Augusta Township political picture contentious heading into November election
Will the general election bring an end to the constant in-fighting on the Augusta Township Board of Trustees?
None of the warring political groups came out of the primaries with a clear advantage and most involved believe the township will still have a split board with members composed of political rivals after the general election.
Republican Trustee Brian Shelby also is running with Republican Trustee candidate Dennis Chie, making up a third alignment involved in the election.
Currently, a voting block is made up of Trustee Shelby, Trustee Bill Tobler, Clerk Kathy Giszczak and Treasurer Susan Burek. Shelby doesn’t always vote with that block, however, and is a Republican, not a Democrat.
The remainder of the voting block was joined on an election slate by Democratic Trustee candidates Ira Todd, Cath Howard and Joseph Keith.
The opposition voting block for the last 18 months has included Trustee Mike King, Trustee Dan Lula and Supervisor Pete Hafler. They did not run on a slate in the primaries, but many of their old political allies and friends also ran and unofficially supported one another.
Supervisor’s race: Pete Hafler vs. Brian Shelby
In the primary, trustees Shelby and Tobler ran for the Republican and Democratic supervisor’s ticket, respectively.
Tobler has repeatedly clashed with incumbent Hafler, and was defeated by Hafler 310-269 in the Democratic primary.
Hafler said he believes residents see that Giszczak and Tobler are causing problems on the board and have tried to strip him of his power as supervisor. He said residents' vote showed they understand that.
"I think people know me," he said. "I think people trust me and I've been up front with them. People on the board try to strip me of my power. I think they're tired of that kind of action. I don’t think they like it at all."
Tobler said he heard during his campaigning that residents were sick of the 4-3 split board. But he said there will likely be 4-3 split board again and residents “missed an opportunity” to elect a whole team.
Tobler, who said he is looking forward to relaxing after 33 years on the board, charged that Hafler’s political allies distorted the truth or outright lied about issues during the campaign.
“I’m very concerned the direction our opponents will take the township,” he said. “After four more years there might not be a township to save.”
Shelby defeated former supervisor and trustee Kathy Jackson in the Republican primary. Jackson was a political ally of King, Lula and Hafler, and was most recently defeated by Susan Burek for an open trustee’s position on the board in 2010.
She was defeated by Hafler for the supervisor’s office in 2008, but was subsequently appointed to the board by Hafler and his allies when a trustee seat opened up mid-term following a resignation.
Shelby, who will face Hafler in the general election, said many people in the township were upset with Hafler because he campaigned on being an alternative to Jackson, then turned around and appointed her to the board after defeating her.
“He made a lot of people mad,” Shelby said. “He slammed her left and right to get her out of office, then put her back on the board. A lot of people feel like he stabbed them in the back. Where’s the integrity? Where’s the honesty? It’s a dirty deal anyway I look at it.”
Shelby acknowledged Augusta has remained largely Democratic in recent years, but said many conservative voters remain in the township and people are frustrated with the constant infighting on the board.
Shelby pinned those issues on Hafler.
“I want to stop the fighting; there’s no excuse,” he said. “If the supervisor doesn’t allow it then it doesn’t happen. He’s the one that controls the meeting.
“This is a nice little community but it needs its respect and dignity brought back. The last 20-plus years it has been a joke and it’s time to change that.”
Hafler said Giszczak and Tobler are responsible for the infighting and said he believes the board will improve once they and Shelby - who he called a puppet of Giszczak and Tobler - are off the board.
"I think it will be a better board," he said. "Some of the infighting will be gone. It will be more open and there will be honest communication, and that's what people are looking for."
See the Voter Guide for more information on the supervisor candidates.
Clerk’s race: Kathy Giszczak vs. Kathleen MacDonald
Giszczak defeated Ira Bievelec, another Hafler ally, to move onto the general election. She won handily, 343-304, despite facing felony eavesdropping charges. Those charges were dismissed last week.
Giszczak said voters approved of her service to the community and “proven customer service track record.”
“I just tell voters what I am, my education, background, experience, and what I plan to do in the future,” she said.
Kathleen MacDonald defeated Linda Adams in the clerk’s office Republican primary.
That pits MacDonald against Giszczak. Giszczak has a restraining order against Kathleen MacDonald’s husband, Jim MacDonald. In one incident, Jim MacDonald covered himself in fish fertilizer and banged on a filing cabinet in Giszczak’s office. He has accused Giszczak of violating the Freedom of Information Act and the two have faced each other in court.
