Primary Election Guide: Everything you need to know about Monroe County's candidates
Monroe County voters will have plenty of choices to make when they head to the polls for the Primary Election on August 2.
There are eleven contested races for elected positions at least partially determined by the region's residents.
Check your registration:Michigan Voter Information Center
More:Absentee ballots available for Aug. 2 Primary Election in Monroe County
The Monroe News reached out to all candidates participating in those races and asked them to provide their employment history, previous elected positions held, and, in 50 words or less, explain what they hope to accomplish if elected in November.
Following are the answers to those questions:
U.S. Representative, District 5
Note: In the Democratic Primary, Bart Goldberg of New Buffalo is the sole candidate.
Tim Walberg, R-Tipton
Employment history: Division Manager, Moody Bible Institute, Strategic Partners Division, September 2000-January 2006; President, Warren Reuther Center for Education and Community Impact, January 1999-September 2000; State Representative, MI House of Representatives, January 1983-January 1999; Pastor, Union Gospel Church, Tipton, MI, August 1978-1982; Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, New Haven, IN 1973-1977
Previous elected positions held: Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, January 2007–2009, January 2011–Present; State Representative, MI House of Representatives, January 1983-January 1999
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: As Michigan’s most conservative Congressman my top priority will be to combat inflation and get Michigan’s economy growing again. Reducing taxes, stopping wasteful spending, making health care affordable, increasing domestic energy production, and eliminating bureaucratic red tape are all elements to help grow our economy and help Michigan families.
Elizabeth Ferszt, R-Jackson
Employment history: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 7 years as Lecturer in Comprehensive Studies Program and Summer Bridge; Arizona State University, Tempe, 6 years as Instructor in Writing Programs and W.P. Carey School of Business; Jackson College, Jackson, MI, 3 years as Lead Faculty in FYS 110/JCEC, and Adjunct Faculty in CEP/MDOC
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I hope to return the Republican Party to its Austin Blair roots (Blair was a founding member of the GOP in Jackson, MI in 1854; our 'Civil War Governor' 1860-64; friend and ally to Pres. Abe Lincoln; staunchly anti-slavery, for both moral and economic reasons). Priorities would be to listen to significant constituent groups such as farmers, as our district is largely agricultural; and to other groups and individuals whose concerns need voicing in Washington.
**Note: Ferszt's response was edited due to length.**
Sherry O'Donnell, R-Stevensville
Employment history: Southwestern Medical, Berrien Springs Clinic; Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, emergency room; Owner, St. Joseph (Rappha Medican Center)
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: Goals when elected: Constitutionally-driven decisions, America first, Economic stabilization, Secure the southern border, Balanced budget and fiscal responsibility, Term limits, Decrease crime and strengthen safety efforts, including school safety, Restore parental rights, Educational excellence in the basics, Affordable pharmaceuticals and health care, Revoke current policies that impede our farmers, ranchers and energy industry
State Senate, District 16
Note: In the Democratic Primary, Katybeth Davis of Monroe Charter Township is the sole candidate.
Joseph Bellino Jr., R-Monroe
Employment history: Owner, Broadway Market in Monroe
Previous elected positions held: State Representative (three terms); Board Member, Monroe County Community College.
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I wish to continue my efforts to provide lower taxes and economic relief to Michigan families and businesses. I will fight to put more power in the hands of parents when it comes to the education of their children. I will continue working on agricultural policies that protect the rights of the family farmer.
TC Clements, R-Temperance
Employment history: For four years, I was employed by a manufacturing firm that produced embroidered clothing, luggage, patches and caps for a variety of clients including the United State Military. I began my time there working in the warehouse and within six months was the Production Manager, then Sales Manager and for the last three years was the Chief Operations Officer of the company. Additionally, I have started multiple small businesses in my life as an entrepreneur. These would include real estate development, graphic design, solar technology, business consulting, and my current co-ownership of a travel agency with my wife Jamie since 2013. Lastly, I was a police officer and was assigned to many roles. During my tenure I was trained and performed patrol, traffic, investigations of multiple natures, marine patrol, bike patrol, school resource, media relations, special teams, community service, and training. When I left law enforcement I had made the rank of Deputy Chief of Police working directly for the Chief of Police.
