In Norvell Township, there will be two contested races – for clerk and trustees. There are two candidates for the clerk position and three candidates for two trustee positions. The other offices with uncontested races are:
Supervisor – Bill Sutherland (D)
Treasurer – Deserre Sauers (I)
Clerk Candidates
Candidate: Gloria J. Hubbell (D)
Gloria J. Hubbell
Hometown: Brooklyn
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
Moving to Brooklyn brought many opportunities to serve the public. I was a charter member of the Heart of the Lakes Junior Women’s Club serving as publicity chairman and donated my time participating in many children’s plays as well as many other club projects.
I was elected as Norvell Township Clerk in 1978 and held that office for 22 years. When my husband Tom and I opened Brooklyn Realty in 1999, I decided not to run for a sixth term. During that time, I joined and maintained membership in the International Institute of Municipal Clerks becoming certified as a municipal clerk in December 1997. I was on the planning commission for 32 years, the land split committee, zoning board of appeals, and took many classes on planning, zoning, elections and obtained my real estate broker’s license and notary. When the previous township clerk resigned in May 2018, I was appointed to finish the term.
As the keeper of the records, it is important for the clerk to maintain good documentation of township records. They need to be kept organized and up to date. I’ve posted cemetery records on a spreadsheet and thumb drive for easy access and review. I’ve worked hard at finding grant money available for election equipment to save the township money while better servicing the voters. I have attended computer classes to keep updated on the general fund and payroll records. My goal is to continue updating, organizing and eventually have many records digitized.
While many of the township procedures have changed over the years, the basics of serving my fellow citizens have not changed. That is to be open and honest. “To strive constantly to improve the administration of the affairs of my office consistent with applicable laws and through sound management practices to produce continued progress and so fulfill my responsibilities to my community and others.” –From the IIMC Code of Ethics
Tell us about your family.
Tom and Gloria were married for 54 years and had three children and five grandchildren.
What are your hobbies and/or interests?
While there is not much spare time with this office, I do enjoy painting, sewing and making masks for my family. I also am a lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church.
Candidate: Jeff Oswalt (R)
Jeff Oswalt
Hometown: Norvell Township
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
I am retired after serving 27 years with the Michigan Department of Corrections. Operating a prison is very similar to operating a local government. You must develop and operate within a budget, you need to maintain your buildings and grounds, you have to operate in accordance to the law, and most importantly you must provide good service to your customers. I have served on the Township Planning Commission for seven years, the last two as chair. This experience has provided me with insight into township operations as well as connecting to the desires of the community.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I have devoted my entire life to service to others. When I see a need and I can help, I do. I see a need for new leadership in our community. We have many threats to the rural nature of our community and the quality of our lakes and natural resources. I would be a fierce defender of both. Our township government needs to become more user friendly and transparent. I feel there are many ways using current technologies to do this with little or no cost to the taxpayers. My leadership experience as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army, supervisor and manager with the Michigan Department of Corrections and chair of the Norvell Township Planning Commission would be an asset to leading our township into the future.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
Local governments have been told to expect less revenue in the foreseeable future due to the pandemic. The current township leadership has been fiscally responsible and we are in a good place to weather this storm. What we need to do in the future is to continue to be responsible and spend only what is essential to maintain services. Both federal and state governments have been working to limit local control of many aspects of our lives. There are things we can do locally using zoning ordinances and administrative remedies to maintain some of that control. Current state legislation is pending limiting local control of mining operations including sand and gravel operations. Local government has to stay current on these issues and move efficiently to pass legislation to help maintain some local control.
Tell us about your family.
Married to wife Jennifer for 37 years who is a retired school administrator. One adult son.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I enjoy many outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, and hiking. I am a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoy traveling on my Harley. I am also involved with the Jackson County Disaster Assistance Response Team which is an organization that provides on scene assistance to emergency responders.
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Trustee candidates
Candidate: Pamela Johnson (D)
Pamela Johnson
Hometown: Brooklyn
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office?
In addition to my 40 years as a township resident, 11 years as a Jackson County employee, 30 years as a local business owner, 16 years of Chamber of Commerce board experience (holding the offices of treasurer, vice president, president and past president, I have 31 years of serving Norvell on the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or the Planning Commission, including 13 1/2 years on the Norvell Township Board. I have represented ALL the residents of my township throughout my time on the board. I understand local government and the importance of having localized units of government, which give residents a person they know that they can go to with issues, problems, or suggestions. I have a strong financial background and I understand the need to honor the past while looking to the future.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I feel it is an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Norvell Township. I am a voice for all residents. I am not using a local government office as a stepping stone to anything else, so the township gets my full attention. I am not a politician, but a public servant and I hope that I am allowed to continue that service for the next term, especially since there are several ongoing projects/issues and I feel my knowledge and experience is an asset.