Giszczak said Kathleen MacDonald contributes to the problem.
“I believe Kathleen MacDonald encourages (Jim MacDonald’s) angry behavior toward me,” Giszczak said. “Do we want someone like that, who takes things to a personal level, serving our community?”
MacDonald said problems between her husband and Giszczak have no affect on her campaign or the election.
“It was between him and her, not her and me,” MacDonald said. “We each have our own identities and we don’t like to have them merged politically.”
MacDonald said she was successful in the primary because she met individually with voters and explained her strengths, and she said she plans to continue to do so as she looks toward the general election.
See more information on the clerk candidates in the Voter Guide.
Treasurer's race: Lynda Dew vs. Nevel Overton Slack
The Democratic treasurer's primary was decided by three votes and faced a recount. Lynda Dew, who is aligned with Hafler, defeated incumbent Burek 315-312.
Nevel Overton Slack was the lone candidate in the Republican primary.
Read more about the treasurer candidates in the Voter Guide.
Trustee’s race: four seats
Democratic trustee candidates Keefe, Todd and Howard, who are aligned with Giszczak and Tobler, won in the primaries. Judy Thornton, who aligns herself with Hafler, also won in the Democratic trustee primary.
Incumbent Trustee Mike King won in the Republican primary, while incumbent Dan Lula lost. Both were aligned with Hafler.
Newcomer Republicans Dennis Chie, Dwight Bennett and Douglas Newsome also won in their primaries.
Like other candidates, King said the board is damaged by the warring alliances and said he has been independent in his voting.
“I think I’ve been fair on the board, mindful of the residents, and what they find to be important,” he said.
Read more about the trustee candidates in the Voter Guide.
Tom Perkins is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
cindy johnson
Mon, Oct 22, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
I have learned a good lot reading these. So Iwant to comment. the Farm Bureau held a meeting today and in vited all candidates to come. For district 55 both Zemke and Diaz came and were interesting. But the only one from here was that funy man NO Slack. He made some good comments regarding agriculture and farming. He impressed us all with his attitude and style. We are a rural community and a farming one. I think we have to vote for him because he is the only one who cares about agriculture. Do any of the rest even have any ties to agricultural groups besides Mr. Slack? If not shame shame, why are you in a farming community and not involved with farming.
j shelden
Tue, Oct 23, 2012 : 2:01 a.m.
Cindy, You raise an interesting point. In the campaign literature I see for the candidates, Both Ms Giszczak and Ms Susan Burek are Michigan State University "Master Gardner" titled. And in the case Of Ms Burek, I believe upon prior conversation with her that she has an active Hobby farm and a small greenhouse where she dabbles with native herbs and she grows her chickens organically too. So yes at least these too good women are seriously into growing things. I believe Brian Shelby has also demonstrated his interest in maintaining the rural character of Augusta Township. I know of no real interest in farming from Hafler nor his friends, Dew, MacDonald, nor King nor Thornton. In fact history has shown them and their crew to be more interested in selling out the farmers to the greedy developers. Scarey to ponder.
cindy johnson
Mon, Oct 22, 2012 : 9:25 p.m.
maybe I should have said amusing or inlightening not funny.. but he is great.
Integrity
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 7:07 a.m.
It appears that only a few people commenting on this article understand what is at stake in Augusta Township and that is voting for people who will stop the problems that have plagued the township for years. We definitely need a "clean sweep". The Clerk and Treasurer positions give us new candidates. We also have a new group of Trustees. The only problem with the group of Trustees is who is aligned with who. The biggest problem is the candidates running for Supervisor. Both are currently on the Board. The only way to make a wise decision is to look at both Hafler's and Shelby's voting record over the last 4 years. I have. Shelby consistently votes with those we want out. Enough said. I believe there are enough voters in Augusta Township who have the intelligence and integrity to make the right decision when going to the polls this November.
j shelden
Mon, Oct 22, 2012 : 8:34 a.m.
