Editor’s Note: The Cambridge Township board is getting a makeover this year, with six individuals battling it out for two trustee seats, and with Annette Roesch the lone candidate to replace long-time clerk Rick Richardson. The board is also losing long-time treasurer Laurie Johncox, and current township trustee Tom Kissel and Onsted village treasurer Shawna Rohrbach are hoping to win the Republican nod for the job. There are no Democrats seeking office in the township. We will have information on the trustee candidates in upcoming editions. Candidates are being asked to contact our office at news@theexponent.com or call 592-2122 to be included in an upcoming candidate review, which is published in the newspaper and on IrishHillslive.com.
Tom Kissel
Your hometown: Born in Dearborn, began visiting family in the Irish Hills in the early 60’s, and moved into Cambridge Township in 1985.
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
I have 27 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing, product development, program management, and account management fields as a motivated, aggressive problem solver with proven leadership, organizational, and negotiating skills. I am currently a township trustee, secretary of zoning board of appeals, member of the planning commission, the police committee, and the fire committee. I am also the Program Manager of the St. Joseph Shrine Heritage Restoration Project.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am running because I care about this community and I want to continue to improve the quality of life in Cambridge Township. Being part of the township board, zoning, and planning commissions, and the police and fire Committees, I get a valuable, unique insight into the workings and daily life of the Township.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
What we knew as normal months ago is no longer the case. What we have been experiencing has changed all of us. We need to support our wonderful and caring community. We are all in this together. Let’s work it out.
Shawna Rohrbach
Your hometown: Onsted High School graduate, resident of the Village of Onsted since 1994
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office.
I was fortunate to have a 30 year career with a Multispecialty Orthopedic Surgeon as Office Administrator and Orthopedic Technologist. Alongside my responsibilities with patient care, I was responsible for accounts payable and receivable, payroll and benefits, human resources, third party insurance contracts, document security and much more. Since the close of the medical practice to present I have been the Treasurer for the Village of Onsted, handling summer taxes and utility billing. I have attended workshops in asset management and tax assessing. I also attend County Treasurer meetings and am familiar with staff at the county treasurer’s office as well as equalization department.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am eager to continue utilizing my abilities and enjoy working with the public. One benefit I could bring if elected is my familiarity of the tax collection software Cambridge has. Additionally, I have an understanding of real and personal property tax administration process, including collection and disbursement of tax revenues.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
I would welcome the opportunity to serve the taxpayers and work more closely with the Police and Fire Department.
Family: My husband is the DPW Superintendent for the City of Tecumseh. I have twins boys who graduated from Onsted and Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business.
