The Dorr Township Board Thursday night interviewed four candidates for an open trustee position to fill the seat vacated by Chandler Stanton, who announced his resignation last month.
James Riemersma, Gordon Lieffers, Terri Rios and Jim Schaendorf were interviewed at the meeting. Schaendorf was interviewed over the phone because he was on vacation in Florida.
- Riemersma has lived in Dorr since 2007 and is a general contractor by trade. Given his background, Riemersma feels he can help the township better understand construction matters.
- Lieffers has lived in Dorr since 1996; he has taught at St. Stanislaus School, served on the Planning Commission, and currently sits on the Library Board.
- Rios served on the township board from 2016 to 2020, as well as on the Planning Commission.
- Schaendorf served on the Dorr Fire Department and worked in construction. He currently manages the books for his family’s dairy farm.
There was a notable argument between Schaendorf and former trustee Stanton at the last board meeting. After introducing himself, Schaendorf took a moment to apologize to the board for his conduct.
The following are the questions the board asked and the answers provided:
Why do you want to be on the board?
- Riemersma stated that he wants to contribute to the township and be proud of what he sees in town.
- Lieffers wants local businesses to thrive and aims to represent all residents.
- Rios was motivated to join the board by concerns regarding the health effects of data centers. “I want to make sure that our community stays safe.”
- Schaendorf shared similar concerns regarding the data centers. Attracting medical facilities and retirement homes was another reason why he chose to seek the trustee position.
How do you make decisions?
- Rios stated that her belief in God is the first thing she considers, followed by the law.
- Schaendorf said he bases his decisions on finding the facts and determining the truth behind a situation.
- By removing emotion from an issue, Riemersma’s decision-making process focuses on the best interests of the township and the safety of its residents.
- To cut through misinformation, Lieffers bases his decisions on facts and adherence to local ordinances.
Describe a challenging meeting or group discussion.
- Schaendorf described his experience organizing tractor pulls for fairs and festivals. When rain forced him to cancel shows, he often faced upset board members who would argue with or threaten him.
- Riemersma noted that in construction, customers often want work done quickly and cheaply. He explained that working with small groups helped him learn to balance speed with cost-effectiveness.
- Lieffers cited his time as a Homeowners Association president, specifically when coordinating a road paving project. He added that his experience working with students and administrators also provided valuable practice in handling challenging meetings.
- Rios explained that her experience as a nurse taught her that people simply want to be heard. She found that once she truly listened to a challenging patient, she was able to communicate effectively and even joke with them.
When something is presented to the board, who should have all the facts?
- Riemersma believes that while the presenter should have the facts, the trustee should also actively seek them out.
- Lieffers stated that it is the duty of board members to investigate every matter that comes before them.
- Rios and Schaendorf agreed that while the presenter should provide the facts, the board members are also responsible for verifying them.
How do you balance the rights of the property owners with the good of the community?
- Lieffers believes compromise is the key to balancing these rights, noting that owners and neighbors are “not going to get everything they want.”
- Rios stated she would follow existing laws and prioritize what is best for the community as a whole.
- Schaendorf shared an example of a neighbor who sold their property to a developer. Now he sees a subdivision behind him. The experience taught him to accept change, and follow the law.
- Riemersma expressed support for controlled development and following established rules. However, he predicted that whatever is decided regarding the data center is not going to make everyone happy.
What is the biggest challenge and opportunity?
- Rios believes the biggest challenge is ensuring everyone gets along, while the biggest opportunity is making Dorr a great place to live.
- Schaendorf simply stated that the future itself represents both the biggest challenge and the greatest opportunity for Dorr.
- Riemersma noted that compromise would be the biggest challenge, but growth would be the biggest opportunity.
- Lieffers identified maintaining Dorr’s rural feel as the biggest challenge. He sees controlled growth as the town’s biggest opportunity.
What do you do if something is proposed that most of the board likes, but you do not?
- Riemersma said that in such a situation, he would explain his case in a respectful manner.
- Lieffers claimed it is his duty to express his concerns; he noted he could vote “no” but should explain his reasoning.
- Rios pointed out that the board consists of seven different opinions. She believes the best way to state a disagreement is to speak calmly without attacking others.
- Schaendorf reserved the right to vote against a proposal and to state clearly why he was in opposition to it.
Conclusion
After hearing from the four candidates, Township Clerk Debbie Sewers said, “I think Dorr Township is very lucky.” Township Supervisor Jeff Miling agreed, noting that all four were excellent candidates.
The Township Board will appoint the new trustee at the next meeting April 23. However, Sewers reminded the candidates that this appointment would only last until November. To remain on the board beyond that, they must appear on the election ballot. Candidates have until 4:00 p.m. April 21 to file the necessary paperwork to be included on the ballot.