The smart investor would also take a critical look at Cathy Howard, O'Keefe, and Ira Todd as your best choices for Trustees. They are each truly gifted in their own right and of course are each FRESH (and happy) faces to the township hall. For more interesting reasons to support these people please visit Susan Burek's blog at www.writeinBUREK4Treasurer.com For the contrasting viewpoint visit www.augustaspotlight.org Please compare those two sites/and the messages they are attempting to send. Then you come back here and report to me and all these fine readers who you think spoke with forked tongue Thankyou for asking
j shelden
Mon, Oct 22, 2012 : 8:26 a.m.
Well here is the key item: Now that the note is paid off in full, 23 years early, the Township has saved nearly $500,000++ in interest over the remainder of the note and would have earned far less than that at the current interest rate of savings. The township averted having a future shortfall of cash to pay off the note if it was held until full maturity in the year 2035 Further now that the note has been paid in full. Guess what? The township credit rating has been far improved! So now the Township can (if needed) go out on the open market and secure NEW FUNDING at more favorable terms.! For even more expansion of the clean water supply or even something really nice like township parks even…. Just imagine…. Yep! What would smart people do when armed with the above? You betcha! Pay the silly note off of course. Doesn't take any brains bigger than a dog's see the light go on does it? So how is it that Hafler, Lula, and King (nor their friends) did not support the early payment of the note? There ARE ill advised and motivated by only their self righteous greed for POWER. Get rid of Hafler once and for all. Tell him and King and his friends Dew, McDonald, and Thorton that we are tired of their previously demonstrated poor leadership styles. Tell em Goodbye! Now, for those that can admit paying off the note 23 years early is prudent and fiscally wise and proper… One word for that award. G E N U I S This award I confer upon Gisczcak, Tobler, Shelby, and Burek. I am saddened Mr Tobler lost out in the primary. (I am more terrified that Hafler managed to beat him) However the remaining three just mentioned are indeed the finest, most intelligent, most qualified choices. They are Shelby for Supervisor, Gisczcak for Clerk, and WRiTEiN "Susan Burek" for Treasurer Continued Below
j shelden
Mon, Oct 22, 2012 : 8:22 a.m.
Well now there's a true statement: "there are enough voters in Augusta Township who have the intelligence and integrity to make the right decision when going to the polls this November". A simple understanding of basic accounting principles and basic economic skills combined with an honest analysis of a very key issue would certainly clarify just exactly what the right choices for board members would be this coming Nov. 6 . Here is my key argument: Augusta township majority decision to payoff the YCUA bond/mortgage 23 years early is not only prudent but proper....Therefore those who supported the resolution are absolute GENIUS and those who do not are ....well....less just say they have misjudged their own abilities. Because at the outset of this water project, financed with government monies, there was no allowance made(and who do you think supervised that fiasco?) to set aside ANY maintenance funds to maintain a deteriorating system AND because the loan covenants absolutely(and almost always do) forbid diverting ANY collected monies to pay anything other than the loan principle and interest...until all principle has been repaid in full. I am smart enough to know that once the 1.1 mil was paid off all other future collections from residents (about 800K) can NOW(and only then) BE USED to maintain the system HAFLER, KING, LULA (and their minority group of followers) insisted that the money held in a VERY LOW interest bearing account could have been currently used (diverted in violation of the loan docs) to maintain and operate the system. They are sadly VERY wrong and were told so by many persons of authority who oversee the government notes of this type. But this angry misinformed group still insisted this early payoff of the note is bad for the township and has somehow brought the Township to the verge of insolvency? BUNK! Continued below….
chris crawley
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Yes We do understand. there are 2 ways to look at it, 1) replacement of current group --all of them. 2) election of all new people. the latter is of course what almost everybody in Augusta wants.. only the members of the 2 or 3 power groups & their close families want anyone else. as you or someone above points out that is Newsome, Bennent, Slack without any question. . the other new candidates for trustee all have attached themselves to a current power-grabbing clique. even so Ms Thornton maybe good, Chie maybe. the others would by their affliation be part of the current in -power group. On clerk race,the 2 choices are A) current clerk, who has, if the above points and news articles are even partly accurate, has caused some of our current problems. B) Her opponent while seemingly the wife of the McDonald above, is an accountant and has the backing of a new(or older) power group; as well as the support of a lot of independent thinkers. The last are determined to have a total change. the supervisor race is between 2 of the current problem people. So any insight into their abilities or possible change in how they change or realign themselves when we get the new broom independent individuals in, would be appreciated.
CJ McDonald
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 6:34 a.m.
