DRYDEN TWP. — Two Republicans have filed to run for the township’s supervisor seat. Incumbent Tina Papineau is looking for another four-year term and her challenger is Justin Evans.
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Justin Evans is the owner of Dryden Towing and Dumpster Rental, and has lived in Dryden his entire life. Justin and his wife Chrissy have two children, Zach and Kendra, who both attend Dryden Community Schools.
“We are raising our children in the same community I grew up in. This makes watching them grow up even sweeter,” says Evans.
His family has been an active part of Dryden in a variety of ways.
“My grandfather, Ralph Chapman, made many contributions to the Dryden community: a local farmer, school bus mechanic, served in office in Dryden and was Dryden Township supervisor in the 1970s. My father, Ray Evans, has done countless things for the community and the people of Dryden. He was on the Dryden Fire Dept. for 37 years, and 27 of those years was chief.”
Evans hopes to help increase the Township’s online presence for residents, saying “I am looking forward to growing our website and communication through the IT world. It would make so
many lives easier to be able to access forms, events, billing and meeting information.”
“I have attended township and village meetings for many years. I am involved in the Chamber and I have been a DDA member since 2015,” he said.
Currently, Evans is Chairperson of the Downtown Development Authority board. Dryden Hometown Baseball has been able to rely on him as a donor and a coach. He’s also donated his time and money to help with the Dryden Boom Day event.
“I would be so honored to serve and better this small town that I have called home my entire life. Setting an example for my children and others will be an amazing step of this process if you choose to elect me. I look forward to the future,” Evans expressed.
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Tina Papineau has been a resident of Dryden for 30 years. She and her husband Terry have three children.
Papineau is eager to continue her work in Dryden Township, saying “It has been an honor to serve as Dryden Township Supervisor for 20 years. I would like to continue to serve the residents and keep Dryden a great and safe place to live. I want to keep the budget balanced and keep Dryden Township fiscally strong and on solid ground throughout the ups and downs of the economy.”
Community involvement, outside of her duties as Dryden Township Supervisor, is important to Papineau.
“I have been involved in implementing one of the only 24 hour recycling programs in Lapeer County. As a Lapeer County EMS board member I have helped locate an ambulance base in Dryden. I have helped develop and write grants for Dryden Memorial Park. I am an active member of the Dryden Historical Society, and have helped secure grants to renovate the Depot Museum. I have actively worked with the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail and helped raise funds to improve the trail,” said Papineau of her community involvement.
As Dryden Township continues to grow, Papineau hopes to maintain a safe and beautiful place to live, saying, “While Dryden has seen some growth in recent years, it’s incredibly important that we continue updating our planning and zoning to ensure we don’t lose our country atmosphere. Above and beyond all else, I want to ensure Dryden is an amazing place to raise children, have strong police and fire departments, beautiful parks and the Polly Ann Trail.”
