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. Kathy Pangle, a Republican candidate for 2nd District St. Joseph County Commissioner, filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers.
Name: Kathy Pangle
Age: 66
Address: 258 S Nottawa St., Mendon, MI 49072
Occupation: Retired from Sheriff’s Department
Incumbent: Yes
Family: I have three children, one is an officer, one is a tool/die machinist, and my daughter is a human resource manager for Parker Hannifin in Illinois. I am a grandmother to 4 children. I myself am widowed.
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
50 yrs
Why are you seeking the position of 2nd District County Commissioner?
I have truly enjoyed my last 4 yrs. as a commissioner. I want to continue to serve my constituents and help provide their needs as well as all the community of St. Joseph County.
What is the role of a 2nd District County Commissioner, and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
The role of a county commissioner is to help with the approval of the county budget and appropriate spending of those funds to county business and activities and programs for the citizens of our county. Defending actions for or against the county. To carry out policy directions, manage property and supervise departments under the board. Priority is setting goals within a timeline and to use tax dollars efficiently. I have previously served 14 yrs on the Mendon Village Council and now 4 yrs as a county commissioner. I feel qualified as I have talked and listened to many in the county with their wants and needs, I have attended as many township and village meetings to keep informed in my district. I currently serve on ten committees and am active in all of them. I return all communication and phone calls as soon as possible to keep an open door and try to provide answers the best I can. If I do not know an answer i will ask the appropriate people till I find out. I gather as much data and good information as possible before I make a decision. I think it’s important to work as a team and I see that on this board now at this time.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
Yes I am. I am active in community action, the walk for warmth, the food cupboard, helping distribute food at times, project connect, the health board, community health department, so am fully aware of the poverty in our county.
Why do you think people are poor?
The lack of higher wages and healthcare not being provided by some businesses, the high cost of prescriptions and healthcare. Extended education is not affordable by many, and higher taxes, utilities, etc.
What does the 2nd District County Commissioner do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
I highly feel this board listens to their constituents, is respectful of everyone’s opinions, is open to new ideas and input and watches over this budget as closely as they possibly can, and always keep our county taxpayers at the top of our priorities when spending.
What could the 2nd District County Commissioner do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
FIX THE DAMN ROADS!!
What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
I will answer this and the next question few questions in this comment. The responses by police need to be human responses and not racial responses. I don’t condone the violence or property destruction at all, but i do hear and understand their voice.
I’m not in favor of defunding the police but I am in favor at taking a good look at the amount of monies that go to police departments and see if these funds could be redistributed in other resources and needs within the department.
What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Again, black, white, blue, red or green, in my book everyone’s life matters in the whole world.
What is your position on police reform?
More training in community areas before being thrown into a large area. Treating people the way you would want your loved ones or family treated.
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?
I am very pleased with our emergency management director and with our local health department and staff, they have worked endless hours around the clock and have tried their best to tell people this is serious and to please take precautions. I feel they have done a great job in keeping us informed as best they can. They have been swamped. United Way and all the people that helped with food drives I can’t say enough about. We have a wonderful county and many many caring volunteers who put their selves out there to do what they can.
Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
I think it’s important to know our numbers, but not necessarily the where abouts because you don’t know if it’s in Sturgis, Three Rivers etc. Where these people have been and some of them don’t even recall, so it can send a message of false security, we need to all be cautious and use proper protection for the time being.
What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
I don’t think Michigan can survive another shut down, especially businesses.
What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
Having a good paying job to support a family or even themself and healthcare challenges.
What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
Continue to work to help bring employment along with housing needs to our county.
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?
Will look at priorities and needs above wants.
What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
The coming together when someone or a community needs support or help. The many people that will volunteer their time and monies to help important causes and families in need. The respect I receive in being their county commissioner and their complete understanding of decisions being made when they ask. I have the largest district and the most awesome people in it.
What else would you like us to know about you?
That I am hard-working, I treat people how I would want to be treated, I am a taxpayer and widow so I understand the many frustrations of the public. I am a grandmother with the same thoughts of what a world our grandchildren are growing up in. I have faith, am a Christian and sometimes we have to just put everything in God’s hands and know he will handle it and do the right thing and guide us the right way. Again, I would love the opportunity to continue working for you and I thank you for the past four years and all your support.