To answer Chris Crawley's concerns: If you were able to take the time to look at the Board Meeting minuntes which are online on the Township's website, you would find that on almost every issue, Brian Shelby, Kathy Giszczak, Susan Burek, and Bill Tobler voted the same way - either passing or rejecting motions. That tells me that these 4 people have created the problems we have had in the past 4 years, and these 4 people need to be removed from the Board. If you check out the "new" Team of Giszczak, you will find Ira Todd, Cath Howard, and Joseph Keefe are now part of the Giszczak team. (Tobler and Burek were defeated in the Primary.) If you had followed Townshp activities during the last 8 years, you would see the common thread of conflict and contention rests with Giszczak - even to the point where the Board brought in a "conflict resolutins" expert to try to resolve the problems. It did not work. So - if you want to know who to vote for, simply look at who is supporting or aligning themselves with Kathy Giszczak and you know you want to vote for anyone who is not connected, supporting, or endorsed by any of the above four people.
Susan Burek
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
I missed a name board majority 2004 - 2008. It should read Jackson, Babut, Dew and Manty.
Susan Burek
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
For the record, Mr. McDonald I have only been on the board for one year so I could hardly have been part of the problem the last 4 years. By your logic, that means that Hafler, King and Lula are also voting together. Mr. McDonald also fails to point out during the years 2008-2010 the voting majority was Hafler, Jackson (appointed), Lula and King. Tobler and Giszczak have been voting in a "majority" since 2010-2012. If I go back further as Mr. McDonald insists from 2004-2008 the majority vote rested with Jackson, Babut, and Dew. So even though Giszczak and Tobler were on the board then, they were not part of any kind of "majority" vote. So how is it that the current "majority" vote has been reeking havoc on the township when the "majority" vote has only then been in existence for the last two years? And not even really then since Shelby does not consistently voted within the "majority". And, Mr. McDonald fails to point out the board does have many unanimous agreeements on resolutions and we have all agreed to fail resolutions. Even if you have "independent" thinkers (which I think we do have on the board right now), you have to have at least 4 people agree on any resolution to pass it, otherwise nothing would get done. So, if people think the same on issues, why is that a problem? That is ridiculous to even suggest that is a problem. As for voting in "new" people, it doesn't mean they have the skill set to do the job correctly. The supervisor, clerk and treasurer have state mandated job duties that have to be done correctly. It is not just showing up and voting at board meetings. On my website I have a flowchart showing the real political structure of the township board since 1996. You are being snowed by McDonald and his friends. www.writeinburek4treaasurer.com
chris crawley
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.
to answer mr (?) McDonald question, yes we know who the new peole are. almost all republicans ticket. Newsome, bennett, slack, McDonald, Chie. King has been there before so he is part of the current problem bunch. Shelby we find after some checking is there now also as the swinger ro throw his vote inway that seem at odds with the best interest of us residents. But his opponent is thesame pete Haffleer that has supervised our current near-destruction. A question of which might change and work for us, not for thir clique. That is the problem as the reporter pointed out. there are 3 cliques running. We do not want cliques. we all want people who think and vote as individuals. we the residents of Augusta are entitled to competent, fair, sincere individuals who work for us, not for their fellow gameplayers. We want 7 individuals. So when we see a ticket of mutual backslapping support, we turn away to vote for individuals only. In talking around our neighborhood, I have found only 1 (one) person who disagreed with tath & he is a precienct delegate to xx party. Loyality is nice, sanity is preferrable.
CJ McDonald
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 4:12 a.m.
Enough is enough! First: Who besides Perkins thinks this is a contentiious race in Augusta Township??? If you read what the candidates themselves publish you see NO CONTENTION!!! It's all the others who are trying to make it so. As far as I know, the candidates don't want all this negative, contentious, pivel! They want people to read their literature and vote accordingling. SO --- please, those of you who have the bad habit of mud-slinging, please stop! Second: It appears that if J Sheldon is a resident of Augusta Township. If so, he does not appear on the voter registration list. If so, then why should anyone consider the words of someone who does not have a vote in the election? Third: The misspelling of the names of people is pathetic! Who in the world is Ira Bievelec? Also, there is NO ONE by the name of MacDonald running in Augusta Township. I don't know aout you, but I'm tired of sloppy, biased journalism that only breeds sensationalism and abberatins from their readers.
j shelden
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
to CJ MacDonald... (I think this spelling is better like a cheeseburger) I suppose my ramblings are difficult for you to read in a public forum as this. I am certain my remarks pain you and your keepers. Now calling me clueless is a bit like a filthy pot calling a kettle black....isn't it?