Previous elected positions held: State Representative, 2020-Present; Bedford Township Trustee, 2016-2020
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: Protect our liberties and freedoms. Reduce the size and scope of government. Restore my neighbors' voice in Lansing. Work to reduce and/or eliminate our income tax while ensuring safe communities where economic development can thrive. Repair our infrastructure, protect life, and restore the concept of WE THE PEOPLE.
State Representative, District 28
Note: In the Democratic Primary, Robert Kull of Frenchtown Charter Township is the sole candidate.
Virgie M. Ammerman, R-Woodhaven
Employment history: I am currently the CFO for Monroe Community Mental Health Authority. Prior to this, I was the CFO at Gleaners Community Food Bank and the Executive Director for Housing and Community Development for Hope Network.
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: If elected, we must eliminate barriers on small business growth and roll back regulations to allow the small businesses, the backbone of our State, that have struggled over the past two years to get back on their feet. We need conservative fiscal policies creating jobs and affordable food, gas, housing.
Nicone R. Dragone, R-Newport
Employment history: Alliance Inspection Management-Facility Manager Inter-Rail-Operation Manager Cox Automotive-Lot Coordinator (Current)
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: My goal is to restore confidence in our voting system. People should feel comfortable knowing their vote counted (once) and the election was conducted fairly. I will propose legislation that makes voting easy and secure.
Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown
Employment history: I am a Nurse, licensed by the State of Michigan. I have worked in various healthcare settings, including Hospitals, LTAC (Long Term Acute Care), Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing Facilities, and I specialize in woundcare.
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: My focus will be getting our Education System back to basics and stopping the social engineering of our children, We can make Michigan attractive and competitive by reducing burdensome regulations and decreasing the cost of doing business in Michigan. Policies are not laws and all agencies will be held accountable for by-passing our legislation. As a Nurse I stand by Medical Freedom.
**Note: Thompson's response was edited due to length.**
State Representative, District 29
Note: In the Democratic Primary, Alex Garza of Taylor is the sole candidate.
James DeSana, R-Carleton
DeSana did not respond to a request for information prior to print deadline.
Sam Ditzhazy, R-Taylor
Employment history: Manager, youth arm of President Trump's re-election campaign, Students for Trump, in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio; City of Taylor Recreation Department; Property Management
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: When elected, my goal is to cut government bureaucracy, lower taxes on Michiganders, completely repeal the State Gas tax, and I will work to reaffirm the rights of parents to decide their children’s education. I will be a Representative that FIGHTS to protect the God given Constitutional Rights of the people I represent.
Jack Richert, R-Belleville
Employment history: Senior Vice President and Director, Referrals and Admissions, Special Tree Rehabilitation System, 1989-Present
Previous elected positions held: Trustee, Huron School District Board of Education, 2001 through 2018; President, Huron School District Board of Education, 2019-Present
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: We need to get gas and food prices under control, and I have a plan to do just that. We need to temporarily suspend the gas tax, remove the 6% sale tax on gas, lower the state income tax to 4%, and restore the earned income tax credit to 20%. I will also fight to give parents a voice in their child’s education and will fully fund and support the men and women that keep us safe at night.
Brian Warzocha, R-New Boston
Warzocha did not respond to a request for information prior to print deadline.
State Representative, District 30
Note: In the Democratic Primary, Suzanne Jennens of Lambertville is the sole candidate.
William Bruck, R-Erie Township
Employment history: United States Army (Rank CW4- Chief Warrant Officer 4), 1992- present, Four overseas combat tours: Iraq 2003-04; Iraq 2009-10; Afghanistan 2014-15; Iraq/Syria 2020-21; Owner, Visiting Angels Monroe, 2013-Present; Journeyman Lineman, 2000-2017; Worked for various DTE contractors and Toledo Edison as a trouble man, 2008-12; Lavant Landscape, 1998-2000
Previous elected positions held: Trustee, Monroe County Community College, 2016-Present
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I will use my experiences and leadership skills as an Army officer, business owner and Trustee to bring civility and teamwork to Lansing. I seek to get a better return on investment of our tax dollars, better school choice and a voucher system to help parents. I seek a better tax sharing revenue system for our local municipalities, election integrity and to ensure the life of the unborn are protected.
