Davison Index

Anderson, Kilmer vie for township treasurer’s seat


 

 

GRAND BLANC TWP. — Residents Mark Kilmer and Larry Anderson will square-off Nov. 3 to fill the Grand Blanc Township treasurer’s seat.

Kilmer, a Democrat, and Anderson, a Republican, will vie for a 4-year-term as treasurer after the announcement earlier this year that current Treasurer Earl Guzak would not seek another term.

Here is what the candidates had to say in their own words:

Mark Kilmer, Age: no reply

Education: No reply

Accomplishments: Kilmer has lived in Grand Blanc for more than 35 years raising both of his children through the Grand Blanc School system. They are currently raising their families in Grand Blanc as well. His wife, Jet Kilmer, has been the President of the Grand Blanc Chamber for more than 16 years. He is a member of the Flint Elks, Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club, and Vice President of the McFarland Library Board. Kilmer is endorsed by the UAW, Building Trades Council, Genesee County Commissioner Mark Young, and State Representative Tim Sneller.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? Kilmer chose to run for Grand Blanc Township Treasurer because he wanted to make a difference and feels during these uncertain times, we need to make sure we are keeping an eye on the horizon and preparing for the future of our community. He brings more than 40 years of experience in business management, not only running his own company, but also being the National Sales Manager for a company that had a sales volume of more than $50 million.

Kilmer said, “I believe this gives me the insight and knowledge of how to stay within the confines of a budget. As your Township Treasurer, I will continue the good work that Earl Guzak has done and will proudly represent the businesses and residents of Grand Blanc as a voting member of the Township Board. It is apparent that Businesses want to come to Grand Blanc. It is my goal to help make that happen as well as listen to the residents of Grand Blanc on what they want our future to look like.

“The Grand Blanc Township Board is at a crossroads. With no Democratic candidate for Supervisor or Clerk, winning every remaining seat is critical.”

Larry Anderson, Age: 47

Education: Associate Applied Science Business Management, Anti-Trust Awareness and Fraud Detection Training (Employed with Volkswagen Credit)

Accomplishments: His experience includes two terms on the township board from 2008-2016. He also served three years on the Parks and Recreation Commission, four years on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Police Committee. Anderson was on the 2008 Committee that partnered with the City Council to transition to a full-time joint fire department. He also served as Vice President of the Joint Fire Commission for two years, serving four years total.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? “When I left the township board in 2016 things were moving forward. We had a well-staffed, full-time joint city/township fire department, an updated 10-year master plan, development plans in place for the I-75 corridor and we had hired an extremely qualified township superintendent. The management team in place was working together to bring these long-term plans to fruition. The Board was working with the superintendent and developers to attract businesses and services the residents wanted. Over the past four years the current board has let all that go. I want to get things back on track.

“I intend to bring accountability and public trust back to the board. I will work hard to get things moving forward again and work with my fellow board members, Republican or Democrat, to develop solid, long-term, well-planned goals and vision. Grand Blanc Township has excellent Police, Fire and DPW services that need to be maintained and we must have an organized plan in place to do that with strong, cohesive leadership.

“I have lived here all my life and I’m a graduate of Grand Blanc High School. I’m proud to be a resident of this community and I want to be involved and make this township the best it can be.”

The Genesee County View will run more candidate profiles over the coming weeks for the various races through the county.