CJ McDonald
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
Sorry about the typos. However -- anyone can get a copy of the voter registration list! Just call the County and they will email it to you! As for the rest of what you said... it makes no sense. Just the rambling of a clueless person.
j shelden
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
I am seeing Mr Perkins writing ability as having quite a bit of journalistic merit. Much more so than your own Well ok then...Let's pull out the handy dandy dictionary for correct spellings shall we? Is there such a word as "abberatins" ? Maybe that is a noun describing the husband (the infamous CJ)of a woman named Kathleen McDonald. Is it a Macdonald's burger? McDonald's burger? or is it simply a Big Mac? All three are really junk food. And what may I ask is "Pivel" That one isn't in the good dictionary. Is that a word used in backwoods barns populated by undereducated yet highly motivated by $$ co-conspirators?? Oh! This must be some form of Egyptian/Coptic ancient word for "bean" but you did not know that did you? Now CJ.... How in the world would you ever get access to a voter registration list? Did you steal it? or is it a result of one of the 1,000's of useless F.O.I.A requests you harassed the township offices with? Maybe I will get a PPO on you as well, Mr McDonald. You are a loose cannon (to coin a phrase) It should be easier too since I now know how to spell your name. In the mean time CJ I recommend you not make any sudden moves, nor say much more than you already have. Too many people are watching you. These very people think you should be off the streets. I am seeing Mr Perkins writing ability as having quite a bit of journalistic merit. Much more so than your own
chris crawley
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
If personal experience has any meaning. the only person running in this chaos, that we have had interaction with that left us feeling as if he or she cared, was Nevil Overton slack. several times we had questions or problems. HE always handled them professionally, but friendly and we came away knowing he cared about us and was willing to help. The same can NOT be said about NO one else there now ever. the responses from those uncivil servants there now range from indifference to outright hostility.
chris crawley
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
we are also voting for only new people
CJ McDonald
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 4:23 a.m.
Do you know who they are?
ann Sole
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
okay. the comments we see make it so obvious why EVERONE I know is voting NEW BROOM or CLEAN SWEEP . We need ONLY new people in there.. WHO? easy the few that none of the 3 groups endorse or whine about. SO that means BENNETT, NEWSOME & NEVEL OVERTON SLACK.
Integrity
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 7:14 a.m.
Well, you have taken care of the Treasurer's office and two Trustees. That's 3 Board members. If 4 other Board members get elected who are against these 3, then you will have the same problems we have now. Have you considered who would be the best candidate for Supervisor & Clerk? And what about two more Trustees? We have a 7 member Board and each Board member has only 1 (one) vote. In order to have a CLEAN SWEEP we need at least 4 new Board members who will get the job done. Something to think about....
CJ McDonald
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 6:39 a.m.
I agree with you, but you need more than 3 new people to make a clean sweep. Please understand that just because someone bashes someone running doesn't mean they'r not a person worth putting on the Board.
Mike King
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
My last comment was removed because I stated my feeling on the legality of clerk Giszczak making the recording she made. Let's try this again and see if I can make the points without the folks at aa.com removing my comment. Fact: Giszczak made a tape Fact: Giszczak played the tape for former treasurer Sherbine Fact: Sherbine fired former deputy treasurer Blair Fact: Blair sued the township Fact: The Township settled on the advice of legal counsel for $60,000 Fact: Augusta Township residents paid the $10,000 deductible from the insurance settlement Fact: Tape made my Giszczak cost township residents $10,000.
