Supervisor candidates:
Tim Bowman
Tim Bowman, 65, of 21321 Karr Rd., has lived in Sumpter for 55 years. He is married to Liz and they have three children, TJ Bowman, Travis Bowman, and Taylor Bowman.
He is a general contractor. His education is high school and trade school.
Bowman is running for reelection as supervisor on the Republican ticket. He was first elected in 2020. Bowman’s hobbies include volunteering and boating.
His is running for this office: “To work for the people of Sumpter Township to continue to make our township a safer and prosperous community to live in. To preserve our history. And to move forward working with our current board to better Sumpter Township.”
His goals, once elected, are: “To continue to bring our community together, working with and supporting our police department and fire department and our senior citizens. Improve the quality of life in Sumpter Township.”
Sheena Barnes
Sheena D. Barnes, 64, of 28321 Sumpter Rd., New Boston, is a Republican candidate for Sumpter Township Supervisor. Barnes, who was appointed trustee in 2018 and served a partial term, also has run for Sumpter Township trustee, clerk, and treasurer.
She is the mother of Julius, Sharnice, and Jamarnea and grandmother of six.
Barnes has been the owner of Sheena Barnes BBQ Bones for 37 years and has lived in the township her whole life. She graduated from Airport High School and attended WCCC.
She is a member of the Belleville Area Council for the Arts, Southwestern Democratic Club, and Belleville Lake Fest. She enjoys singing, dancing, and art.
Barnes said she is running for this office “to make a difference to the stagnated board of trustees and be the eyes and ears and voice of the people.”
She said her goals, once elected, are the youth, family development, applying for grants, and most of all, economic development.
“Cut out big spending,” she said.
Nelson Po
Nelson Po, 45025 Harris Rd., is running for supervisor on the Democratic ticket. Po, 75, has lived in the township for 18 years. He is retired and widowed.
He went to some medical school at the Cebu College of Medicine in the Philippines.
This is his second run for township supervisor, being a candidate for the first time in 2020. He said he is running for this office to make changes in Sumpter Township for the better.
His goal is: “I will do everything in my power to make a better life for the seniors. Without the seniors, there would be no Sumpter Township.”
Vincent Warren
Vincent Warren, who is a candidate for supervisor on the Republican ticket, submitted the following:
I would like to introduce myself as a resident and candidate running for supervisor. My aunt and uncle moved to Sumpter Township in the early ‘50s after migrating from the South to pursue higher education and viable employment opportunities. After their passing away my parents retired from Ford Motor “Dad” and “Mom” K-12 educator with the Detroit, Van Buren school systems and relocated to Sumpter Township. My parents have been residents of Sumpter Township for more than 25 years.
My lovely wife Cindy, of 36 years of marriage, eight children and five grandchildren have resided in Sumpter Township for 15 years and I am 54 years young.
My grandchildren attend and my children graduated from the Belleville K-12 school system. Vincent B. “married”, Lauren Stribling “married”, Alicia Lynn “married”, Miranda, Evan “married”, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Gisselle.
I have dedicated over 28 years of service to our nation’s service men and women. I have obtained my master’s degree of counseling with a bachelor’s of liberal arts. Cindy is completing her doctoral program to join me in advocating for families and our youth. I serve as Peer Advocate for our nations’ veterans at the Department of Veteran Affairs (Ann Arbor Michigan). I served our country during the Persian Gulf/Desert Storm Wars from 1988-1994 under the leadership of George H.W. Bush. I discharged honorably from the U.S. Navy with a goal to advocate for our nation’s veterans. I currently advocate for our nation’s veterans in eight counties in Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. I advocate regarding healthcare, affordable housing, employment, family counseling, finances and end-of-life support.
I was appointed by John Morgan, former township supervisor, to the Zoning Board of Appeals; appointed Sumpter Township treasurer unanimously by the Board of Trustees when the elected treasurer passed away. Appointed to the Planning Commission by Tim Bowman, the current township supervisor.
I was elected VFW Trustee in 2021-2022, 2022-present I serve as the quartermaster (Veteran of Foreign Wars of the U.S.) Post 4434, in concert with the Pack 793 Boy Scouts as the chartered organization representative.
Vice president of the Progressive League (Sumpter Township), Washtenaw County office of community and economic development resident facilitator, executive board member Guiding Harbor in Belleville founded by the “General Federation of Women’s Clubs” that provides childcaring and child placement services for abused and neglected children.
I have worked diligently to educate and obtain knowledge on how to effectively build communities, gleaning from rural communities in neighboring counties and cities that have successfully excelled in community building and specializing in building people that love where they live and the quality of life that their neighborhood provides.
