Editor’s Note: This is an important election in Cambridge Township, as the board is getting a makeover this year. Six individuals are battling it out for two trustee seats. For clerk, Annette Roesch is the lone candidate to replace long-time clerk Rick Richardson. The board is also losing long-time treasurer Laurie Johncox, and current township trustee Tom Kissel and Onsted village treasurer Shawna Rohrbach are hoping to win the Republican nod for the job. There are no Democrats seeking office in the township. We published information on the treasurer’s race in a previous edition, and it can be seen on IrishHillsLive.com. Following is information provided by four of the six trustee candidates. We could not reach Brandon Stewart or Jamie Aebersold to provide information for this article.
Otis Garrison
Your hometown: Onsted
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office? My qualifications started long before I had ever considered running for office eight years ago. Growing up on a small farm just outside Onsted with a father who served several terms asCambridge township supervisor I had years of experience shadowing, listening, and learning.
As the incumbent, I will use my foundation and continue to grow with the needs of the township.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government? I have a vested interest in Cambridge township and enjoy working with people. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them? Community participation.
As Cambridge township continues to grow and evolve, it’s important for the citizens to take an active roll in expressing their wants, needs and concerns. I will continue to hold the best interest of the township in mind when making decisions.
Norm Gentner
Your hometown: Lifelong resident of Cambridge Township and the Irish Hills. Graduate of Onsted High School.
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office
Business owner for 50 years. Member of the Irish Hills Fire Department for years, served the last 20 years as assistant chief, deputy chief and chief. Currently serving on the finance committee for St. Joseph Shrine.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I have been attending township board meetings and zoning meetings for the last two years. I feel with my business, volunteer, and leadership experience I can serve and help the community by becoming an active member of the Board.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
Despite our current pandemic which will create issues with the funding we receive from the state, many of our key challenges remain the same: providing funding and support for our fire and police departments, maintaining essential services, protecting our beautiful natural resources, and supporting our local businesses.
Tell us about your family.
Married to wife Betty 38 years, deceased; three children, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
Spending time with my kids and grandkids and travel
Brian Giroux
Your hometown: Onsted
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office? As a Business Development Manager, I am responsible for meeting the needs of diverse groups of people based on their individual needs. This type of experience in managing dynamic groups of builders has helped me develop my management skills and will help me identify the needs of our community.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am running for Township Trustee because I want to become more involved in the Onsted community and bring a higher level of accountability for the board and greater transparency to the taxpayers. I believe I have the compassion required to serve in this position as well as the capacity to listen to the needs of the people. Having grown up in Onsted, serving this community is very important to me. I want to be a voice for the people. Becoming a Cambridge Township Trustee in addition to performing my duties with Cambridge Fire Department are two ways that I can show a strong level of dedication to my hometown.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
The largest area of concern is budget management. I believe there are some more efficient ways that taxpayer dollars are spent and I am willing to roll up my sleeves, have the hard conversations and challenge the current spending habits in order to save money for the taxpayers.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Billie and I have been married for 14 years and live on Marr Lake. She became a teacher at Onsted Elementary last fall. We are very proud of our son Brody, who will be a Junior this year at Onsted. He plays football, basketball and baseball. We also have an 8-year-old lab named Fielder.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
I truly enjoy watching our son play sports above anything else. I also enjoy watching NASCAR, football and baseball. My family and I love to be outside as much as possible. We like to take trips around the lake on our pontoon or jet ski. I like to fishing and garden as well.
John “Scott” Schultz
Your hometown: Onsted
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office?
I have worked for a large research and development company for 39 years and operate a farm that consists of 650 acres of corn and soybean. Both of these careers require attention to detail, as well as being willing to try new ways of doing things. This keeps a person open to change as well as focused on financial aspects.
Explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset to your local unit of government?
I am up front about the fact that I am a Christian conservative person and I feel that ground based views are missing in many parts of our world today. The only way to make change is by being involved.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?
We all should understand that without the local farmers and the products we produce the world CANNOT survive. I feel it is important to have this point of view represented.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my best friend for 37 years and we have a daughter and a grandson.
What are your hobbies and/or interests in your spare time?
Farming