j shelden
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
It's interesting your prior comment was removed. Surely it contained more "compassion". Let's now analyze/examine your facts Mr King..... #1. Yep Giszcak made a tape....On the advice of several state troopers as a results of the wild antics and apparent threatening activities of a one CJ Macdonald (Husband of Kathy Macdonald) and note that Ms Giszczak has a current PPO outstanding on this antisocial citizen who makes consistent borderline threats. #2. and 3. Yep Apparently Giszczak did indeed playback that tape and indeed Sherbine fired the insubordinate Blair. Judge D. Shelton declared there was NO CRIME IN THAT AT ALL. #4. Yep Blair sued the township alright....and she did so on the coaxing of Mr Pete Hafler (Township Supervisor). Here is a recording of those conversations at this website address: http://writeinburek4treasurer.com/petewhistleblower.mp3 That crystal clear recording points to a clear conflict of interest and further I believe that tapes is prima facia evidence of a conspiracy to commit.... You by chance did not support his efforts did you?? #5. You are incorrect...The Township DID NOT SETTLE per se.... The fact is the township INSURER made a pure business decision to pay the woman rather pay attorney fees in excess of the Insurance settlement which, If I am not mistaken, the parties also agreed to disagree as to who did what...very common in these ridiculous disputes. If I had my way the trial would have proceeded and Blair would have lost...yet lawyers fees add up fast #6. I am not aware of any deductible amount paid but if there was....isn't a result of Mr Hafler coaching Ms Blair? And which of you other guys gave your blessings to coach her? #7. Wrong again, Mr King, Blair was coached by Hafler. Had she not been provide advice and those mysterious "papers"...I doubt she would have bothered. Blair herself made the comments on that tape. She was fired for her own nastiness and insubordination and nothing el
Mike King
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
Township board members should be able to discuss and represent different sides of an issue without fighting. I am hopeful the November election will be fruitful and a thoughtful compassionate board be seated to look after the best interests of the Augusta Township residents.
j shelden
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.
To Mr. King. You have a short memory! I already have introduced myself to you and you apparently do not remember. T any rate, based upon my previous encounter with you at the hall I must report that I am not impressed with either your governmental skill nor your civil etiquette. You are consistently and blatantly mean and biased in your public displays and often you are unprepared in that you frequently are unaware what is contained within the meeting agenda. At every meeting I notice that you make it a mission to nitpick the petty grammar and spellings of the prior board minutes. In short you waste our time. Sorry sir, I have no interest in further addressing you verbally. I can not respect you on an Eye-to-eye basis. I have seen way too much of your ways as it is. Again sorry
Mike King
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
Response to Sheldon, please introduce yourself to me at the next township board meeting so I will have the pleasure of meeting you. I few clarifications to your response: Clerk Giszczak, by her actions, brought on her troubles with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office I brought a resolution to the Board of Trustees requesting the resignation of Clerk Giszczak, my intention was that resolution be part of the minutes of the meeting as it was an official motion by the board. Had the resolution been properly added to the minutes of the meeting there would never have been a need to bring it back a second time to the board.
Susan Burek
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
I agree with J shelden. Where was the throughtful compassion for clerk Giszczak when she was under fire for trumped up felony charges? What happened to in nocent until proven guilty? Mike King brought a resolution to the board, with which Dan Lula and Pete Hafler supported asking for her resignation. Why? Because they were advised by a lawyer to distance themselves from the clerk for I presume, political reasons. I am all for people having different opinions. That makes for strong decisions. But what we really need are skilled people who can put their egos and their political gaming aside to do what is right by the community.
j shelden
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.
Mr King, it is good to hear you suggest such a nicety. As an occasional observer of your board meetings behavior I am a bit confused too. Mainly, you wish for a board that is without fighting. Indeed it would be more productive to have just that so I wonder is this above post really by you? Because I am remembering it is Mr King who consistently argues for the resignation of a township clerk who is perfectly qualified to perform her duties. Your reasons were that she was some sort of criminal in your eyes and the eyes of Hafler, Lula, Dew, Kathy (and CJ) Macdonald and Judy Thorton. Well guess what good sir? Honorable Judge Donald Shelden (he speaks for the people- not you) saw promptly thru the smoke and mirrors you and your ilk put up to railroad Ms Giszczak AND HE SAW HER VERY MUCH INNOCENT. You people (and others like you) make me quite sick to think you can throw an innocent person under the bus like that. You acted immorally and quite frankly, I believe you and your friends are very much guilty on Federal laws regarding CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FRAUDS. Be thankful I am not your local prosecutor Mr King....as you would be sharing bunk space with Kwame (and Hafler and a few others I already mentioned) Yes I look forward to that utopia Dream Team Board and you my pleasantly plump lil buddy are not included. VOTE SHELBY, GISZCZAK, HOWARD, TODD, OKEEFE, and by all means "write-in" SUSAN BUREK as treasurer. See ya down at the polls Mr King. Oh! And thanks for all your compassion as Trustee, please don't quit your day job Ta-Ta for now
