Race for new Dexter Township supervisor pits current trustee against longtime resident

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A current board member and a longtime resident are facing off in the race for Dexter Township supervisor.

Lonnie Scott is a Democratic member of the town Board of Trustees and former executive director of the progressive nonprofit Progress Michigan. He is challenging Martin Ruhlig III, a Republican resident for 56 years and current member of the town’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Board.

Both ran unopposed in the Aug. 6 primary.

Former executive Diane Ratkovich announced her resignation last May. due to insufficient salaryTrustee Karen Sikkenga was appointed to complete her term, but will run for trustee instead of seeking the superintendent seat.

The auditor serves a four-year term with the responsibilities of setting the agenda for town board meetings, developing the town budget, and appointing members of town committees and commissions (with the approval of the board).

Dexter Township is located northwest of Dexter and 18 miles northwest of Ann Arbor.

MLive/The Ann Arbor News, in partnership with the nonpartisan Michigan League of Women Voters Education Fund Vote411.org voter guide.

Ruhlig and Scott responded to the voter guide questionnaire, discussing their backgrounds, why they are running and their stances on various issues.

Note: All responses in the voter guide are submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary deductions for responses exceeding the character limits. Spelling and grammar have not been corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the public interest and should not be construed as an endorsement. The League does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party at any time.

What makes you the best candidate for this position in terms of your education and experience?

Soul: Having grown up in Dexter Township and spent most of my life here, I have watched the town transform from a quiet farming community to one that has tried to maintain a quiet rural atmosphere as housing developments have grown. I have worked on farms and owned agricultural businesses my entire life. I know how to bring a group of people together, solve problems, and get the job done.

Scott: I am the only candidate in this race with experience on the Dexter Township Board and previously chaired local government meetings when I served as chair of the Ypsilanti Township Park Commission. I was born and raised in Washtenaw County and my wife Heather and I are excited to raise our family in Dexter Township.

As a member of the Dexter Township Board of Trustees, I am proud of the things my colleagues and I have accomplished. They are too numerous to list here, but include improving local roads, preserving farmland and open space, and increasing transparency and communication.

From 2013 to 2023, I led Progress Michigan, one of the state’s largest progressive nonprofits, fighting for better government transparency, paid sick leave, a higher minimum wage, and strong public schools. My work in the Michigan legislature with Alma Wheeler Smith and Jeff Irwin gave me valuable experience with public budgeting and the importance of listening to our community.

If elected, what will be your goals and how will you work to achieve them with limited resources?

Soul: My goal is to listen to people, learn about their concerns about the area, and try to create a town where people can live their lives in peace and tranquility.

Scott: Preserving Dexter Township’s agricultural heritage and rural character is at the core of my platform. By focusing on rural character, conservation values ​​and recreational opportunities, we can preserve our unique identity. With half of the Township’s land area consisting of open space, preserving these areas is vital to residents who embrace a rural lifestyle.

Public safety is another priority. I have advocated for the passage of public safety levies for Fire and Police services without increasing taxes, ensuring efficient resource allocation for essential services. I have consistently supported the Dexter County Fire Department in implementing comprehensive safety plans tailored to the needs of our community.

We have accomplished incredible things in a fiscally responsible manner, providing additional services and benefits to residents at no additional cost. By evaluating existing resources and seeking innovative solutions, we will continue to improve the quality of life for everyone in Dexter Township.

What are the most serious issues facing the district and how will you work to solve them?

Soul: Fiscal responsibility, road maintenance, and maintaining our peaceful lifestyle. We spend people’s tax dollars. We must make wise decisions to get the most value and benefit from our spending.

Scott: Like most small rural communities, our biggest challenge is making smart development decisions. The overwhelming support for the Farmland and Open Space Preservation levy shows that our residents value the rural charm of Dexter Township. I share that vision and will work closely with other board members to preserve our rural character while balancing the need for growth. We also face a unique challenge around cellular reliability and I am working diligently with service providers to achieve better coverage for our residents. Smart development practices, updated zoning policies, and better access to cellular and broadband coverage are essential to our community’s growth. Our current board is working diligently on these initiatives and ensuring that Dexter Township continues to be a destination for those seeking a rural lifestyle.

What are the town’s greatest assets and how can they help the community thrive?

Soul: We have state parks, metro parks, county parks, lakes, rivers and streams. We have quiet places where people can come and play, relax and enjoy nature. We are a great place to live and enjoy the company of family and loved ones. We will grow, but at a rate that people will approve of.

Scott: Our community is blessed with incredible natural resources and beauty. Our trails, lakes, and other recreational areas are among our greatest assets. Protecting these natural resources is essential to preserving the way of life that our residents cherish. Our residents are another invaluable asset to our community. The sense of belonging and community in Dexter Township is unique and hard to describe. I have been proud to work with people of all political backgrounds on various Dexter Township committees, clean-up days, and numerous other projects. In addition to our natural beauty and rural charm, what truly makes Dexter Township special is our people.