None of Kalamazoo County’s six county-wide elected officials, all Democrats, face opponents in the Aug. 6 primary. But three of them will face winners of Republican primaries in November.
Seeking the Republican nomination to replace incumbent Sheriff Richard Fuller III are Republicans Sabrina Pritchett-Evans and James Charon, both of Kalamazoo.
Kathleen Olmsted and Emily Crawford, both of Portage, are competing for the Republican nomination to run against Clerk/Register of Deeds Meredith Place. Crawford did not submit a statement.
And Pamela Herbert and Dale Shugars, both of Kalamazoo, are competing to run against county Treasurer Thomas Whitener.
Incumbent Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting, Drain Commissioner Jason Wiersma and Surveyor Gary Hahn have no opposition in the primary and the general election.
All are four-year positions. Compensation for the posts: Sheriff and prosecutor, $174,534.08; clerk/register, $124,230.30; treasurer, $119,454.40, drain commissioner, $110,920.25.
No primaries for south county commissioners.
In the 6th county commissioner district, incumbent John Gisler of Scotts is unopposed in the Republican primary and the November election. The district includes Brady, Pavilion, Wakeshma, Comstock and Climax Townships.
In the 8th county commissioner district, Republican Wendy Mazer and Democrat Matthew Miller, both of Kalamazoo, are unopposed in their party’s primaries and will square off in the November election. District 8 includes Schoolcraft, Prairie Ronde and Texas Townships.
Compensation for county commissioners is $18,431.11
Sheriff
James Charon
My top three priorities as your sheriff will be positive leadership, positive policing, and positive community. Within these three tenets of law enforcement, we will begin to make a difference within our community. Positive leadership is knowing that your sheriff will lead with integrity and support our law enforcement partners and hold a high degree of professionalism for his office. Positive policing is making sure all police contacts in the community have been made with respect and courtesy. The byproduct of this will result in positive community which reflects a mutual respect between our community and its law enforcement.
I will uphold the constitution and defend it as I have been for the last 18 years when I took an oath to do so. I will use my experience that I have gained during my time as the captain of the Van Buren County sheriff’s office to prioritize our effort to protect and serve our community, so we all feel safe in our community.
Sabrina Pritchett-Evans
I have decided to run for this position because I share your frustration with the state of our community over the past four years. The actions of the political establishment, which include both Democrats and some Republicans within our county, have been unacceptable. They have taken advantage of the so-called COVID pandemic to infringe upon our constitutional rights, manipulate our elections, impose unnecessary restrictions on our businesses, and enforce unconstitutional mandates like lockdowns, questionable medical practices, and mandatory masking of our children in schools. As the sheriff, it is my duty to be the leading law enforcement official, responsible for upholding and enforcing the laws of our land. My campaign revolves around a commitment to protect and defend the Constitution, restore law and order, prioritize the needs of the people over the political establishment, ensure election integrity, and aid law enforcement and our community in recovering from the physical and emotional toll of COVID. I am a devoted wife and mother of two sons. I am a successful small business owner who actively supports numerous local charities and community projects. For information or inquiries, please visit my website at Sabrina4Sheriff.com.
Together, we can bring positive change to our community, restore trust in our law enforcement, and create a safer and more prosperous future for all.
Clerk
Kathleen Olmsted
I worked for over 25 years in banking and mortgage servicing. I was responsible for maintaining and correcting mortgage records and working with county clerks throughout the United States.
Recently, the county has started charging homeowners to retrieve property records, as well as other records, which should be freely available to all county residents. We already pay some of the highest taxes in the state, and Kalamazoo County citizens should not be charged for every little transaction. I will change that.
Also, we need to update and modernize the department. Although the current administration has started to update systems, we need to move at business speed and get it done.
A vote for Kathleen Olmsted for county clerk (clerkforkalamazoo.com) is a vote for a transparent, accountable, and secure clerk’s office. I will uphold the U.S. and State of Michigan Constitution. I will work for everyone in our county. Thank you for your time and make sure you exercise your constitutional right to vote.
Email me at Kathleen@clerkforkalamazoo.com, call me at 269.280.0400 or visit my website ClerkforKalamazoo.com.
Treasurer
Pam Herbert
I have been a Kalamazoo County resident for 40 years. I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. My degree is in business and I have worked as a finance manager for over 30 years.
I am an America First Patriot who believes in standing on the Constitution and I believe we the people are to govern.
The United States Constitution declares in the first three words “We The People” – an affirmation that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.
I am dedicated to serving the Kalamazoo County residents with honesty, transparency and fiduciary responsibility.
Dale Shugars
As a former CPA, state senator, state representative, county commissioner, city council member and congressional district representative, I am uniquely qualified to serve as the Kalamazoo county treasurer. My education and experience prepare me to safeguard taxpayers’ money, invest in safe, high-yield liquid investments and account for every dollar, balance every ledger account, reconcile investment reports and bank accounts. My goal is to meet deadlines while implementing the General Property Tax Act, including being the agent of the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, issuing dog licenses, administering the county’s hotel/motel accommodations tax, and other required functions. My experience in public accounting and over 25 years serving in government give me an improved understanding and respect for the role and responsibilities of local treasurers. Collaborating with them as a team to serve the taxpayers in fulfilling the duties of the treasurer would be a major goal. Also, having worked for the Home Builders Association and being part of the Market Place neighborhood’s successful development with the previous county treasurer, City of Kalamazoo, the County Land Bank will help me serve on the Land Bank Board as required by law. I have been a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) 39 years. For more information go to ShugarsforTreasurer.com.