j shelden
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
In that treasurer's race, I am surprised the reporter failed to mention the most interesting alternative.... Ms. Susan Burek (see..... www.writeinsusanburek4treasurer.com for more info such as a digital recording starring Peter Hafler coaching/conspiring with Janice Blair to file a money draining lawsuit against the very township he is sworn to protect). Ms Susan Burek asks voters to remember that she is the candidate with successful experience as Treasurer... Her current performance over the last year was stellar. Ms Dew has no such experience and can claim no imitable successes in her aborted career as a board member. The required annual audit report by a Certified Public Accountant also confirms her positive role in township affairs. Additionally Ms Burek has shown obvious skill at tactfully sidestepping the cat fighting of the Hafler/King?Dew/Macdonald klan and still was able to successfully do her delegated duties in the face of heavy adversity by the naysayers. Three cheers for Susan Burek!! Remember to "write-in" S U S A N B U R E K for treasurer on November 6 You may also be well advised to vote for Shelby, Howard, Todd and Okkeefe and for sure Ms Gisczcak especially since Hafler's attempts to hang her as some sort of theiving felon FAILED so miserably in front of the Honorable Judge Donald Shelton. I say the losers gotta go! Send Hafler/King/Dew/Macdonald packing....we of Augusta Township are sick and tired of their wild public catfights and lies.
j shelden
Thu, Oct 25, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.
Uhhhh Right! Mr CJ MacDonald, I do appreciate any and all "grammar/spelling" corrections of course. I am not too proud to be corrected even by beings of lesser abilities. Again thanks for catching my typos. Yet be it known you have apparently made many dramatic errors of judgement. More than all of the known spelling errors on this page..... Rumours has it: Aren't you the same guy that still owes the township some odd $6,000 for your frivolous lawsuits? Or was is $4,000 you paid to the township already for some other prior frivolous lawsuit you again lost? Isn't you thathas also uttered rather bad words about circuit judges in Washtenaw county? I am indeed curious if I had the amounts and nature of those penalties correct. Since you are so good at correcting errors..Please correct me with how many lawsuits you have filed and (a) won? and (b) lost? I would really enjoy hearing the judge's entire opinion in all win/loss instances as well as any actual penalties levied against you. How much do you still owe? And will your wife Kathy McDonald motion to forgive your penalties/debts if she is(good luck on that one!) elected?
Susan Burek
Sun, Oct 21, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
I work a full-time job during the day. I am only required by law to be in the office 2 days during the year on the tax due dates, a law set by the state. I can easily do most of my work for the hall in the evenings or at home. It is called using a computer and cell phone. A lot of business today is done with phone conferences, webinars and using flex time for people to work at home. It is quite common these days. You obviously have been out of the work place for some time Mr. McDonald. People are no longer chained to their desks 9-5. And besides, just because someone is sitting at their desk doesn't mean they are getting any work done. Now, if you are gonna rag on the subject perhaps we should examine how many hours the supervisor sits at his desk each day. If you tell me 9-4, I am going to have to roll my eyes and laugh.
CJ McDonald
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.
Sorry, Sheldon. You do not know what you're taliking about. There's nothing "stellar" about a Treasurer who rarely, if ever, is in her office. Furthermore it's obvious you have been coached on what to say. You don't even know how to spell one of the candidate's names: "Okkeefe" is not running in Augusta Township! AND you want Shelby? He doesn't have a clue what truth is, and he will lie and steal to get whatever advantage he can. I know. He stole from me! Stop perpetuating lies!
Susan Burek
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
The race for treasurer is not just between Lynda Dew and Nevel Overton-Slack. I (Susan Burek) am running a write-in campaign registered with the county. I believe because of the extremely light turn-out, an 3 vote difference is not showing any clear choice from the voters. Many people I have spoken to since did not understand the importance of voting at the primary. Judging by the overwhelming positive response I am getting from the residents during my campaign, I am glad I have continued the race. Please visit my website www.writeinburek4treasurer.com for more information. Susan Burek Augusta Township Treasurer
xmo
Sun, Oct 14, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
If you don't have fighting then you don't have different ideas or moral principles. Why would anyone want peace on the Board of Trustees unless you just don't care!