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. Roland Eby, a Republican candidate for Nottawa Township Supervisor, filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers.
Name: Roland Eby
Age: 59
Address: 22782 N. Angling Rd., Centreville MI 49032
Occupation: Registered Nurse/ Paramedic for 25+ years in ICU, ER and Clinic settings. Specialty Crop farmer, 20 years
Incumbent: No
Family (optional): Left blank
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
46 years
Why are you seeking the position of Nottawa Township Supervisor?
I see a need for a local representative to fill the role of supervisor that seeks out all township residents for equal representation from all walks of life. From rural farming families to lakeside retirees.
What is the role of a Nottawa Township Supervisor, and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
The Supervisor role is to be responsible for setting, enacting and enforcing policies, resolutions and levying taxes. Developing and setting budgets yearly. Moderator of township board’s monthly and annual meetings. As a Michigan farm Bureau member I have participated in policy development at the local level, I have suggested changes to farm bureau policy at the state level at the annual meeting. As a Farmer I have had to make a yearly budget goal with the crops I am planning to put out, and to be flexible with adverse weather, governmental policy changes and with the COVID 19 conditions this year, be ready to change direction at a moment’s notice. My Nursing role has also built on best practices through data analysis and working with a limited budget due to the high costs associated with Healthcare.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
Yes, its approximately 13.6%
Why do you think people are poor?
Multiple factors play into people struggling with financial difficulties, sometimes its educational needs not met, Resources that are nonexistent or severely limited. And In my opinion, lack of communication between people.
What does the Nottawa Township Supervisor do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
The current Supervisor has great delegating skills and I would only seek to fine tune this process with the other depts. that I would interact with.
What could the Nottawa Township Supervisor do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
There has been several lengthy meetings due to preparation issues were township trustees have been uninformed of the subject before them as there are no executive meetings prior to the monthly board, therefore much has to be explained before any discussion can take place, exposing gaps in the groups critical knowledge before a motion can be made.
What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
As a licensed Healthcare Professional that has taken an Oath at the end of my Nursing Program, I swore that all lives mattered, I would never withhold care to anyone, regardless of color of skin, sexual orientation, gender or creed. Time and current events hasn’t changed my mind of what I believe to be the right thing to do
What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
Lack of communication.
What is your position on police reform?
All polices need review, sometimes human events that result in injury or death need to be placed in the spotlight, and reforms made
What is your take on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
It’s been polarized and politicized instead of rational discussion and implementation of sound policy backed by good data
What is your take on the COVID-19 response in your district?
This area has a better response than others
Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
Testing and tracing has to be well communicated. There will be people that will refuse and that is a right and a privilege of being an American citizen
What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
My office will have very little effect on this area
What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
Keeping a roof over their heads, food for their families, hope for the future
What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
Keeping a township that has a balanced budget, responsive to the needs of infrastructures of the township, and keep lines of communication open
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?
I would review all contracts with vendors for possible savings. Review line by line the budgets for waste or inefficiencies. Open dialogue with the local agencies such as the fire dept. and EMS for the needs of the township residents that are currently the highest outlays for Nottawa and explore cost savings as much as possible
What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
Its rural setting
What else would you like us to know about you?
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