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. Tim A. Carls, a Republican candidate for Florence Township Supervisor, filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers.
Name: Tim A. Carls
Age: 60
Address: 63044 Klinger Lake Rd., Centreville, MI 49032
Occupation: Farmer
Incumbent: No
Family: Single
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
My whole life.
Why are you seeking the position of Florence Township Supervisor?
Our current Supervisor has done an excellent job helping the community and I would like to continue.
What is the role of a Florence Township Supervisor and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
To help the community grow without problems, Florence is 90% agriculture, I farm so I know the challenges of agriculture.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
Yes
Why do you think people are poor?
They are paying too many taxes.
What does the Florence Township Supervisor Department do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
Left blank
What could the Florence Township Supervisor do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
Our present Supervisor has done an excellent job, I hope to do the same.
What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Everyone needs to be treated with respect.
What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Everyone needs to be treated equal.
What is your position on police reform?
Needs to happen.
What is your take on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
No opinion
What is your take on the COVID-19 response in your district?
No opinion
Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
No
What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
Make sure the people get the aid when they need it.
What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
Paying their taxes and bills.
What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
Be sure their property is assessed correctly.
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?
Right now I am not sure if there is financial problems in any branch of the government after reading the county audit.
What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
It is mostly agriculture.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I believe hard work is good for everyone’s health.
