Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 75 candidates running for elected positions in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area. In the days leading up to the Michigan Primary on August 4, Watershed will publish the questionnaires it received back to supplement our election preview. Christy Trammell, a Republican candidate for Lockport Township Clerk, filled out our questionnaire, these are her answers.
Name: Christy Trammell
Age: Left blank
Address: 19532 Crescent Beach Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093
Occupation: President & CEO of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce
Incumbent: No
Family: Married to my husband Bart for 27 years, 2 children – Maegan – 22 & Calvin – 20
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
Almost 14 years
Why are you seeking the position of Lockport Township Clerk?
I feel our township as a whole needs a change in leadership and to seek to be a more cooperative and collaborative governmental unit.
What is the role of a Lockport Township Clerk, and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
The role of the clerk has many duties including to: serve the constituents of the township, run the elections, take the minutes, post notices and minutes, communication, serving as a Board member and much more. I believe I am uniquely qualified as I have been in a role with my current job where I take the minutes, communicate, serve on many boards and have to be very detail oriented to keep the organization running smoothly. In addition, I work closely with others who are currently serving as clerks in our county and can reach out to them with questions.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
The poverty rate in our county as a whole is concerning. We have many initiatives that are in place to help educate the upcoming workforce on how to obtain the skill sets needed to obtain jobs that will allow them to succeed.
Why do you think people are poor?
They have not obtained the skill sets needed to obtain jobs that will allow them to make more than the minimum wage
What does the Lockport Township Clerk do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
Our current clerk has done a great job in her role. She in fact has reached out and offered to help train either myself or my opponent, which is commendable.
What could the Lockport Township Clerk do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
There has been a lot of new laws enacted that have an effect on this position and I anticipate that these laws and rules will continue to change, especially how the election process is handled. I plan to attend any trainings necessary to ensure I am able to comply with these new laws.
What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Left Blank
What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Left Blank
What is your position on police reform?
Left Blank
What is your take on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Left Blank
What is your take on the COVID-19 response in your district?
Left Blank
Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
Left Blank
What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
The unemployment numbers have actually been going down as employers are allowed to call employees back to work. Our manufacturers are actually reporting strong numbers if we can keep their doors open.
What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
For this role, it would be the ability to vote whether it be in person or via absentee and the knowledge on how to handle either and keeping them informed on what is happening at the Board meetings and making sure their voice is heard.
What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
Keeping the website updated and direct mail as many do not know to utilize the website.
With public revenues already significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the economy, how will you address cashflow problems for the public bodies in your district and under your watch?
We will look at the expenditures and make reductions necessary to still maintain the essential services needed but without unnecessary spending.
What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
In Lockport, we are blessed with an abundance of great property that makes for a pleasant place to live. We have many waterfront properties as well as water accessibility along with beautiful countryside and agriculture. I enjoy country living with the wildlife that we have.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I am willing to serve in our township and will do so responsibly and ethically. I will listen to our constituents and make the best decisions that will benefit out entire township and keep the integrity of our beautiful little community.
