11-02-2017 City of Hartford to decide first mayoral race in decades as Johnson is challenged by Mayo

City of Hartford to decide first mayoral race in decades as Johnson is challenged by Mayor pro-tem Hall

By Jon Bisnett

City votes November 7

The City of Hartford’s last actual mayoral race was back in the mid-90s. Now incumbent Ted Johnson faces his first challenge in over a decade from his own Mayor Pro-Tem, City Commissioner Rick Hall.

Incumbent – Ted Johnson

Mayor Ted Johnson is seeking his 12th term in the office. Johnson retired as an engineer from Whirlpool Corporation in 1998, continuing as a contract hire for an additional 10 years.

In the past two years the 81-year-old Johnson stood as a principal pundit in the debate ultimately leading to the city’s decision to opt out of the Medic 1 ambulance contract.

Johnson has also been steadfast in his position to adamantly oppose any attempt to consider the possibility of any phase of Medical Marijuana operations in the city, citing “Marijuana is the gateway drug responsible for the nationwide Opioid epidemic,” and further stating “…We don’t need any more drugs on our streets.”

Most recently Johnson has expressed his disapproval of the operations of the Hartford Joint Fire Board, of which he has been a member since January 2017. In a hand-written letter presented and read by Johnson to the City Commission at the October 16 workshop session, he characterized the conduct of the Fire Board as “sloppy and unprofessional.” He specifically cited budget, employee and procedural issues, and even questioned the layout of the meeting table.

Johnson served as Mayor first from 1980-1985 and returned to the chair again in 1996 until the present, unchallenged.

Challenger – Rick Hall

The 59-year-old Hall is an 18-year veteran commissioner now running for the Mayor’s seat. The acting Mayor Pro-Tem serves as treasurer on the Hartford Recreation Council and is a member of the Hartford Public Schools Bond Construction Steering Committee. Hall and wife Susan have one daughter attending the University of Michigan. Owner of Rick Hall Construction, his expertise in the construction trade lends itself to his strength in areas of infrastructure. “I’ve always believed weighing all the options, and ultimately do what is best for the city,” Hall said. “Look, it’s easy to slam Medical Marijuana businesses at first glance, but when 29 states have already approved its use, the council wouldn’t be doing its job if we didn’t at least consider it, especially if it can bring greatly needed revenue to the city. Such businesses would need to be run professionally under strict oversight without creating undue strain on city administration, police and fire. Niles, Buchanan, Kalamazoo, Lansing and many others have or are considering measures. We need to at least really look it over.”

Speaking to matters of the local Fire Board, Hall says, “We just recently revised and updated the Fire Board agreement with the city and township. Other than approving their annual budget, this Council has no business micro-managing them. The Fire Board is an autonomous body that needs to work out their own issues.

“I strongly support an ongoing effort to improve the city’s infrastructure and maintain the integrity of our streets. It’s also a personal goal to see some new development along I-94 and Red Arrow Highway. If elected I look forward to working more closely with our city manager to build some diversity in our local economy by attracting businesses and hopefully bringing younger working families to the city.”

City commissioners

Candidate – Helen Sullivan

Barring any surprise write-in attempts, 67-year-old Helen Sullivan will be unchallenged for the commission seat vacated by Rick Hall’s mayoral run. Sullivan was formally a commissioner with the city from 1997-2000.  During that period of time she redirected the compensation she would have received as commissioner to help the Hartford Police try out a motorcycle lease program.

Sullivan is now retired. She has three daughters and four grandsons.  Two daughters attended Hartford schools as do two of her grandsons.

Sullivan has been a board member and board chair with the former Van Buren County Red Cross (13 yrs) and Program Director for the former United Way Emergency Fund Program (6 yrs).  She volunteered with the VBC Victim Services Unit for three and a half years.

“I feel that as a commissioner, it is necessary to understand all parts of city government.  You cannot make decisions affecting city functions if you’re not informed about their operations.  I have ridden with our police and work to keep an open line of communication between myself and the various department heads,” says Sullivan. In addition she has recently applied to be a member of the Hartford Fire Department auxiliary program and is frequently seen at township meetings, Planning and Zoning and Fire Board meetings as well.

“I have a Facebook page, Helen Sullivan for Commissioner, where I post information on community events and the issues confronting the city.  I encourage residents to attend commission meetings and become involved.  I want to encourage people to get out and vote. I feel there is a need in the commission for more open minded, progressive thinking. I’ve made it my goal to try and be as visible, active and vocal as I can,” she states.

Commissioners Dennis Goss and Terry Tibbs are unchallenged on the ballot, both seeking another 2-year term.

Incumbent – Dennis Goss

Goss, 47, and his wife Cathy have three children. He is employed as a carpenter at Trident Dock and Dredge. He recently served as the city appointee on the committee to revise the HFD joint fire agreement. Seeking his third consecutive term Goss says, “There are several important projects that the city needs to address in the coming years. I see my role as to help set those priorities.”

