I will work hard and do a good job for Macon Township.
What do you think is the main challenge facing the township and what should be done about it? There are two main challenges. One, industrial solar that will be placed in an agricultural community. I am not against all solar. It has a use for individual, residential projects and in industrial areas of land. However, 350 acres of industrial solar panels as “Phase 1” is huge. Since they have leased 2,700, I believe there will be a “Phase 2.” Two, work to improve internet and cellular service in Macon Township. Our current services are spotty and we need to pursue options and solutions to getting consistent, high-quality service at an affordable price.
Are you for or against the Mustang Mile solar project? Why? I am against the industrial solar project called Mustang Mile. The reasons are: 1) It goes directly against the township master plan. 2) It was voted down by the planning commission by a vote of 4 to 1 with sound logic and reasons. 3) The majority of the residents that live in Macon Township do not want it. 4) Industrial solar does not belong on agricultural land. 5) It will change this community forever.
Why should people vote for you? I will provide a strong, conservative voice. I will listen. I will work toward changes or improvements that are feasible, possible and needed in the township. I will make every effort to “Keep Macon OUR rural Macon.” Honesty and integrity are more than just words, they are a way of life and how I live. I will represent you and the community with both of those characteristics.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Ed Clark, Joe Rine running in Macon Township trustee election