I have also observed the residents of Sumpter vehemently express feeling of more “country living at its finest”. I strongly believe in leadership that has prepared themselves to produce a viable business district, viable community forums that support the needs of growing families and retiring seniors. Sumpter Township in my opinion is the” Rural Mecca of Western Wayne County” where the residents in the 2024 election will wisely elect leaders that are informed, intelligent, professional, and exhibit unquestionable character and integrity.
As your supervisor I will excel in excellence of service and implement a plan in collaboration with Federal, State, and County agencies to provide affordable Senior Housing in Sumpter Township. My motto: “Talk Is Cheap, Action Speaks”.
Warren lists as his action goals: housing rehabilitation, blight complaints, Board of Review, cable channel 12 info, citizen’s concerns, county information, drain complaints, economic development, grant writing, ordinance complaints, road complaints, senior snow removal program, street light outages, weatherization programs, and zoning information.
Clerk candidate: Donald LaPorte
Clerk candidate Donald LaPorte, who currently serves as a Democratic trustee, is running unopposed for clerk on the Republican ticket. The present clerk, Esther Hurst, did not file for reelection. LaPorte did not return his candidate form to the Independent for publication.
Treasurer candidate: Bart Patterson
Treasurer candidate Bart Patterson, an incumbent, is running unopposed for reelection on the Republican ticket. He did not return his candidate’s form to the Independent for publication.
Trustee candidates:
James M. Frazier
James M. Frazier, R., 44030 Harris Rd., is running for trustee. Frazier, 36, has been living in the township for nine years. He is the general manager of the Impound Division at Great Lakes Towing & Recover, as well as the owner/operator of Sharper Image Painting, Frazier Properties, and Rough Cuts Fine Construction.
He is a 2006 graduate of Walled Lake Western High School, 2016 graduate of Schoolcraft College Reserve Police Academy with honors for Top Shot and voted Class Leader. He is Wreckmaster Level 4/5 Certified in the towing industry.
This is his first bid for elective office.
He is the Senior Deacon of Belleville Masonic Lodge Myrtle 89, past member of Aerie 3996 in Van Buren Township, NRA member. Other than that, he enjoys spending time with his numerous nieces and nephews, and giving back to his community.
When asked why he is running for this office, he replies: “I believe our community needs a strong voice at the board table and I am ready to be that voice. With my background in successful business operations and experience in negotiating government contracts, I am confident that, if elected, we can work together to drive the change our community needs.
“My goal is to preserve our rural heritage while pioneering the township into the future through modern strategies, incorporating up-to-date technology and policies.
As to his goals if elected: “If elected, my goals are to be the voice of the people, connecting with our residents on a one-on-one basis to hear their concerns. I will ensure these concerns are conveyed at the board table, giving every citizen the opportunity to be heard.
“We must continue to be financially responsible while also being progressive in updating the township’s facilities and services. Additionally, I am committed to preserving our past while pioneering our future. This means honoring our township’s rich history while driving forward-thinking initiatives that prepare us for a brighter future, ensuring we respect our heritage while embracing innovative solutions for growth and development.
“Fiscal responsibility is paramount and I will work diligently to maintain low taxes, ensuring that our community remains affordable for all residents without compromising on the quality of services and infrastructure improvements.
“Your concerns are my priority, and I pledge to maintain open lines of communication, actively listening to your needs and ensuring that your voice influences our decisions. Together, we can build a community that reflects the values and aspirations of its residents.
John C. Honey
John C. Honey, R., 43900 Clay Rd., is running for trustee. Honey, 65, has lived in Sumpter for 56 years and is the owner/operator of Honey Pest Control.
He graduated high school and has some credits from Purdue and Texas A&M. This is his first run for elective office. He was appointed and served two terms on the Sumpter Township Planning Commission. He likes to fish and enjoys his family dogs.
He said he is running for office because he is getting closer to retiring and wanted to service his community in another way.
His goals once elected are to: “Keep my hometown a great place to live and raise a family. Keeping an honest eye on things.”
Peggy Morgan
Peggy A. Morgan, 65, of 300 Edgewood Dr. is running for reelection for a trustee seat on the Republican ticket. She was first elected in 2004 through 2017 then she was appointed treasurer in February 2017 and served in this position through November of 2018. In 2020 Through 2024 she has maintained her seat as a trustee.
“I attended board meetings nearly 10 years prior to running for office,” she said. She also served on the Board of Review, the Economic Development Committee, and volunteered for the Neighborhood Watch Program in the 1990s. She was board liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Fire Department and the Water Department.