I am not going to bother you during COVID by knocking on your door, or by cluttering our beautiful area with signage, but I care a lot for the people I represent and I am always available. I have worked hard for the people of Norvell and hope that I will be allowed to continue to represent them.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
Growing populations with diverse interests, maintaining the rural quality of our area in the 21st century, on-going sewer treatment, recreational development and maintaining the quality of our lakes, rivers and streams. During the past few months the largest challenge has been how to best serve the public while protecting staff and board members.
All of these issues, and anything else that comes up, are addressed by the board as a whole, and worked through to the best solution. My knowledge, experience and expertise allow me to provide potential solutions that often serve as a starting point in those discussions. I will continue to work with the board for the residents of Norvell, and am always interested in hearing from others as to what they feel their board should be involved in.
Tell us about your family.
Married for 39 years to Eric, live next to the house he grew up in.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I enjoy reading, exploring small towns of Michigan, spending time with friends (at least before COVID-19) and volunteer work when the right opportunity presents itself.
Candidate: Matt Dame (R)
Matt Dame
Hometown: Norvell Township
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
In addition to being a small business owner operating a web development and corporate video production business for 27 years, I am currently a Norvell Township Trustee running for re-election. It is an honor to serve the fine people of Norvell Township.
I am also the chairman of the Jackson County Republican Committee. I am honored to have the support of my fellow Republicans in Jackson County. The experience I have gained in the past three plus years has been quite enlightening and rewarding. I am confident that the next four years will be even better, especially with some new members on the board.
I also serve Jackson County as a board member of the Region 2 Area Agency on Aging and the Community Corrections Advisory Board.
Customer service is a key part of what I do in my business. I like to treat the citizens of Norvell as customers as well. It is a novel idea in government and it works.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am running again because there is more work to be done. The makeup of the current board could be quite different this election cycle.
I have been an advocate of the taxpayers of Norvell Township from the onset. I have successfully fought to reduce government waste and spending. With a new board, I know more could be done to eliminate waste, allow for more transparency, and bring office efficiencies into the 21st century.
There are a number of rudimentary technological solutions we could implement to enhance township government efficiency. There seems to be a fear of implementing new processes with some on the current board. I think a fresh board will be more ambitious in bringing new strategies and practices to the forefront. Public servants should be willing to reach outside of their comfort zones for the betterment of the public good.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
The loss of life, healthcare ramifications, fear, uncertainty, and economic fallout from this pandemic has been unprecedented in our lifetimes. The economy that was so robust literally grinded to a halt for a period of time. The taxpayers need a break and I took action to help them.
At the May board meeting, I made a motion to suspend the ‘optional’ Property Tax Administration Fee for two tax cycles. This suspension would have benefitted every taxpayer in the township. The motion did not get support from a single fellow board member for discussion.
Regardless, I will not stop fighting for the taxpayer in Norvell Township. I could use some help though, and some new faces on the board could be just what we need in Norvell Township. I ask the voters to support positive change in Norvell this November.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Barb, for over 26 years. We have three grown children.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I am a member of the Brooklyn Sportsman’s Club. Barb and I also enjoy camping, biking and hiking the trails of Watkins Lake State Park.
Candidate: Andrew Haystead (R)
Andrew Haystead
Hometown: Norvell
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
I was president of the Napoleon Summer Baseball League (youth baseball) for four years helping with players ranging from ages 5 to 14. I helped to create the Napoleon clay target team and coach the trap, skeet, and sporting clays teams. I also help with the Napoleon action shooting sports team. In doing these I gained experience in running organizations, helping with managing budgets, and dealing with the public in regards to concerns, complaints, and problems.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
My family has lived in Norvell Township since the early 60s, I have four children and I want to help keep the township headed in the right direction for them.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
We are currently facing a viral pandemic with the COVID-19 virus; this has hurt small businesses as well as many citizens. We need to make sure that residents are safe, but also not overstep constitutional rights.
Tell us about your family.
I am married with four children, ages 3, 5, 14, and 18 years old. We live on my family farm growing cash crops and a small amount of livestock.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I enjoy hunting, shooting, working on projects in my shop; spending time with my family and enjoying time with my young children.
