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Eight candidates incumbents Bob Doroshewitz and Chuck Curmi;and newcomers Audrey Monaghan, Nabeleh Ghareeb, John Stewart, Christal Corliss, Marisa Downs and Joseph LeBlanc arevying for four (four-year term) positions on the Plymouth Township board of trustees in the Nov. 3 general election.

Doroshewitz, a 58-year-old Republican, is an information technologyexecutive and attorney. He has earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University and a juris doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Curmi, a 65-year-old Republican, is an automotive engineering program manager. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master's degree from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Ghareeb, a 65-year-old Democrat, is a business consultant and project manager for a non-profit organization. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Wayne State University and a master's degree in education leadership from the University of Toledo.

Stewart, a 71-year-old Republican, has been a self-employed attorney for 36 years. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master's degree in public administration from Wayne State University, and a juris doctorate from Michigan State University.

Corliss, a 62-year-old Democrat, is an owner/artist at Grafham Studio Creations. She has earned degrees in office management and computer sciences, and is a certified professional information technology project manager.

Downs, a 44-year-old Democrat, is a teacher with a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Michigan University and an associate's degree from Schoolcraft College. She is a graduate of the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.

LeBlanc, a 57-year-old member of the Libertarian Party, is a local business owner with IBM technical certifications.

Following are the candidates' responses to a questionnaire distributed by Hometown Life:

Corliss(Photo: Submitted)

Corliss:I am running to be a representative of the diversity of citizens who live here. A resident of this community for the past 25 years, I want to seeall of our citizens receive equal quality support for their needs and to assure our beautiful green Township remains an example of safe, healthy, and green places to live. As a business owner within our community, I feel a kinship with small, minority, and women-owned businesses and want to work with you to see that everyones concerns are heard.

Curmi:To improve life in Plymouth Township by continuing my strong record as a leader driving efficient and transparent government with integrity and knowledge. I love Plymouth, my birth place, and I want to ensure it continues to be the wonderful place it has always been.

Doroshewitz:I am asking you for another term, as I would like to continue to work to better this awesome community. I love public service and hope you have been happy with my work, through the good times and the bad. I have been called a voice of reason and fiercely independent. I bring balance as I do not vote with a block, but I listen to all sides before I decide how I will vote.

Downs(Photo: Submitted)

Downs:Im running because I love this community I have lived in nearly my entire life. I know a strong and connected community benefits every resident, but this is especially true for the young and the old, and they are the most vulnerable. I care about them. Growing up here and working all over town, Ive met so many wonderful people, each who have touched my life and taught me something. I want to give back.

Ghareeb:I am running for Plymouth Township Trustee because I believe that any governing body of a Township needs to represent the community it serves. Our community is remarkably diverse, and it is important that the Board of Trustees closely reflects that diversity of experience, perspective and thoughts. In addition to my consulting business, I have held several leadership roles in the public and non-profit sectors with accomplishments in many aspects of business.

LeBlanc:Voters deserve a choice that is not part of the two party system. The Libertarian platform is in a nutshell, be kind to your neighbor, don't hurt him/her, and the same back to you. Don't spend money you don't have. Taxpayers are not an endless source of more money. Cast a vote for the Independent, Libertarian. Filling the board with all R's and D's is not the best path.

Monaghan(Photo: Submitted)

Monaghan:My entire life has been devoted to service and come from a family with strong political beliefs. This election cycle provides a unique opportunity for greater diversity on the board. I am committed to bringing a voice for transparency, growth and fiscal responsibility.

Stewart:I am running for Plymouth Township Trustee to be a liason for Services to our Community: Police, Fire, and Trash. I want to enhance the quality of life, and, our property values for all residents.

Stewart(Photo: Submitted)

Stewart:I am the best candidate for Trustee because of my experience working as a former Trustee and a State Legislator for 3 terms. I am deeply involved in many areas of our community.

Monaghan:Looking at the credentialsof each of this year's candidates, each brings a unique and diverse set of skills. I will be happy to serve with any one of them. My experience in the fields of law, medicine, private business, andcorporate governance are skills that I expect will make me an excellent addition to the board. My independent nature coupled with a natural curiosity makes me well suited for this position.

