Monroe County election guide: two running for Berlin Township supervisor
BERLIN TOWNSHIP — Voters in Monroe County have more than 30 contested races in the Aug. 6 primary election. The Monroe News sent questionnaires to the candidates in the contested races. Profiles of the candidates in contested primaries will be published over the next several days.
Below are the responses from incumbent Berlin Township supervisor Democrat Dave Reaume of Newport, who is being challenged for the supervisor seat by Republican Mary Jo Gedelian of Newport.
Their responses are printed as provided, though they may have been edited for clarity or truncated if the answers exceeded the given word limits.
In-person voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6. Absentee ballots may be requested from township clerks.
Dave Reaume
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired May 1, 2014, after 34 ½ years with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Detroit District as a supervisory budget analyst and a lifelong farmer.
Spouse/kids: Denise (Beaudrie) Reaume, wife of 45 years, and daughters Stepanie and Stacey Reaume
Government experience: Berlin Township trustee, 1976-1980 and 2014-2018, and supervisor, 2018-present
Volunteer/community service experience: Active member of St. Charles Church, St. Charles Usher's Club, festival raffle ticket chairperson, Monroe County 4-H and Friends of the Newport Library
Why are you running for this position? I am very proud of what we have accomplished over the last four years and want to see the plans I’ve initiated through to completion. We have several ongoing projects, including expanding fire protection and recreation services, reducing blight and moving the township office all underway.
What do you think is the main challenge facing Berlin Township, and what should be done about it? Currently, I am focused on ensuring adequate fire protection services given the increased volume of calls we are fielding. The Berlin Township Fire Department is a volunteer service, and we are working to recruit additional firefighters. I have also initiated plans to move the township office to a more modern, central location for residents to come for community meetings, to organize elections, pay taxes and water bills and other township services.
Why should people vote for you? I am asking for your vote for Berlin Township supervisor because I have the experience, skills and dedication needed to continue to serve this community. I believe the work I’ve done as supervisor speaks for itself. I was born and raised in Berlin Township, raised my family here and will always have Berlin Township’s best interests at heart.
Mary Jo Gedelian
Age: 60
Spouse/kids: I am the proud parent of two children and have four grandchildren.
Government experience: Building/water clerk and zoning official for Berlin Charter Township
Why are you running for this position? With over 27 years of dedicated service as the building/water clerk and zoning official for Berlin Charter Township, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our community's needs. Raised in Berlin Township, I am deeply invested in its future and growth.
What do you think is the main challenge facing Berlin Township, and what should be done about it? I am committed to ensuring a safe and prosperous future for our community. While public safety is not currently a significant challenge in Berlin Charter Township, I recognize the increasing demands on our local fire department due to the community's growth. Therefore, I am focused on empowering our first responders and police to continue their essential work by providing them with the necessary resources, staff, and emotional support.
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Why should people vote for you? I believe that my comprehensive understanding of the township's day-to-day operations, positive relationships with our residents and knowledge of township ordinances and statutory duties uniquely qualify me for this role. Having worked with the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation, I also recognize the critical importance of economic development. By voting for me, you are choosing a leader who is dedicated to serving our community and driving its progress.
For more information about Monroe County’s primary election, visit co.monroe.mi.us/409/Elections.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Reaume and Gedelian running for Berlin Township supervisor