She belongs to the Women of the Moose Lodge.
“I have lived in Sumpter for 39 years. I’m divorced, while still remaining friends with my ex-husband Bud. I have two loving sons Richard and David, along with five beautiful grandsons.
She said loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, camping and working in the yard. She likes Football and NASCAR.
Morgan said, “Priorities I will set for myself if elected are as follows: accountability, working endless hours to deliver results for the taxpayers. develop opportunities to our families.
Things that she would like to see happen with a new administration are: Hire youth for summer jobs, seek alternative revenue, offer town hall meetings, giving our residents the opportunity tell the board in what direction they would like to see their township moving forward. Mandatory cultural training and diversity classes for police and fire departments. Offer equal opportunity to minorities. Restructure Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws with families in mind.
“I will persistently work hard to maintain a balanced budget. I will push for hiring an accounting firm, auditing firm and attorney firm,” Morgan said.
“I work for you and I ask for the opportunity to build a brighter future for the Sumpter residents and their families. I am very passionate when it comes to Sumpter Township residents.”
Matthew Oddy
Matthew Oddy, 17638 Odyssey Dr., an incumbent who was elected on the Democratic ticket, is running on the Republican ticket for reelection as trustee. He has lived in the township for 44 years.
He and his wife Elizabeth have two children, Mikayla and Madilyne.
Oddy, age 56, lists his occupation as manager. He has a bachelor of business accounting degree in accounting and strategic management.
He was appointed township trustee in 2014 and then was elected to the seat in 2016 and 2020.
He has been a member of the Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation and enjoys golf, fishing, hunting, and scuba diving.
He said he is running for reelection because: “Living in Sumpter and the Belleville area most of my life has provided me a personal understanding of the type of community residents desire. I enjoy serving the citizens of Sumpter Township and doing my part to help to oversee and ensure that the township continues to operate on behalf of the residents efficiently and economically, while providing exceptional police, fire, water, and general services.
“My commitment to the community coupled with 30 years of management and 16 years of public service experience has prepared me help lead our township into the future.”
Once elected, “My goal is to represent the residents in the highest capacity, making decisions for our future that will improve our community and our standard of living.
“To reach that goal I am dedicated to maintaining financial stability, providing exceptional police and fire services, improving our parks and senior programs, and planning future growth that balances country living with community services to meet our changing culture and environment.”
Robert Lintner
Robert Lintner, Jr., 483 Wayside Dr., is running on the Republican ticket for election to a trustee position. He did not return his candidate form for publication.
Tim Rush
Incumbent Trustee Tim Rush, 48941 Martinsville Rd., New Boston, is running for reelection on the Republican ticket.
Rush is 67 years old and has been a resident of the township for 35 years.
He is a graduate of the National Institute of Technology, 1986, class valedictorian, associate’s degree. He is a licensed Federal Communications Commission engineer.
“My career for the last 32 years has been working as a corporate/private security consultant,” he said. “I have also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission and currently serve as deputy supervisor for Sumpter Township in addition to my trustee duties.”
Rush is an alternate member of Sumpter Township Parks & Recreation, a member of the American Radio Relay League since 1982, and represents Sumpter Township for the Conference of Western Wayne County.
When asked why is he running for reelection, he replied: “Pressure from citizens of the township to run again! I was elected again as trustee in 2018 and 2020. Sumpter Township needs qualified, professional, and experienced people in elected office to assure that the township is run like a business and has elected officials that understand the Constitution, state and federal, and abide by it!”
His goals once elected? “Keep moving the township forward! Sumpter Township currently enjoys a balanced budget. The board has been very fiscally responsible! As a trustee that is my responsibility to make sure that happens and represent the residents to the best of my abilities! NO ONE knows what the future may hold and we must be prepared!
“I can promote positive change in Sumpter Township by utilizing my problem-solving abilities that I have acquired through years of education, experience, and communication skills.
“I am totally committed to another term as trustee. I am honored to serve the community. For Sumpter Township to overcome any challenges in the future it should not be the elected officials that make critical decisions alone. The people of the community need to get involved. I can work with anyone’s ideas on the board or from the community as long as the ideas are backed up with sound foresight, logic, and planning for Sumpter Township’s future. We ALL have a vested interest in our wonderful township.”
Ovidiu Suciu
Ovidiu Suciu, 44349 Clay Rd., has filed as a Republican candidate for a trustee position. He did not return his candidate form for publication.
Tyler Thomas
Tyler Thomas, 21321 Karr Rd., has filed as a Republican candidate for a trustee position. He did not return his candidate form for publication.