LeBlanc:I have been self employed since 1987, I employ local people at my companies. I know how to balance a set of books and meet payroll on time. I have almost 10 years experience as Sec/Treasurer of a 501c3 educational non-profit. I will bring a Christian perspective to the job.

Ghareeb:An executive professional with diverse skills in the areas of operation management and assessment, project management, strategic planning, procurement and contract administration, professional development and real estate transaction. Prior to starting her own business, Nabeleh served in various leadership roles in non-profit organizations and Higher education institutions, most recent roles as Chief Strategy and Administrative Officer at the Children Center of Wayne County, and Associate Vice president of Business and Auxiliary Operation at WSU.

Downs:Ill bring a new perspective to the board. Im a woman, a wife, a mother, and a teacher. I care about others and will work to improve the quality of life for the folks that live and work in the township. Ill respect our citizens by being transparent, fiscally sound, and by making township information more accessible. Ill work to protect and improve our green spaces with the goal to increase opportunities for recreation.

Doroshewitz:Trustee since 2004; Zoning Board of Appeals, 2004-16; Planning Commission, 2016-Present; PARC, VP and General Counsel, 2014-2016; PTO Treasurer; HOA board; and Chair, July 4th picnic, 2009-2012. I am fiscally conservative and socially moderate. Reasonable people can disagree and we should be kind to each other when we do.

Curmi(Photo: Submitted)

Curmi:I have the temperament, engineering problem solving skills and financial acumen to drive good policy and cost efficient solutions. I foster open discussion and listen to the ideas and concerns of all residents, employees and stakeholders.

Corliss:There are those in our community who have slipped between the cracks. I believe they deserve support on issues such as hunger, health, and shelter for those living in hidden poverty right in our community. Along with 25+ years of Project Management, and being the sole creator of a small art business, I have been a member of several non-profit organizations.

Corliss:There are so many residents who are out of work or struggling to support their families with multiple jobs that provide little to no health care coverage or personal protection. Yet the Township chose to remove all data related to the Coronavirus from their website. An informed public is a safe public.

Curmi:Maintaining services and paying down legacy costs within the current tax rate. I closely monitor spending and control the size and scope of government. To lower costs and improve services, I will work to expand cooperative relationships/agreements with neighboring communities and the private sector. To achieve job growth and increase revenue, we are aggressively seeking new economic development.

Doroshewitz(Photo: Submitted)

Doroshewitz:The Salem Township water issue has reared its head again and we need to vigorously push back. Second, we need to continue to fund reduction of the long term legacy costs. We have done a great job thus far, but our work is not done. Third, we need to ensure we have a solid strategy for development of the Five Mile road corridor as we only have one chance to get it right.

Downs:The covid-19 pandemic has been a big challenge for every community and ours is no exception. We need leadership that decisively acts and informs its citizens with facts. Businesses and residents have new and different demands and needs, on top of the normal concerns. The township needs to be innovative and resourceful to be supportive. We cant predict the next crisis, but we need to be as educated, flexible, and as prepared as possible.

Ghareeb:Our community is experiencing incredible growth, making it necessary to create a facilities and services master plan to improve Township offices' efficiency and processes, and to assure financial stability. My experience in all these areas of management will have a major impact on our Township. I bring proven leadership that will be good for Plymouth Township.

LeBlanc(Photo: Submitted)

LeBlanc:After Covid, there is going to be a strong push by all local & state levels of government to raise taxes. If you elect only Rs and Ds, I'll pretty much bet, your tax burden is going up. If you believe that the government can solve every problem, I'm not your candidate. But if you know that less government is better, thenvote for the Independent, Libertarian.

Monaghan:I have stated on multiple occasions, we must live within our means. To suggest cuts to services at this point is premature absent an appropriate budget review and income projections. This recent global crisis has not left our Township immune from its crippling effects. The loss of revenue has been felt not only to our government body but also to our residents. We must be prepared to adjust as much as we would in our homes. Above all, as with any elected body, the welfare and protection of its citizenry is paramount bringing growth both in business and residents.

Stewart:Continue to support our excellent Police and Fire Services, as well as Trash Pickup. Work with Wayne County to prioritize roads in Plymouth Township. Bottom line is we must have fiscal responsibility in light of possible cuts to revenue - sharing.

