The decision by Brady Township officials to switch to a charter township earlier this year is transforming the composition of the Board of Trustees. For starters, the charter government adds two trustees to the five-member board.
One of the incumbent trustees, John Meyer, is running for re-election. The other, former supervisor Randy Smith, is running again for supervisor to replace Tracy Locey, who did not seek re-election.
Melissa Wood, a Democrat who was appointed township clerk to fill a vacancy in 2023, is being challenged by Republican Reagan Hunter. Elise Stephens, deputy treasurer, is unopposed for the treasurer post to replace Malia Allgaier, who did not seek re-election.
Besides Meyer, newcomers Rodney Richardson, Lee Naplin and Todd Thompson are unopposed for the four trustee posts. All candidates but Wood are Republicans. All terms are for four years.
Smith, Wood, Hunter and Stephens returned candidate statements and photos. Meyer, Richardson, Naplin and Thompson did not. The supervisor’s annual compensation is $43,349, $40,960 for the clerk and treasurer and $1,620 for trustees.
Randy Smith
I have served on the Brady Township Board for approximately the last 15 years. Most of that time I served as the township supervisor. In 2018 I retired as township supervisor but remained on the township board as a trustee for six years. This November, I will be moving back into the supervisor role as the current supervisor will not be seeking re-election. It has been, and continues to be, my honor and privilege to serve the residents of Brady Charter Township. As a newly incorporated charter township, we will be expanding our board size from five to seven members. This will be an interesting and challenging time as four or five members (depending on the outcome of the election) will be first-time elected officials. Having met all of them, I am excited to work alongside them as they grow into their new roles. Finally, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Tracy Locey who has served as township supervisor for the last six years. I don’t have enough space left to describe the positive impact she has had on Brady Township and the entire South Kalamazoo County community.
Melissa Wood
I was born and raised in Vicksburg and actively involved in the community from a young age, participating in girl scouts and then 4-H horse showmanship, where I later took on a leadership role. After earning a degree in accounting while living in Arizona, I returned to my home town of Vicksburg to raise my family and contribute to the community. For over 24 years, I have worked as a senior tax analyst with H&R Block, honing my financial management, attention to detail, and organizational skills. This experience directly supports my role as township clerk, where accuracy in records and transparency are key. Appointed as Brady Township clerk last November, I have spent the past year learning the role’s MANY responsibilities, preparing to continue serving the township. I view the position as non-partisan, requiring fairness, impartiality, and dedication to the community. I believe in hard work, community service, and accountability. I look forward to continuing to serve with integrity and dedication, ensuring Brady Township remains a wonderful place to live and work. I am committed to leading Brady Township with transparency, responsibility, and a deep connection to the community I love.
Reagan Hunter
My name is Reagan Hunter and I am running for Brady Township clerk. My family and I moved to Vicksburg when I was two years old and have lived here ever since. After graduating from Vicksburg High School, I attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College where I received my dental hygiene degree. I spent over a decade in dental hygiene before I began working with my husband at our family business, H&H Farms. While working at H&H Farms I spent my time both on the farm with the pigs as well as in the office. I have been in charge of payroll, the Human Resource Department and also finance and payables. My husband and I have three children ranging in age from 10-20 years old that have all attended Vicksburg Schools where I also have been an active volunteer for many years. I am looking forward to representing my community in the position of township clerk because I want to see our small town continue to grow and flourish. I believe that my ability to stay organized and driven will make me a great candidate for this position. I also have a passion for listening and helping people that will make me a great addition to the township.
Elise Stephens
Hello, my name is Elise Stephens and I am the candidate for treasurer of Brady Charter Township. I am a lifelong resident of Vicksburg and its wonderful community. My husband and I have two children, who are enrolled at Indian Lake Elementary. I am an active school volunteer and for the past six years I have held many positions on the PTSO, including treasurer and president. For the past two years I have served as the deputy treasurer for Brady, served on the Board of Review and have been an election official since 2019. I want to be the treasurer to continue contributing to my community, extend a helping hand, foster connections with local residents and help provide essential services for everyday life.
