CLINTON TWP. — Five Republican Party candidates are running for two trustee positions on Clinton Township's Aug. 6 primary election ballot .
Current township supervisor Basil Greenleaf is running for trustee along with incumbent trustee Gary Couture and challengers Pete Marchmont, Dennis Scott and James Strickland. Voters can select two candidates to advance to the November general election.
The candidates for the other township board positions are uncontested: current trustee W. James Murphy is running for supervisor, incumbent clerk Kim Scott is seeking another term, and Leslie Ann Kovalski is running for treasurer. All are Republicans; no Democrats filed for the election.
The Daily Telegram emailed questionnaires to the candidates in the contested race using the email addresses provided by the Lenawee County Clerk's Office from the paperwork the candidates filed to be on the ballot. Their responses are printed below as provided, though they may have been edited for clarity or truncated if the answers exceeded the provided word limits. Responses were not received from Marchmont or Strickland.
The candidates who win the nominations will advance to the November general election.
Township board members serve four-year terms.
Early voting is taking place through Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Human Services Building at 1040 S. Winter St. in Adrian. The polling site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In-person voting on Election Day takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clinton Township Hall, 172 W. Michigan Ave. Absentee ballots can be requested at the township hall.
Gary Couture
Age: Not provided.
Occupation: Funeral director for more than 45 years.
Spouse/kids: Wife, Sherry; two children, many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Government experience: Clinton Township trustee since 2018; previously building administrator and deputy treasurer for Clinton Township; U.S. Army veteran, serving in Vietnam and Germany.
Volunteer/community service experience: Clinton Rotary Club for 51 years, Clinton Clinton American Legion post member for 50 years, Tecumseh Veterans of Foreign Wars post member for 55 years.
What do you think is the main challenge facing the township and what should be done about it? We are challenged in township government with the ever-changing times.
Why should people vote for you? My life-long experience and commitment to the Clinton area deserves a vote for me.
Basil Greenleaf
Age: not provided.
Occupation: Retired, but active in the community.
Spouse/kids: Wife, Gloria; two adult children, Timothy and Tylene.
Government experience: Clinton Township trustee for 13 years, Clinton Township supervisor for seven years.
Volunteer/community service experience: Started Clinton Summerfest 15 years ago. SummerFest with community support provides monetary scholarships to deserving graduating seniors from Clinton High School each year. I have been the Clinton Fire Board chairman for several years, I am currently the chairman of the CUCC building and grounds maintenance committee. I am part of the Clinton Christmas in the Village committee, and I chair the Clinton Christmas Parade. I am on the board of directors for the Adrian Antique Tractor and Engine Association and a trustee on the board for a new, local, antique tractor club called Rolling Generations Tractor Club. I also am chairman of the Good Old Boys Breakfast Club, took care the flowers along the street in downtown Clinton for years, and volunteer yearly to help with Clinton Fall Festival.
What do you think is the main challenge facing the township and what should be done about it? Keeping up with rules and regulations set down by our state government. The changes in voting rules and regulations alone are mind boggling. Another is the law passed late last year that takes away local control of where solar fields can be installed. When the voters pass a proposal or the Legislature passes a law there is very little we can do except when it's time to vote know what you are voting for and who you are voting for.
Why should people vote for you? Being a trustee previously and Clinton Township supervisor currently, I have the experience necessary to provide insight and knowledge to help make the best decisions for Clinton Township. I have always tried to be fair and go by rules set down by Clinton Township ordinances. (Editor's note: answer truncated.)
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Dennis Scott
Age: 52
Occupation: Federal law enforcement officer and small business owner/licensed builder.
Spouse/kids: I have been married for 28 years. My wife and I have two grown children that are themselves married and out of the house. We also have two much younger children still living at home.
Government experience: I have over 34 years of military and federal law enforcement leadership experience.
Volunteer/community service experience: I have always been actively involved in volunteering in my local community. I currently enjoy volunteering at my church and with the Knights of Columbus. I volunteer as a senior member in the Civil Air Patrol Adrian Squadron where I enjoy supporting cadet activities. I act as a board member for the Clinton Summerfest and the scholarship program that it supports.
What do you think is the main challenge facing the township and what should be done about it? In discussing the main challenge facing Clinton Township, I believe it is crucial to prioritize infrastructure maintenance and responsible growth management. Allocating resources for road repairs, park enhancements, and essential public services while promoting sustainable development practices is essential for the township's long-term success.
Why should people vote for you? I urge voters to support me based on my background as a military veteran and soon-to-be-retired federal law enforcement officer. I am prepared to bring skills and experience to the role of trustee and work to improve the quality of life for all residents in Clinton Township.
— Contact reporter David Panian at dpanian@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @lenaweepanian .
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: 5 running for trustee positions on Clinton Township Board
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