Election Preview: Sturtevant Village Board

Three incumbents and one familar face are running for three spots on the Sturtevant Village Board in the April 2 election.

Incumbents John Johnson, Chris Larsen and Chris Wright are all asking for voters to keep them on the Village Board, while former Trustee Daryl Lynaugh would like to return. He lost to Jayme Hoffman in 2012.

Johnson also is running for village president against incubment Steve Jansen.

Sturtevant is a small community, but it faces big challenges and big opportunities. Patch put together some questions about some issues and we have the candidates' answers here in their own words:

What is the biggest issue facing the village, and how would you deal with it, if elected?

Johnson: The annual Budget. Try to keep the board aware of the continuing fiscal issues with cuts and unfunded mandates from the State and Federal Governments. Remind the trustee that we can only spend each dollar once.

Larsen: One thing I have stated in the past is part of the job was to fix mistakes of past boards. We have worked so hard to erase our deficit. I feel that the Village has finally turned the corner and we can focus on the Village we want to become. We must ensure that Sturtevant remains a strong, independent Village, with roots in our history but our eyes toward the future, ensuring growth and solvency for future generations. We do that by being efficient stewards of the resident’s tax dollars and by using our resources to expand our tax base.

Lynaugh: Keeping the Village operations in the black and never letting the debt get out of control again. Planning responsible growth with an eye to keeping our long term debt advantagious to the Village of Sturtevant.

Wright: The biggest issue the village faces is making sure we continue to build financial stability while growing strategically. We also need to find more ways to get the people of Sturtevant involved in our community either through appointed or volunteer opportunities.

What specifically would you do to attract more businesses - like United Natural Foods - to the village?

Johnson: Make certain that our zoning and building ordinances are up to date and reflect what the board wants the Village to look like in the future. After we close out TID district, attempt to establish another for future development.

Larsen: The Village has a powerful development tool in our TID district, and that continues to be an attractive mechanism to bring in and retain business. We need to plan for our next district, which I advocate using to revitalize our Hwy 11 corridor. Our "main street" needs a facelift and there is such a huge potential for both large and small business to make Sturtevant their home. This can bring both more jobs and needed services (like a grocery store) to our residents.

Lynaugh: I would utilize the powers of the Community Development Authority with incentives, Tax Credits, and Grants available to Municipalities. Also by managing the marketing of the Village to make Sturtevant a desirable place to raise a family and run a business.

Wright: We need to continue to work with RCEDC, the county, and state to market Sturtevant and the great people that live here. It is imperative that we get businesses to see the potential that our village has to offer.

There has been discussion about Mount Pleasant possibly dissolving its contract with Sturtevant for the South Shore Fire Department. If that were to happen, how should Sturtevant provide fire protection services to its residents?

Johnson: I believe the best solution is to look at the part-time-paid-on-call option. For a Village the size of Sturtevant it just isn't feasible to try and provide a full time paid department on our own.

Larsen: There are circumstances beyond Sturtevant's control that are affecting how the SSFD is being managed and funded. We have been diligent to ensure that the residents of Sturtevant are protected by both planning for and funding capital purchases. I am concerned that some in Mt Pleasant are not planning for and following the recommendations given to SSFD to ensure safety. If that safety is compromised, we would need to look at all options including other communities or re-forming our own Fire Department. The safety of our Village is not an entitlement but a requirement.

Lynaugh: This question has not been officially put on the table. However, I have been attending all of the Oversite Fire Committee meetings and have voiced my concerns of how this may serverely impact MT Pleasant as well as Sturtevant. Working sessions between the two (2) Municipalities are a must to resolve this issue.

Wright: First I hope that it doesn't happen. However, if it does the most efficient way it could be done would be to have a full time Fire Chief. We would then staff the department with part-time on call employees.