Stewart:Implement continued training, of all police officers to deal with the most contentious individuals. Require regular checkups for all police officers regarding: mental & emotional health, and physical fitness. Work collaboratively with Police Unions to implement Continuing Education and Training Programs. These policies will enhance policing and police accountability.

Monaghan:All politics are local. Plymouth Township, due in large part to its current administration, has set an outstanding example of leadership as it relates to this subject. I am a strong supporter of our first responders and will always advocate for transparency with our public safety units.

LeBlanc:It is easy to break a law or rule you didn't even know existed. We have too many laws and regulations. If you decrease the amount of times where you interact with law enforcement, you will decrease the incidence of negative encounters. Police are needed, even in a civilized society, so I would not defund the police. But, if there is no victim, then it really should not be a crime.

Ghareeb:This is a very important issue facing our country, it derives from lack of understanding differences. When people begin to respect differences and stop stereotyping people and linking differences with negative stereotypes, we can begin to embrace, understand and respect cultural and ethnic diversity. The only way to overcome this is to introduce and enhance diversity and culture training.

Downs:I believe this is an important issue here and across America. Im a big proponent of quality information and education. Police sacrifice so much in their work, they deserve respect and the investment to be highly trained. I also believe we rely too heavily on police. We need to cultivate and strengthen other societal safety nets and resources that help with crime prevention, response, and rehabilitation. We need unity and positive leaders.

Doroshewitz:Our country is deeply divided and it is painful to see. I cant personally relate to some of the experiences others have had throughout their lives so I try to be sensitive and empathetic. We need to stop shouting at each other and just listen.

Curmi:Preventing all forms of police discrimination is very important in Michigan. Improve the hiring selection process to screen out racial bias in new officers. Increase ongoing bias/tactics training and improve officer accountability by modifying discipline language in future police labor contracts. Plymouth Township is using a community policing model and the department is not militarized in equipment or tactics.

Corliss:I have the highest respect for the officers in our township. I believe they need the best training and support that is possible when handling emotional and domestic-related issues.A careful revision of training across both the leadership and all first responders is desperately needed. The addition of special services personnel to help oversee hiring and firing practices should be a top priority.

Corliss:The women who are running for positions on the Plymouth Township Board this election have put together a list of issues we feel are of critical importance for the new board to address. They are:Supporting Diversity of Experience and Perspective; Prioritizing Public Health and Safety; Improving Recreation Opportunities for Families and Seniors; Respecting our Community through Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency; Balancing Development and Preservation; and Leading with Business and Community-Minded Solution.

Curmi:Keep Plymouth Township great by re-electing Charles Chuck Curmi Plymouth Township Trustee on November 3. Keep our local government in the hands of a leader with integrity and knowledge no special interests, no hidden agendas driving simple, transparent government that efficiently serves the needs of our citizens and community.

Doroshewitz:I am fiscally conservative and socially moderate. Reasonable people can disagree and we should be kind to each other when we do. Township history has had periods of calm and periods of turmoil. The current culture is calm, professional, results oriented and fee from personal attacks. Continue that. I will push the next board to improve collaboration and to remember that constructive dissent is a good thing. The best decisions come that way.

Downs:I will work hard for the citizens of Plymouth Township. I will serve respectfully, with good character and integrity. I will be honest and trustworthy. I will make decisions with the residents of today and the future in mind. I am a team player. This is my life track record and Im proud. If you dont know me, you probably know someone who does. Lets work together!

Ghareeb:When elected I will bring proven leadership that will be good for Plymouth Township. My priorities are: To create efficiency to assure fiscal responsibilities for Plymouth Township; To bring diversity of experience, perspective and thoughts to our Township; and to create programing to improve the Quality of life for our residents .

LeBlanc:An Independent.

Monaghan: We are blessed to live in such a special place called Plymouth Township. I intend to bring a firm and independent voice to the board while listening intently to the need of you the residents. I humbly ask for your support and vote.

Stewart:I am the only candidate for Trustee with experience in dealing with Lansing, and Wayne County to secure Road Funding. I am the only candidate (non-incumbent) to attend every Township Board Meeting for the last threeyears.

Contact reporter Ed Wright at eawright@hometownlife.com or 517-375-1113.

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Election 2020: Eight candidates explain why they want to be Plymouth Township trustee - Hometown Life