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. Tennille Flowers, a Republican candidate for Nottawa Township Treasurer, filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers.
Name: Tennille Flowers
Age: 41
Address: P.O. Box 526 Centreville, Michigan 49032
Occupation: Small online business owner
Incumbent: No
Family: Husband, Heith Flowers, and four children ages 10, 8, and 4-year-old twins.
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
I have lived in St. Joe county most of my life. I grew up in the Centreville area and attended Centreville schools through the 9th grade. I have lived in Nottawa Township for the past three years residing in my grandparent’s historical home within the village of Centreville.
Why are you seeking the position of Treasurer?
I have always had an interest in numbers, my husband and I own a small online business. I am a people person, and enjoy helping others. My Grandmother Marie Ross held this position for 24 years, and I wish to continue her legacy in helping and serving the people of Nottawa Township.
What is the role of a Treasurer, and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
All townships treasurers in the state of Michigan have statutory duties to:
- Appoint a deputy
- Must post a surety bond
- Are responsible to collect real and personal property taxes which is done twice a year in
- summer and winter.
- Collect delinquent personal property tax
- Treasure is responsible for jeopardy assessments in collecting property tax.
- Keep an account of township receipts both revenues and expenditures.
- Deposit township revenues in approved depositories (banks).
- Invest township funds in approved township investments.
I have been a homeowner in various locations over the past 20 years. I have paid
property taxes and understand the division of monies with part going to the county and
part supporting the school districts within Nottawa Township. I wish to do my part in
providing good and accountable local government.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
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Why do you think people are poor?
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What does the Treasurer do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
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What could the Treasurer do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
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What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
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What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
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What is your position on police reform?
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What is your take on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
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What is your take on the COVID-19 response in your district?
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Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
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What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
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What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
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What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
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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?
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What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
Having lived in much larger cities, I feel the friendliness of the people and the willingness to help our neighbors in times of need is unique to small hometown communities.
What else would you like us to know about you?
Adding to our deep roots within the Centreville community my husband grew up in Centreville and has lived and worked in St. Joe county all of his life. We feel Nottawa Township provides a wonderful community to raise our children.
I have an Associates degree from Glen Oaks Community College. I am the Representative for Centerville school district serving on the Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) for special needs children. I am an Orton-Gillingham tutor which provides specific instruction for dyslexic and other struggling readers.
I am most proud of being a wife for the past 12 years, and a mother. Helping begins at home.
Thank you for your consideration to be your Nottawa Township Treasurer.
