Lori De Line, Shannon Johnston on ballot for two-year term as Clayton village president
CLAYTON — Two longtime residents of Clayton are on the Nov. 8 general election ballot to serve the community as its village council president.
Current President Shannon Johnston, a Clayton resident for more than 20 years, is seeking reelection for another two-year term. She is being challenged by Lori De Line, a Clayton resident for more than four decades. Both candidates bring years of local government experience to the table, Johnston having been village council president the past two years, and De Line having served in multiple roles with the village over the years, most recently as village clerk from 2018-21.
The president chairs the village council meetings. Polls for the Nov. 8 election are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Daily Telegram provided questionnaires to both De Line and Johnston. The following are their responses, lightly edited for clarity.
Lori De Line
Age: 61.
Occupation: I've been employed with ProMedica Health Systems for 35 years, 33 years as a payroll analyst and the last two years as an HRIS analyst.
Spouse/kids: Stephen De Line of 44 years and we have three boys, John, Stephen and Chad De Line. We've lived in the village of Clayton our entire married life and our boys live in Clayton as well.
Government experience: I served two terms as the village assessor until the position was eliminated throughout the county in the 1990s, and I also served as the village clerk from 2018-2021.
Volunteer/community service experience: United Way campaign assistant for ProMedica Health Systems for many years, village of Clayton summer fest games, bake sale, singing in the choir and solos at the program, participated in the annual Clayton Christmas Eve program with singing and handing out candy/gifts to children, and served as a costume judge at the annual Halloween Party and trunk-or-treat events. My husband and I were in charge of putting up the Christmas lights and decorations throughout the village for over 10 years. I've also served in many capacities as president of the ladies group and treasurer at Clayton Bible Church and Open Door Bible Church.
Why are you running for this position? I've lived in the village for nearly 45 years and have previously served in multiple positions on the council and I feel that I can bring experience and knowledge in municipality operations and guide the council in decision-making. I will serve the village residents and will address all issues.
What do you think is the main challenge facing Clayton, and what should be done about it? The village sewer system is a major issue due to the nearly million-dollar upgrade that is imperative. The council was informed a few years ago from the Lenawee County Drain Commission of the needed upgrade and the previous council was working through the needed updates and the current council has secured a $75,000 grant to help in the costs as well as a new backup generator to supply electricity to the lagoons, but it hasn't been installed yet. Due to limited funds, the village council will need to apply for grants to get these necessary updates completed.
What are some important projects you hope to bring into Clayton? Continue the sewer upgrade; annual improvements/continued maintenance of streets, sidewalks and drain systems; cut wasteful spending/ensure all funds spent are approved by the council; require official training of all village council members to ensure we are all knowledgeable of our responsibilities to serve the residents; ensure all decisions are made with full transparency at meetings and in the best interest of the village; investigate/develop a budget plan/design for a new park.
Why should people vote for you? “The best leaders are not driven by ego or personal agendas. They are simply focused on the mission and how best to accomplish it." I will be a leader with integrity, honesty and genuine concern for the village residents. I will guide the council in their decisions that will be in the best interest of the village residents. I will ensure full transparency in all decisions made as a council, and will encourage open discussions with all residents at meetings. I look forward to serving the residents of Clayton as their president.
Shannon Johnston
Age: 48.
Occupation: Clerk at Hudson Post Office.
Spouse/kids: Brian G. Johnston and seven children, 17 grandchildren.
Government experience: United States Postal Service for 20 years. President for the village of Clayton.
Volunteer/community service experience: We have the only Habitat home in Clayton. Paying it forward is a way of life for me. I have been hosting events to raise money for our park upgrades and renovations. I have held two extravaganzas and raised $1,000. All monies donated are strictly for the park improvement.
Why are you running for this position? I enjoy giving back to the community that has helped play a part in raising our children and now grandchildren. All the love and support that has been shown to our family over the 20 years we have lived here, including the two years Brian was deployed overseas.
What do you think is the main challenge facing Clayton, and what should be done about it? The main challenge facing Clayton is revenue loss and stability. This community used to flourish. Clayton had a school, businesses on both sides of the street and over the years, businesses have left, people left and buildings have been torn down. I want to bring it back to a stand-alone community. We now have a Dollar General. I have brought revenue to our village in the form of annexations, property taxes and sewer payments. We have expanded our borders. I am working on our broadband infrastructure. That means more business potential, which brings in revenue and local employment. (Johnston's response was truncated because it exceeded the given word limit.)
What are some important projects you hope to bring into Clayton? I have plans on installing a youth playground in uptown Clayton, by the library. I also have plans on upgrading our park. The plans include a walking path/trail, (possibly connecting Hudson to Adrian, through Clayton, I hope). I would like to update our baseball diamond and bring in little leagues from the neighboring community schools. I would like to build a playground for the older children to play. Upgrade our basketball court, install a soccer field and sand volleyball pit. Also, a little bridge to go over our creek.
Why should people vote for you? I want people to vote for the person they think will help them better their community and their home. I think that I am the best person for that job because I believe I have demonstrated my devotion and dedication to this town during my past two years as your president. I would love to have the chance to continue to build on what we have already started. I see greater things coming to an already great community.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: De Line, Johnston on Nov. 8 ballot for Clayton village president
