Monroe County election guide: two running for District 6 county commissioner

MONROE COUNTY — Voters in Monroe County have more than 30 contested races in the Aug. 6 primary election. The Monroe News sent questionnaires to the candidates in the contested races. Profiles of the candidates in contested primaries will be published over the next several days.

Below are the responses from incumbent District 6 county commission Republican David P. Vensel of Monroe who is being challenged for the county commissioner seat by Democrat Jerry McKart of Monroe. District 6 covers portions of the city of Monroe, Monroe Charter Township and Frenchtown Charter Township.

Their responses are printed as provided, though they may have been edited for clarity or truncated if the answers exceeded the given word limits.

In-person voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6. Absentee ballots may be requested from township clerks.

David P. Vensel

Age : 65

Occupation : Educator, although I retired in 2021 after 32 years serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, the last 15 years as principal of Jefferson High School. I will begin my third year as a part-time graduation coach at Orchard Center High School for Monroe Public Schools.

Spouse/Kids : My wife Kathy (also an educator) and I will celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary in August. We have two adult daughters, Kelsey and Kara.

Government experience : I served for 17 years on the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education (1995-2012). I was president for five years, including my last two years on the board in 2011 and 2012. I am currently in my first term as a Monroe County Commissioner (District 6).

Volunteer/community service experience : Monroe Family YMCA Board of Directors (14 years); Monroe County Opioid Task Force (2 years); formerly served on the Arthur Lesow Community Center Board of Directors (2 years).

Why are you running for this position? I want to continue to serve the citizens I represent. The issues/problems facing my district and our entire county are complex, and solutions require a collective effort with fellow commissioners and local partners. As I near the end of my first term, I am in a much better position to provide positive results.

What do you think is the main challenge facing District 6, and what should be done about it? The demographics of my district are diverse, and thus, the challenges are also diverse. But I believe a major challenge centers around economic development (jobs) and educational opportunities (qualifiers for jobs). Our board needs to continue to partner with townships, educational institutions and the Monroe County Business Alliance, among others, to increase employment opportunities for all of the residents of our county. I do believe the work being done to responsibly allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to our local units of government for infrastructure Improvements will accelerate new economic development (jobs), in District 6 and all of Monroe County.

Why should people vote for you? I have the knowledge, experience and leadership qualities to continue to effectively serve the citizens of District 6. I care about my constituents, and I have worked hard to respond to their concerns. I have done my best to follow through on what I committed to do, especially with essential services. My record demonstrates my support for public safety, economic development (Link 2.0/Business Alliance), mental health and addiction services (Opioid Task Force) and continued support of senior services (supporter of extending the senior mileage). I care about my community, and I will continue to support initiatives that will improve the quality of life.

Jerry McKart

Age: 77

Occupation: Retired Business Managers’ Local 465

Spouse/kids: Deceased/ four daughters, seven grandchildren

Government experience: Four-year term, Monroe Public Schools Board of Education, Parliamentarian; five two-year terms as Monroe County commissioner; chairperson of the Personnel Services Committee, Finance Committee, Liaison to the Office of Monroe Narcotic Investigation (OMNI), Detroit Edison Committee; two-year term as Monroe City Council person

Volunteer/community service experience: Arthur Lesow Community Center Board of Directors; United Way Board of Directors; Monroe County Community Mental Health Board; mentor for the Youth in Boxing Program leading to ALCC boxing team.

Why are you running for this position? I have a proven record of making decisions that benefit the constituents of the 6 ^th District, Monroe County, Michigan. I feel strongly about public health, mental health, public safety, the environment, infrastructure and fair living wages for all. District 6 needs a commissioner who will address these issues.

What do you think is the main challenge facing District 6, and what should be done about it? Unfortunately, there is more than one challenge facing the residents of District 6. Drug issues (both illegal and prescription), mental health challenges, roads, water and sewers all need the attention of people who will work to make things better. Because of my past experience, I have the experience and skill set to work with all government agencies to address these issues.  In addition, we need leaders who will bring new business into Monroe County.

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Why should people vote for you? I have 16 years of experience as an elected official working to solve problems and issues to make life better for the citizens of Monroe County. While serving in the military in Vietnam, I developed a deep respect for the men and women with whom I served.  started my career working for Laborers’ Local 465 and was elected president of the AFL/CIO, serving 19 years. I was the business manager of Laborers’ Local 465 for 12 years. There are five rules that I apply to myself as an elected official. One is: Plan your work and work your plan.

For more information about Monroe County’s primary election, visit co.monroe.mi.us/409/Elections.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com .

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County election guide: two running for District 6 county commissioner