ATTICA TWP. — Voters will choose two candidates to serve as trustees from a field of five hopefuls in next week’s primary election.
The field includes incumbent Richard Lacey, current clerk Nancy Herpolsheimer and newcomers Diane Malczewski, Mark Ochadleus and William J. Winslow.
With the recent passing of former trustee Phil Madeline, the board appointed Dale Zehr to fill the vacancy but Zehr’s name will not appear on the ballot.
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Nancy Herpolsheimer has served as Attica’s clerk since 1992 and was deputy clerk for four years prior.
“I am retiring as clerk but I would like to continue to serve Attica as trustee and help our community to grow and prosper,” she said.
“I feel that these many years of experience do qualify me for the position of Attica Township trustee.”
As a trustee, Herpolsheimer said she would advocate to add more play equipment to the park that’s suited for younger children; see additional cemetery space developed and support needed repairs and expansion to the township hall.
“I feel that the park, cemeteries and hall are all things that serve our community and all of its generations,” she said.
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Richard Lacey has served on the board for 28 years. He desires to continue serving because there’s more he’d like to accomplish as a board member.
“I think things are progressing well and we’ve done a lot for the township. We try to keep our people informed about what we’re doing,” he said.
If elected to another term, Lacey said he would advocate for continued improvements at the park; road work and support for police and fire protection.
“A lot of roads are being improved and we need to keep them safe for everybody,” he said.
Lacey believes the township’s fire department and contracted deputy service through the sheriff’s department provide excellent service and he wants to see that continue.
Lacey served 15 years on the Attica Township Fire Department, volunteers with the Attica food bank and regularly attends township-related conferences and events to stay abreast of important issues.
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Diane Malczewski says she filed to put her name on the ballot because she loves Attica and has the time to devote to the position.
“I’ve met many fine, dependable and hardworking people in my town and feel I can use the knowledge I’ve gained to do a good job,” she said.
If elected, Malczewski said issues she would like to advance include community awareness, growth and opportunity and recreational enhancement.
She believes her work and volunteer experiences have given her the right qualifications for the trustee job. Malczewski was employed with Imlay City Chamber of Commerce; Chevrolet Engineering in data processing and as latchkey supervisor for Imlay City Schools where she also gained experience in grant writing. Malczewski’s also served as co-chair of the Attica Days Festival and volunteers at the Attica Museum.
“You can’t cop an attitude, you must listen, try to understand and work for the best outcome you can envision. That’s what I want for the town I love,” she said.
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Dr. Mark Ochadleus is a lifelong resident of the township and he feels that gives him a “unique insight into the residents of Attica Township.”
He currently serves on the Attica Township Planning Commission and has had past membership in community and business organizations. He operates Lapeer Chiropractic Centre.
“The above-mentioned experience in business and community will enable me to serve the township as a qualified and caring trustee that will represent Attica Township and its citizens,” he added.
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William J. Winslow said he’s seeking a seat on the board because he likes being involved in the community and believes he’s capable of doing a good job.
If elected, Winslow said he would place an emphasis on the full board making decisions; saying, “This is not a one man township.”
He would also like to take steps to expand the cemetery and advocate for the creation of a soccer field and public restrooms at the park.
“I’ve served on the planning commission and zoning board of appeals; was the township’s blight officer and retired as cemetery sexton after 20 years,” Winslow said.
“Currently I serve as president of the Imlay City Lions Club, am an officer with the Imlay City Eagles and have volunteered with the Attica Food Bank for the last 13 years.”
