In Napoleon Township, the only contested race is for trustee, where there are three candidates for two positions. The other offices with uncontested races are:
Supervisor – Dan Gallagher (R)
Clerk – John Hummer (R)
Treasurer – Anita K. Graham (R)
Candidate: Doug Lammers (D)
Doug Lammers
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
- Past board member for three full terms and one partial term.
- Major projects completed: New township office/police and fire station building, Wolf Lake sewer, “Safe Sidewalks to School”.
- Volunteer firefighter for nine-and-a-half years
- Grass Lake Charter Township zoning administrator for seven years
- Village of Grass Lake zoning administrator for three years
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
Napoleon still faces challenges and opportunities that a person with experience can help with.
Due to our current circumstances what are the most important challenges facing your community and how do you propose to address them?
- Budget constraints due to COVID-19
- Water system expansion
- Sewer system
- Public safety
Identify best practices and options for each of these challenges, and work with board members and residents to make decisions in the best interest of Napoleon Township.
Tell us about your family.
Married to Cindy for 37 years. Two children, Kelsey and Kyle, graduates of Napoleon High School.
What are your hobbies and/or interests?
Enjoy time with family and friends, especially on Big Wolf Lake.
Candidate: Heidi Richardson (R)
Heidi Richardson
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office?
While I may not have any experience in a political position, throughout my life I have been an integral part of teams and committees. Starting in high school, I was a part of the National Honor Society and Student Council. In college, I was president of Best Buddies. Through this program, I paired college students with mentally and physically disabled individuals in the community. I planned group activities for them, as well as meetings for all members. In my current role as a quality supplier specialist at Jiffy Mix, I conduct a high level of professional communication within our company and with other companies. At Jiffy Mix, I am a member of both the Food Defense and Food Safety teams. As a member of these teams, I weigh in on issues related to these topics as well as ways to resolve them.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I have lived in Napoleon for most of my life and I am running for township trustee because I want to help make decisions to improve our community. I believe my passion for this town will be a great asset.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
During these trying times, I believe the biggest challenge facing our community is economics. As a trustee I would work with other members of the township to ensure the township office is doing all they can to assist businesses and families in our community. This would include contracting jobs to local companies, recruiting businesses to our community, and helping to improve current businesses.
Tell us about your family.
My family has been a part of this community since the 1970s. I was raised in Napoleon by my parents Doug and Sue Richardson. I have three siblings, one brother and two sisters, who attended Napoleon Community Schools. I now live around the corner from where I grew up with my boyfriend and cat.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
My hobbies include running, gardening, reading, camping, and painting. In my spare time, I help coach Girls on the Run at Ezra Eby Elementary. I enjoy working in our yard, specifically keeping the flowers and lawn looking nice, therefore keeping the community appealing.
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Candidate: Julie Wilson (R)
Julie Wilson
Hometown: Napoleon
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
I have lived in Napoleon for 22 years. I served as deputy treasurer, treasurer and, for the past four years, as trustee. I also served on the planning commission and am currently on the zoning board of appeals. These positions have given me extensive knowledge of township business. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University and am employed as the office manager of Willbee Transit Mix.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am running for trustee because I love this community. I have come to know many residents through my work at the township and I take satisfaction in ensuring the township prospers and grows for their benefit. As trustee, I will represent township residents and ensure that the taxes they pay are used in the best way possible to benefit them and the township as a whole.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
It is important for the township board to work together with businesses, schools, and community leaders to ensure the safety of the community. Also, the board needs to continue to support our top-notch Napoleon fire and police departments as their needs are always changing in challenging times.
Tell us about your family.
I have three grown children that all attended Napoleon Schools. Two of the three still reside in Napoleon and my son is on the Napoleon School Board and is a volunteer fireman in Napoleon.
