6 Republicans Running for 4 York Township Trustee Positions

Six candidates are running for York Township Trustee in the Aug. 4 primary. All, including incumbents Derek Stern and John Hargrove, are running as Republicans. Stern and Hargrove are joined by Sean Gleason, Jason D. McGovern, Jeff Fordek and Adam de Angeli in the race.

We submitted questions to the candidates. Gleason, Stern, McGovern and Fordeck replied. Here are the questions and answers.

Biography

Sean Gleason

50 years of age, I have lived in York Township for 19 years with my wife of 25 years and my three sons who have all graduated from Saline Schools

Career/Business:
I have been working in Public Safety locally for 30 years including upper management for the last 10 years.

Government experience: Through my public safety career I have worked in local government from the bottom up, and have regularly attended Board of Trustees meetings. On many occasions, I have spoken to the board to answer questions and to propose large expenditures for the Public Safety department.

Volunteer/community organizations: I coached baseball for SAYBAS for four years, was league director for one year, and was an assistant coach for Saline youth soccer.

Derek Stern

49 years old. Married to Theresa Stern for 23 years. We have three children - a sophomore in college and two high school juniors. We have lived in York Township for 17 years.

Career/Business: Health & Productivity Director with Unum

Government experience: Currently completing my first four year term as a Township Trustee. Prior to that, I served on the York Township Planning Commission.

Volunteer/community organizations: Volunteer Assistant Cross Country and Track Coach, Saline High School, Co-Race Director (2020 and ongoing) for Time to Teal a fundraiser for Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Co-Race Director Saline Summerfest 5k (2009-2010, 2018-present). Past President and Board Member, 5th
Corner. Co-Creator of the Gary Smith Worthington Classic 5 mile race in Worthington, OH.

Jason McGovern

47, Married to Michele McGovern for 26 years. We have 5 children Ashley (Campbell) 25, Madison 22, JDrew 20, Nicholas 19, Natalie an incoming Freshman at Saline High… raised in Milan, Farmington Hills and for the last 4 years, Saline (York Twp.).

Career/Business: Software Industry Executive specializing in business models and product pipeline.

Government experience: None – I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity in my life to give back. I intend to provide fresh approach and point of view that will test the status quo… and question the phrase, “Well, that’s how we’ve always done it”

Volunteer/community organizations: Financial support to GMACF, Fieldstone Church, Aid in Milan, Oxford Kids Foundation, among other charities.

Jeff Fordeck

Age 52, married to my wife Heather for 17 years and we have two daughters enrolled in Saline Area Schools. We have lived in York Township for eight years.

Career/Business: Self Employed helping small to medium size businesses plan and execute successful growth.

Government experience: No previous experience in government roles.

Volunteer/community organizations:
Theta Chi Housing Board, Knights of Columbus member, homeowner’s association board member

Why are you running for the township board?

Gleason

I love living in York Township, and I want to help maintain this great community by ensuring that this area stays a great place to live.

Stern

I’m running for the township board to finish some of the work that has been started in my first term. As part of my responsibilities to the York Township Parks Committee, Paul Fairchild (committee chair) and I received a $15,000 grant from Washtenaw County to complete a feasibility study of non-motorized pathways in York Township. That study is ongoing. Once the results are received, if they indicate that pathways are appropriate, I would like to help the Township with the planning and construction of these pathways where it is logical to place them. We have some fantastic resources in our Township that can help us apply for funding to offset some, or all, of the cost.

I am also running for trustee as I believe that York Township is a great place to live. I want to make sure that we continue to preserve the overall atmosphere in the township while also delivering some of the amenities that residents have requested. York Township is a very unique township with a great mix of residential and agricultural properties. This makes for a very diverse population that has varying requests of the local government. It is our responsibility to make sure that all opinions and viewpoints are represented and heard.

McGovern

My family has deep roots in the area going back to the turn of the previous century. I plan on prioritizing road construction by partnering with Washtenaw County and Road Commission.

I want to celebrate the agrarian environment by investing in infrastructure that supports a safe and active outdoor lifestyle such as biking, hiking trails, safe roads, parks, etc.

Fordeck

I see York Township as a great place to live and I also see a growing conflict between the needs of the subdivision residents in the northern region of the township from the agrarian needs in the southern portion. Having grown up in a farming home and being a subdivision resident, I feel a call to action to meet the needs of York Township without losing the rural feel.

Why should voters select you?

Gleason

Voters should select me because I care about this township, I love living here, and I want to be a part of our continuous growth. I believe in responsible spending and transparency. If elected, I will be available at all times to listen to any concerns that residents may have, big or small.

