Steven Fryling, Tamra Stafford and incumbent Greg Feldmeier are vying for two four-year trustee positions on the Schoolcraft Township Board in the Aug. 4 primary. There are no Democratic candidates to face the primary winners in the Nov. 3 general election. Trustees are paid $100 per meeting.
Greg Feldmeier: It has been a privilege to be a trustee on the Schoolcraft Township Board for the past eight years.
I practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Kalamazoo for 40 years , retiring six years ago. Ann and I raised five children and now are most fortunate to have nine grandchildren coming to our lake home regularly. We moved to the township in 2002.
During my tenure on the Board:
• Our roads have been improved significantly. There is still work to be done, especially on the low-volume roads and the plats, while maintaining the more heavily used roads so that they don’t need major repairs, as had been the case prior to 2002.
• Swan Park has blossomed under the direction and hard work of Ryan LaPorte. If you haven’t been out there, take a look! It is amazing!
• The 131 Industrial Corridor has continued to develop with several major projects and the substantial enlargement of the J. Rettenmaier plant.
• We are financially sound on the 0.87 mills allocated to us. There is currently more than a one-year cushion in the bank.
I would like to continue as a Trustee of Schoolcraft Township for another 4 years in order to continue to help with the growth and development of our township, while maintaining its rural character and our superb quality of life.
Thank you,
Greg Feldmeier
Steve Fryling: I grew up in Mendon and graduated from WMU in 1985, in science, social studies and education.
My wife, Holly, and I moved back to Mendon where I started teaching. From 1986-1990, I served as a Mendon Village Trustee and at age 24, was elected Village President. In 1990, I was elected as a Republican to serve on the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners for one term before moving my family to Vicksburg in 1991.
Holly worked for Vicksburg Optometry and I worked for Vicksburg Schools as a teacher and principal. Both daughters are Vicksburg grads.
I have served on the Schoolcraft Township Planning Commission, the Vicksburg Schools Foundation, and as Lay Leader at Vicksburg United Methodist Church.
In 2018 I retired after 33 years in teaching, leading the staff at Vicksburg Middle School, and helping to start and lead an alternative high school in Vicksburg, that has over 110 graduates.
“Retired life” includes managing our family’s apartment rental business in Mendon, and being a grandfather.
The township board does not communicate well with the taxpayers and often takes actions without getting proper input, as shown by the misguided attempt at a charter. Citizens need better access to township information and feel that they are a part of the decision-making process. I can do better.
Tamra Stafford: A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, I now reside in Schoolcraft Township with my husband of 36 years. Our son grew up here and graduated from Vicksburg High School. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration. I am a member of Vicksburg United Methodist Church.
I have strong leadership and organizational skills. I’m no stranger to government, having worked in the Kalamazoo city manager’s office for almost 10 years. I retired from the Air Zoo after more than 19 years, after building its volunteer program to over 200 volunteers as human resources director, membership manager, and volunteer manager.
I have gained leadership experience and organizational skills, with experience working on boards and committees. I recently joined the Vicksburg Historical Society Board of Directors.
I work part-time for South County Community Services as transportation coordinator, working with volunteers to help seniors and the disabled obtain rides through the Metro Share Van Program.
My passion is helping others and working with volunteers. I am dedicated to this community, as my experience shows. Loyal, honest and hard-working, I would truly appreciate your vote for Schoolcraft Township trustee on August 4.
I hope to educate the public on township services through Facebook, website, e-mails and phone calls, to listen to our taxpayers, be compassionate and understanding and have an open mind for comments and suggestions.