First three county administrator candidates display differing backgrounds and views

BRANCH COUNTY — The first of three candidates to possibly replace retiring county administrator Bud Norman faced commissioners for an hour each Tuesday afternoon to discuss the position and their backgrounds.

John Morrell

Lifelong Coldwater resident John Morrell, Jr. dispelled co-worker rumors that he planned to retire as administrative manager of Lakeland Corrections in Coldwater. At age 45, he has served 13 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.

"This is my future. I'm not a job hopper. This seemed like an opportunity that doesn't come along very often. I was interested. I like a challenge. And I plan on working until I'm 60 or 65," Morrell said.

Morrell praised Norman's work, saying, "I might have some (of my) own ideas. But I think we're on a good path."

The manager said he enjoys working with teams and seeing them running at high performance, "Then it just kind of gets boring because everyone's doing such a great job."

Morrell admits he lacks experience obtaining grants and negotiating with unions but understands how to manage under contract restrictions at the prison.

Morrell manages construction projects and administers the state budget. He expects to work with Norman to learn the budget process through this fall if hired.

Morrell said he would listen to commissioners' wishes and implement them.

Adam Kline

Adam Kline spent most of his career in policing after the Army. Kline became Oakland Township manager in 2019 for just over four years. Kline resigned to become director of Independence Township as parks, recreation, and senior services.

Kline said managing a budget requires constant communication with department heads to ensure on-track spending.

Kline collaborates with elected officials and departments to distribute funds and address community needs.

The former township supervisor reflected on his successful turnaround of Lansing Township, including streamlining processes and reducing staff.

Kline told former employees, "I'm very approachable, always open door."

He agreed that the best process is to keep everyone, including the public, informed. "It may sound a little cliché, but you want to do the right thing. Whatever it is."

More: Interviews start today for six candidates for Branch County administrator

Jeffrey Thorton

Jeffrey Thornton had a career as a Kmart Corporation executive. A  minister, he became Alpena County administrator from 2005 to 2009, then city manager in Negaunee for seven years until 2017; he surprised the commission by telling them they did not need to pass line items budgets but could use bottom line numbers for departments and offices to avoid year-long amendments.

In the hour-long narrative with questions by commissioners, Thornton showed he did his homework on the county, making references to the interests of board members, including the fact three incumbents faced opposition from America First Republicans in Tuesday's election.

Thornton suggested the county eliminate line item budgets using bottom-line appropriations. Then, the state could audit county books rather than hire auditing firms.

Thornton said he purchased used equipment from state auctions for county use to save money.

The northern Michigan resident expressed surprise at the booming recreational marijuana industry in Branch County.

Thorton suggested an annual meeting for collaborative partnerships with all local government officials. He said he would not meet with elected officials except in public.

Thornton served as village manager/clerk in Caledonia from June 2019 to April 2024.

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After the other three interviews, commissioners expected to name two or three for a second round of interviews before hiring Norman's replacement.

— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: First three county administrator candidates display differing backgrounds and views