Stern

During my first four years as Township Trustee, I have learned a lot. The knowledge I have gained will help me to better deliver service to York Township residents over the next four years. Additionally, I believe that I fairly represent all viewpoints in York Township. I monitor social media, respond to any inquiries/comments that I see and believe in complete transparency of all township business. Furthermore, as a long time professional in the workers compensation and disability insurance industry, I bring a unique perspective that is not often represented on the board. Recently, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have encouraged York Township to develop and implement a business recovery plan that will not only cover mandated township closures, but would also make sure that the township can continue to function in the event of an emergency that impacts township business.

McGovern

Assuming you (as a voter) is in favor of safety and active outdoor lifestyle… I plan to bring my 25 years experience of strategy, creativity, financial modeling and forecasting to assist the citizens of York by partnering with county, business and township representatives.

Fordeck

There are three primary reasons for voters to select me in the upcoming election.
1) The diversity of my background allows me to be a more engaged and active listener.
2) My goal is to improve York Township without adding undue financial burden
3) With two daughters enrolled in Saline Schools, I have a long-term vested interest in coming up with solutions that meet short term needs and long-term goals

What’s the biggest issue facing the township and how should the township handle it?

Gleason

I think the biggest issue we are facing right now is growth. So far the township has done an excellent job of controlling growth and I would like to continue to do so.

Stern

The biggest issue facing the township is the projected decrease in state revenue sharing due to COVID-19. This will have an impact on the amount of money that we receive from the State of Michigan which helps fund our annual operations.

Fortunately, due to great planning by longtime York Township Treasurer, Sally Louis, we are in a very strong fiscal position. We have been fiscally conservative and can weather the upcoming storm due to careful planning by the current and previous Township Boards at the direction of Sally.

McGovern

The biggest issue facing the township is the projected decrease in state revenue sharing due to COVID-19. This will have an impact on the amount of money that we receive from the State of Michigan, which helps fund, our annual operations.

Fordeck

The pandemic will bring issues related to spending. These issues will be similar for all government entities and will require decisions to be made to meet the needs of the residents without financially overextending.

Tell us about something the township has done well:

Gleason

The township has done an excellent job of controlling the growth of the township thus far. Along with establishing a beautiful park system.

Stern

As mentioned earlier, the Township has been careful with our spending to make sure we are properly representing the residents. At the same time, we have recognized that the infrastructure needs to be updated. While some of the main routes are the responsibility of Washtenaw County, the County is unable to fund the necessary improvements to York Township roads. The current Township Board has decided to spend township funds to repair some of the roads. For example, when the roundabout was being planned for Bemis and Moon roads, I suggested that we should also re-pave Moon Road from Bemis to Saline-Milan. Ultimately, we ended up paving Moon from Bemis to Willis and it has made a significant difference. The Township was able to take advantage of the fact that the equipment and manpower needed to complete the paving were already in the township working on the roundabout. The project was completed safely and on time, because the road was already closed for the roundabout installation. We minimized downtime of a key road and maximized the positive impact to residents, while also remaining fiscally responsible.

McGovern

Maintained property tax rates while maintaining its level of service. Developed a great partnership with Toyota investing in parks, roads, etc.

Fordeck

York Township has done an incredibly good job of fiscal responsibility and the recent actions to improve Moon road during the roundabout construction were well-timed and very appropriate.

What other issues will the township face in the coming years, and how should the township face them?

Gleason

Like most places, the township will continue to face growth issues in the future and I believe we need to handle it in a controlled manner. Also, Public Safety is and always will be an issue, so we need to stay up to date with our police and fire protection.

Stern

York Township will need to continue to focus on the infrastructure over the next few years. Our roadways are amongst the worst in the county, but have been improving and need to continue that improvement. We will need to remain fiscally responsible as we have not truly felt the impact that COVID-19 has had on the economy – we will need to be very mindful of this over at least the next two years.

Additionally, this election sees the departure of longtime York Township Clerk, Helen Neil. Helen has been a mainstay in the township hall and we will feel the effects of her departure as we transition to a new township clerk. This will require some adjustment and flexibility for all of township board members.

McGovern

York Township will need to continue to focus on the infrastructure over the next few years. Our roadways are amongst the worst in the county, but have been improving and need to continue that improvement. We will need to remain fiscally responsible as we have not truly felt the impact that COVID-19 has had on the economy – we will need to be very mindful of this over at least the next two years.

Fordeck

Longer term, safe accessibility for residents through bike paths and parks along with re-building our roads and bridge infrastructure will require significant planning and effort. The township will need to balance resources with the needs of both the farmers and the subdivision residents. A solid long-term plan with dedication to execution will be key in being successful.

More News from Saline

• Special Features at Saline Emagine in May Saline Emagine will host open caption, sensory friendly and dementia friendly films in May.
• Marvin Fogle: 1944-2024 Marvin R. Fogle Jr., 79, of Edinburg, Texas, died Thursday afternoon, February 1, 2024, at home.