Paul Pirrone, R-Temperance
Employment history: I was an Ironworker out of Local 55 for over 20 years. I was also the apprenticeship coordinator for local 55 for 3 years.
Previous elected positions held: Park Board, Trustee, Township Supervisor, Bedford Township
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I am a man of faith and principle that will defend our Constitutional freedoms. I will work tirelessly to lower income taxes, repair our roads, and ensure our children are safe in schools. I will protect parental educational rights. I will continue to fight for the unborn.
State Representative, District 31
Reggie MIller, D-Belleville
Employment history: Vice-Chair, Van Buren Public Safety Committee; Executive Director, National Strawberry Festival; Vice President, Belleville Downtown Development Authority
Previous elected positions held: Trustee, Van Buren Township, 2012-Present
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: If elected, I will bring an experienced and compassionate approach to leadership. We need leaders who will work for the entire state regardless of who they voted for. I will support legislation that fights for Michigan families, protects students, teachers, and classrooms, defends our environment, and invests in our state’s infrastructure.
Glenn R. Morrison Jr., D-Van Buren Township
Morrison did not respond to a request for information prior to print deadline.
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Dale Biniecki, R-Monroe
Employment history: For the past 45 years, I have been a truck owner-operator serving the agriculture, steel and road-building industries.
Previous elected positions held: Elected member of Monroe's Republican Club Executive Committee; Precinct Delegate
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: Protecting agriculture and food security will be top agendas if I am elected. We must implement policies that help preserve our fertile farmland and sustain crop production for our state and our country. If elected, I will also support successful outcomes for every student. Lastly... I intend to work for long-term policies that are designed to save taxpayers money and keep Michigan families safe.
**Note: Mr. Biniecki's response was edited due to length.**
Holli Vallade, R-Milan
Employment history: I have worked in Marketing for close to twenty years. A large part of my career has been spent in the Financial Services industry and as an independent consultant.
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I will advocate for accountability from school administrations to ensure our teachers are being compensated fairly, our children are being educated effectively, and our tax dollars are being spent responsibly. I believe all precincts in the state should be held to the same standards to ensure election integrity. And I will always take a strong stance against unconstitutional vaccine mandates.
Monroe County Board of Commissioners
Note: There are nine two-year term seats up for grabs. Each seat corresponds to an individual district comprised of different communities.
Six Republicans are running unopposed in both their primaries and their districts.
Those candidates include: incumbent David Hoffman of Dundee in District 1; incumbent Dawn Asper of Carleton in District 3; incumbent Randy Richardville of Monroe in District 5; incumbent David Swartout of Monroe in District 7; incumbent Greg Moore of Temperance in District 8; and incumbent J. Henry Lievens of Lambertville in District 9.
In District 2, Danielle Hoover of Milan is seeking the Democratic nomination and incumbent Mark Brant of Monroe is seeking the Republican nomination.
In District 4, incumbent George Jondro of Monroe is seeking the Democratic nomination and Jay Heinzerling of Monroe is seeking the Republican nomination.
District 6
Mary Gantzos, D-Monroe
Employment history: Attorney, self employed, 2000-present
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: If elected I want to make sure that Monroe County receives its fair share of the State and Federal funds to support our county. Ensure that there are competent county officials. And make certain there is adequate construction and maintenance of our roads.
Jerry Oley, D-Monroe
Employment history: My previous employment was with the Monroe County Library System and County of Monroe.
Previous elected positions held: Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Commissioner, Monroe County Board of Commissioners; President, Member, Monroe Public Schools Board of Education
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: I would bring a proven track record of strong leadership with an exemplary record of holding county government accountable to the taxpayers of Monroe County. “You can never be afraid to speak your mind and stand up for your community, even when it is not popular.” Making public safety the number one priority and continuing to stress the value of the Commissioners investing in economic improvements for all Monroe County residents.
