Incumbent Gary Griewahn, challenger Ryan Rank, vying for Madison Township Supervisor

MADISON TWP. — Madison Township’s incumbent supervisor, now in his eighth year on the township board, is being challenged in the Aug. 6 primary election by the township’s retired fire chief.

Gary Griewahn, who is running on a reelection campaign of moving Madison Township forward, will face off against Ryan Rank in next week’s primary. Both are seeking the Republican Party nomination. Rank, who retired as Madison Township’s fire chief in 2022 after 26 years, recently campaigned for Michigan’s new 34th District in the House of Representatives, which was won by Dale Zorn.

The only candidate to file on the Democratic Party ticket in Madison Township for the primary was trustee hopeful Michelle Holtz-Johnson. All other candidates filed as Republicans.

In-person voting will take place on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6. Absentee ballots may be requested from township clerks.

The Daily Telegram sent questionnaires to the candidates in the contested primary races. Below are the responses from Griewahn and Rank. Their responses are printed as provided.

Gary Griewahn

Age: 70.

Occupation: Current Madison Charter Township Supervisor on my eighth year. Retired from U.S. Justice Bureau prisons and retired builder.

Spouse/kids: Divorced. Children: Three (one daughter and two sons), three grandchildren.

Government experience: Governmental services, 24-plus years U.S. Justice Department Federal Bureau prison, Milan FCI, eight years as Madison Charter Township Supervisor.

Volunteer/service/involvement: Did not respond.

Why are you running for this position? Running for improving Madison Township services and keeping taxes low. Moving Madison Township forward.

What do you think are the major issues facing Madison Township and what should be done about them? Major issues for the township are water and sewer, police and fire services. Of course, funding of all programs and departments. Working hard to keep taxes low and quality services high.

Why should people vote for you? Accomplishments as supervisor: New township mission statements and township values statement; concrete sidewalks down Treat Highway for vehicle and pedestrian safety. School safety grant; Rebuilt two sewer-lift stations on Wilson Street and Baldwin Highway; added three new fire/EMS staff; added new police officers; new Township Hall and business offices; new water and sewer building; remodeled expanded police station. All buildings were paid for; added four miles of new asphalt roads; paid off loan for Central Lenawee sewer line; improved Madison Township roads, culverts, stop signs and asphalt; improved pacer ratings; new five-year contract with township assessor; added Echo 88 and Medic six vehicles for ambulance service; added new ordinances for wind, solar and marijuana; working with residents and staff to move Madison Township forward.

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Ryan Rank

Age: 51.

Occupation: Retired Fire Chief Madison Township, current realtor.

Spouse/kids: Spouse Carrie, no kids.

Government experience: I have over 30 years of experience in fire and EMS public safety in small/local government.

Volunteer/service/involvement: Firefighter/paramedic for over 30 years. Served with Palmyra Fire Department, Blissfield Fire Department and retired as Fire Chief for Madison Township (26 years). At my retirement, I held these positions: MI Fire Chief's Association vice chair, EMS Section MI Fire Chief's Association alternate to State EMSCC, MI Fire Chief's Association representative on Safe Deliver Advisor Committee, President Lenawee County Fire Chiefs Association, Lenawee County Medical Control Authority – treasurer/executive board, Lenawee County Local Emergency Planning Committee/Homeland Security Board – board chair, Lenawee County Emergency Operations Center – Fire executive member, Lenawee Health Department Modular Emergency Medical System – workgroup member, Michigan District 1 Regional Medical Response Coalition – planning board member/executive board member, District Michigan Region 1 Trauma Network, Michigan Rural EMS Network – executive board member/Past President of the board, current member MI Farm Bureau, NRA, Right to Life, Ducks Unlimited, Adrian Moose and Sons of The American Legion.

Why are you running for this position? Our township deserves strong, dedicated leadership that understands our community's needs and aspirations. My decision to run is driven by the lessons I learned from my service to the township, my state-run campaign, and that I can make a tangible difference and move the township forward for a better future.

What do you think are the major issues facing Madison Township and what should be done about them? The township lacks future planning, has an inefficient management style, and needs better policies and procedures. To address these, the township should develop a comprehensive strategic plan, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. Adopting business-like management practices is crucial; this includes efficient resource allocation, performance measurement and accountability. Implementing clear policies and procedures will enable department heads to run their departments efficiently. The township has great employees in place; they just need to be allowed to do their jobs. Strong leadership is essential, requiring a capable and visionary leader with a background in both business and public administration who can make tough decisions, inspire confidence and effectively communicate the township's goals and progress. Implementing these solutions can lead to a more organized, forward-thinking and prosperous community. The township budget has grown to almost $6 million a year and needs to be run like a business. We need to be more proactive.

Why should people vote for you? I have lived in our wonderful township for over 26 years and served as a firefighter-paramedic, retiring as fire chief in January 2022. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public safety with a concentration in business management. This blend of practical experience and academic knowledge equips me to lead effectively and make informed decisions. Our township needs future planning, efficient management and better policies. I am committed to transparency, accountability and collaboration. By adopting business-like practices, we can improve our township and enable our employees to excel. With your vote, we can build a proactive, organized and prosperous Madison Township.

— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: twitter.com/LenaweeHeineman.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Gary Griewahn challenged by Ryan Rank for Madison Township Supervisor