Arianne Taylor is challenging incumbent Republican Jim Martin for the job as Dorr Township Treasurer and she insists she decided to run as an independent long ago.

Taylor is one of many “No Party Affiliation” candidates appearing this year on the Nov. 8 general election ballot, particularly in Dorr, Hopkins and Watson townships.

Martin started working as deputy treasurer for the township three years ago and was elevated to treasurer after Janice Saunders resigned in December 2013.

An accountant for more than 40 years, Martin has worked as an administrator for a Catholic cemetery and has served as a coach and statistician for Grand Rapids Catholic Central schools. Now retired, he has lived in Dorr Township since 1988.

Speaking about his experience in finance, he quipped, “It’s something I’ve been doing for too many years.”

Taylor was a court clerk for a brief spell at 62^nd District Court in Kent County before moving to Dorr with her husband and family. She also did audit work for Byron Center Manor, a nursing center.

Her reason for seeking the post, she said, “I’d like to see everything more accessible (to the public) and more transparency in government.”

Martin said “transparency” can be used as a buzzword for hamstringing government from performing its duties and bogging down the process.

“In a republic, we choose representatives to do the work,” he said. “I fear we’re getting away from this.”

Martin said he works all days the township hall is open and some nights as well. Taylor promised she would work as much and often as necessary to get the job done.

Neither of the candidates has any issues with the $26,800 annual salary, and Martin maintained that if the township wanted to privatize the position, it would be far more costly.

Both also said they do not believe Dorr Township is overtaxed. Both agreed the Township Board needs to work better together to get things done.

“I think we compare really well (in taxes) with others (area municipalities),” she said. “We’re lower than in Kent County.”

Martin said, “We’re in line with most other townships in Allegan County and we’re lower (in taxes) than Wayland and Allegan,” though Dorr’s population is slightly larger. “Our township books are in good shape.”

Taylor also commented, “I’d love to see better communications (between the township and its residents). I’d like to see more of the bidding process… I’m ready for a challenge and hard work.”

Martin said, “There are a lot of things that need to be done. We need to get back to better accounting standards.”

Both candidates asserted they know proper budgeting procedures and how to file government reports.

PHOTOS: Jim Martin   Arianne Taylor