Incumbent – Terry Tibbs

Tibbs, 67, served previously on the commission as an appointee in 2011. He also spent 11 years as a trustee on the Board of Education in addition to serving on the AYSO Board and currently serves as the Hartford representative to Van Buren County Senior Services. A veteran of local government, he has also held prior positions on both the Zoning Board and Planning Commission and is currently a member the Hartford Public Schools Bond Construction Steering Committee. Terry and his wife Diane have two grown sons. A retiree of Special-Lite Mfg in Decatur, Tibbs is now seeking his second consecutive term, saying, “…I’m no stranger to the board room and bring several years of that experience to the table.”

The November 7 General Election Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hartford City Hall.

Police and Fire Reports

By Annette Christie

Law enforcement confirms arson investigations in Berrien County

Two separate police agencies have confirmed that arson investigations are continuing in Berrien County and could be related to a Hartford man who was arrested last week.  Kyle David Norden was charged with six counts of arson following a task force investigation into suspicious fires in Van Buren County.  At the time of the press release Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott reported that an investigation would follow in Berrien County as well.

Berrien County Sheriff L. Paul Bailey and Coloma Township Police Chief Jason Roe have confirmed that their respective agencies are investigating fires in their jurisdictions related to Norden.  Abbott reported that Norden had confessed during the Van Buren County investigation to the fires in both counties.

The results of the investigations will be turned over to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office.

North Berrien Fire Chief Michael Mattix explains that it is a fire department’s responsibility to determine an origin and cause of a fire that they respond to.  If they are unable to determine an accidental source or cause and determine that it gives cause for suspicion, it is turned over to the appropriate police agency for investigation.

Watervliet man arrested on drug charges

On Thursday, October 26, members of the Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET), with the assistance of Berrien County Sheriff Road Patrol, Coloma Township Police, and the Watervliet Police Department conducted an arrest operation in Watervliet Charter Township.

Manowar Ahmed Jones, 39, was arrested following a 3-week investigation into the distribution of crystal methamphetamine. As a result of this operation, detectives seized approximately 1/2 ounce of crystal methamphetamine, and several ounces of marijuana. Also seized by detectives were cash and a cell phone.

While officers were taking Jones into custody, he attempted to destroy the crystal methamphetamine that he had in his possession. Officers were able to wrestle the drugs away from Jones and preserve most of the evidence.

SWET officers with the help of Michigan State Police were also able to conduct a traffic stop on a Kalamazoo man after he supplied Jones with the crystal methamphetamine. This suspect was found to be in possession of marked buy funds from the SWET unit and will be charged in Van Buren County for delivery of methamphetamine.

Jones was charged in Berrien County Fifth District Court for two counts of delivering methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver; possession of marijuana with intent to deliver; resisting and obstructing police; and destruction of evidence.

The Southwest Enforcement Team is comprised of sworn law enforcement personnel from the Michigan State Police, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, South Haven Police Department, Covert Police Department and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.

Driver sought for hit and run

The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a man in Van Buren County is being sought. Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott reports that on Monday, October 30, at approximately 8:30 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a 911 call, reporting that a pedestrian had been struck and was lying in a ditch on M-43 just east of 37th St., in Waverly Township.

The investigation determined that a passing motorist observed a dog sitting alongside of M-43. The motorist, in fear of the dog’s safety, stopped to assist the dog and located 25-year-old Keaton Dorman, who was deceased.

Deputies were able to determine that the approximate time of the incident was after 12:00 a.m. but before 8:30 a.m. The suspect vehicle is described as a gold or tan 2000 Ford Crown Vic or a Grand Marquis. The vehicle will have front and passenger side damage.

Anyone with information on a possible suspect or vehicle is asked to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101. Deputies were assisted by Van Buren Emergency Services, Paw Paw Quick Response, Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post, Michigan State Police Accident Reconstruction, Van Buren County Detective Bureau, and the Van Buren Victim Services Unit.

North Berrien Fire Rescue Department handles two fires

The North Berrien Fire Rescue Department responded to an early morning fire on Monday on Paw Paw Lake Road.  The department arrived at approximately 5:13 a.m. to a structure at 5593 Paw Paw Lake Road.  The structure, which was in the process of being renovated, is expected to be a complete loss. It was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Fire Chief Michael Mattix said that the two neighboring homes at 5591 Paw Paw Lake Road and 5595 Paw Paw Lake Road did receive some radiant heat damage to the exteriors.

The origin and cause is still under investigation. North Berrien Fire was assisted by the Watervliet Joint Fire Department.

The departments also responded to a two-story structure fire on Johnson Road in Coloma Township.  Fire departments were on the scene from approximately 3:50 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.   While the persons that reside at the home were safe, their family did lose a dog and some cats in the fire.

Mattix said that the residence suffered significant damage and is still under investigation.

The family is being assisted by the Red Cross.

Besides North Berrien and Watervliet, the fire departments of Covert and Keeler assisted.