Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 30 candidates in contested local, state, and national races in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area for the November 3 General Election. In the days leading up to Election Day, Watershed will publish the answers it has received. Christy Trammell, a Republican candidate for Lockport Township Clerk, filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers.
Name: Christine Trammell
Age: 47
Address: 19532 Crescent Beach Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093
Party affiliation: Republican
Are you an incumbent? No
Family (optional): Married for 27 years with 2 adult children
Background/Bio:
I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University in Management and Organizational Development. I am on my 12th year as the President & CEO of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, prior to this position, I worked for a marketing company and managed a tri-state area and also worked for the Three Rivers Commercial News.
Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?
I served on the Board at the Three Rivers Community Schools for 5 years. On the School Board, we were able to trim spending, following the recession, increase the opportunities for students at all levels and increase online learning and dual enrollment opportunities. I serve on the Three Rivers Community Foundation Board and on the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals Board of Directors, also for the Industrial Development Authority and Hope United Board
In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area you are seeking to represent and its constituents, and why?
Keeping up with the new election laws as they are changing at a rapid pace, increasing the collaboration from our Board and with other local Boards, being fiscally responsible.
What measures will you pursue to address those issues?
I will attend in person (when allowed) and online trainings to learn the new laws and regulations related to elections, reach out to other municipalities to collaborate and review spending.
What are the three most important national issues in your opinion? What is your position on those issues?
This is a Township position I am seeking which will not have an impact on the national level.
Do you agree that the American electorate is divided right now? If your answer is yes, what measures do you think elected officials can take to bring Americans together?
We are certainly a divided country. As citizens, we need to practice respect and civility for everyone, especially when there is a difference of opinion. We can agree to disagree but not to be disagreeable.
How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent?
I have lived in Lockport Township for 14 years.
Why did you choose to run for the position that you did?
The current clerk is retiring, and I saw a need.
In your view, what role should the person in the office you are seeking serve?
All elected officials are public servants. They are to serve those who elected them, whatever position that may be.
Over the past several months, pandemic has required virtual meetings for many public bodies. Some are returning to in-person meetings, while others are not. Where do you stand on this both with respect to safety and to public access?
I will uphold the law. There is some concern about the Open Meetings Act being followed via Zoom meetings, so I will follow the recommendation of the attorneys and maintain a safe and transparent environment whether it is in person or virtually.
What other comments do you have regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
I am grateful that it is not as bad as they thought it would initially be when they were first thinking millions would die. I am ready for us to open back up so those whose livelihoods are impacted by the continued closures can get back to business.
Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?
If elected I will serve our township and its residents to the best of my ability.