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John Gonta, R-Monroe
Employment history: Attorney-at-Law, Criminal and Probate legal practice, 2008-Present; Recruiting Sergeant, Monroe Armory, Army National Guard, 1993-2008; Attorney-at-Law, Civil and Criminal legal practice, 1991-1993
Previous elected positions held: Elected Republican Delegate-at-Large through primary election 2020 and Executive Board Member pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws section 168.599(1)-(5).
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: First, as Monroe County Commissioner, I want to improve access to the Commission meetings by presenting resolutions to broadcast the meetings on YouTube. The public is entitled to see and hear what the Commissioners are doing for them, from the comfort if their own homes.
Michele Paled, R-Monroe
Employment history: Tower 98 in Monroe, several radio stations owned by Cumulus Media in Toledo, OH and Nashville, TN. After Nashville I was a Local Sales Manager for Greater Media Detroit (now owned by Beasley Media) and also worked for CBS Radio in Detroit. Started my ad agency in 2009 and founded Monroe County Radio in October 2012.
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: Contribute to the solid fiscal performance the Board of Commissioners established and the county residents expect; Work with Commissioners to embrace new technologies and innovation for the county; Support economic development that will bring good paying jobs to county residents.
David P. Vensel, R-Monroe
Employment history: I have been an educator for 32 years. I taught at Boysville, the Milan Federal Prison, and Airport High School. I was an assistant principal at Airport High School for 5 years and served as principal at Jefferson High School for 15 years, retiring in January of 2021.
Previous elected positions held: I served for 17 years as an elected board member for Monroe Public Schools, retiring in 2012. I led the board as president for 5 years, including my last 2 years on the board in 2011 and 2012.
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: My hope is that I can immediately become a contributing member of the board of commissioners to improve the quality of life for all of us in Monroe County. My focus will be on public safety; economic development; an expansion of mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment resources; and an expansion of resources and services for seniors.
Dundee Township
Note: Two elected positions will be on the August Primary Election ballot, both partial terms.
Lisa Hunt is the sole candidate on the ballot for treasurer. She is running as a Republican.
Township Clerk
Jean Anderson, R-Dundee
Anderson did not respond to a request for information prior to print deadline.
Sharayah L. Sanders, R-Dundee
Employment history: Dundee Township Clerk, 2020-Present
Previous elected positions held: None
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: If elected, I hope to continue to serve my community in any way I can. I have served as Clerk and as a member of the Township Board for the past year and a half and have enjoyed being part of the discussions and helping to bring good things to the community and help where it's needed.
Ida Township
Note: The post of township treasurer will be on the primary ballot. Kelly Elmer is the sole candidate. She is running as a Republican.
38th Circuit Court Judge
Note: Incumbent Willian Paul Nichols is running for a 6-year term. He is the sole candidate. The race is nonpartisan.
1st District Court Judge
Note: Two candidates are vying for a six-year term in the court. The race is nonpartisan.
Christian Horkey, Dundee
Employment history: Partner at the Monroe law firm of Godfroy, Wetzel & Horkey, PLC since it's inception in 2021; Associate, 2002-2006, and then partner, 2006-2012, at its processor law firm of Czeryba & Godfroy, PC; Associate at the Monroe Law firm of Lennard, Graham & Goldsmith, 1999-2002; Law clerk to Circuit Court Judge Michael W. LaBeau, 1997-1999; Propane Transport Driver at Gas Supply in Monroe, 1996-2000
Previous elected positions held: Trustee, Dundee Township Board, 2014-Present
In 50 words or less, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?: Everyone facing a criminal charge in the District Court will get out of jail. If we haven’t helped offer them the tools to overcome their obstacles in their life that led them to run afoul of the law they will surely be right back again or worse yet back facing a more serious charge.
**Note: Horkey's response was edited due to length**
Steven Hyder, Monroe
Hyder did not respond to a request for information prior to print deadline.