Know your ballot for the Nov. 7 Election; Hartford city Offic., Hartford and Watervliet school board
- Samantha Smith
- Nov 2, 2023
- 22 min read
Updated: Nov 3, 2023
For the first time in many years, there will be eight Hartford residents running for commissioner during the November 7 election. There are three open seats and the current commissioner, Helen Sullivan, will be running as an incumbent. Additionally, Mayor Richard Hall will be running for re-election; however, he will have an opponent, Commissioner Ramon Beltran. Because the ballot will ask voters to choose no more than three commissioners and one candidate for mayor, Tri-City Record is taking a deeper dive into who these candidates are and why they should be a part of the government for the City of Hartford.
HARTFORD COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES
Gage Gardner
Gage Gardner currently works as a sales associate at Dunham’s Sports and has lived in Hartford for 19 years. Gardner graduated from Hartford High School in May of this year. During his time in high school, he was in the Hartford DECA club as secretary and was the Executive Vice President of Project Management, as well as Security and Vice President of Career Development for Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG). In his free time, Gardner enjoys woodworking, reading, swimming, and cooking for his grandparents.
Gardner said he feels that the most important issues are finding ways to add to the community, thereby encouraging families to move to Hartford as well as bringing new businesses to town.
He added he feels that bringing things to the city such as a new playground, a farmers market, more seasonal festivals, and a community garden would help the community grow and boost the local economy.
“It would bring family and community together to foster togetherness and unity. I would work with local entrepreneurs and work with families and the people of this hard-working town,” Gardner said. “What I love about Hartford is the small-town feeling. When you come here you can tell this town has hard-working citizens. You can retire here and enjoy what Hartford all has in it. All the things I want to do will attract visitors and businesses to town.”
The youngest of the candidates, Gardner said it is important for young people to get involved in city politics so they can provide a fresh outlook and influence on the city of Hartford.
“We need someone who is a part of a younger generation to stand up as a role model. If elected, I’ll bring Hartford into a new era.”
Additionally, Gardner said he is in favor of the Hartford school bond that will be on the ballot on November 7. Being a recent graduate of Hartford High School, Gardner knows firsthand how important the needed updates would be for the school district and its students.
“It takes a village to raise a child and we must update the school for the betterment of the school and the kids that go there.”
Nancy Spoula
Nancy Spoula has been very involved in the city of Hartford and has lived in the community for 54 years. Graduating from Hartford High School in 1979, Spoula went on to attend Southwestern Michigan College and graduated in 1982. She then transferred to Western Michigan University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1984. She later attended Grand Valley State University, where she earned her Library Science Endorsement.
While she decided to further her education, she never strayed far from home. She started at Hartford Public Schools in 1986 and held many positions until her retirement in 2018, including; early transition room teacher, fourth and fifth grade teacher, reading consultant, Elementary Curriculum Director, and principal for Woodside Elementary School for four years. Additionally, she was the director of state and federal programs, meaning that she was in charge of all grants in the Hartford School District.
Since retiring, she enjoys going to musicals, watching movies, going to concerts, and relaxing at home. She is currently the secretary, treasurer, and grant writer for Hartford United Methodist Church and owns her own business, Rabbit Hole Comics. She has also been a member of the Hartford Planning Commission for the past four years.
“I have enjoyed being part of the process where businesses and individuals come forward to present their plans on how they want to expand our town or try to improve it,” Spoula said about her time on the Planning Commission.
Given her experience in the school system and understanding of financial matters, Spoula feels she would be the perfect fit for one of the commissioner seats.
“I feel that my life experiences, my ability to listen and look at problems from different angles, and the willingness to come to a compromise for the betterment of our town would give me the tools to be level-headed enough to move this town in a positive direction,” she said.
Being a former teacher in the Hartford school district, Spoula is in support of the Hartford School Bond.
“I feel the bond is important for many reasons. With this bond, they are working on the infrastructure of the buildings. They are looking at replacing fuse boxes with actual breakers; replacing outdated boilers that are not nearly as efficient as a new one would save money for the district in the long run; replacing single pane glass with more efficient windows; making our doors ADA compliant for those community members and students who are handicapped; and finally to update the phone system so that when our internet goes down we still would have the ability to use the phones – today when the internet is down so are our phones. I also believe that the bond is a strong investment in our schools and our children,” she said.
Like Gardner, Spoula feels that investing in bringing new businesses to town, utilizing the space in the city’s parks, and coming together as a community is key to making sure the city of Hartford continues to grow. Spoula also said she would focus on unresolved issues such as the city deficit, brush pile, water quality, and updating ordinances. However, she feels that will only happen if everyone comes together as a community.
“If elected, we as a city council, will have to work together to determine our goals and objectives for ourselves and prioritize what needs to be fixed and worked on for the betterment of our community. It needs to flourish and grow so that our children and grandchildren won’t have to leave town to be successful,” Spoula said.
“The people who make up this town — though we don’t always have the same opinion on everything — we can still come together on important things and make things happen when we have to. We as a commission have to put our egos aside and look at what is best for the community, if not all of the community. I will continue to serve others in this community one way or another.”
Danny Danger
Danny Danger is running for city commissioner. His wife, Jane Danger, is currently a Hartford City Commissioner. If elected, this will not be Danger’s first experience in public office. He served as the Mayor of Hartford from 1994-1995 and as a commissioner from 1997-1998. He graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1976 and married Jane in 1982. The couple bought their home in Hartford in 1983.
Before his retirement, Danger was the owner and operator of Longhaul Specialty Trucking, for more than 20 years. He is also very active in community clubs and organizations; including a fellowship with the community seniors, is an active member of the Hartford Lions Club, as well as a member of the Van Buren Sportsmen’s Club and Paw Paw Conservation Club.
Danger said that he is running for commissioner again because he wants to rebuild what Hartford has lost and put it back on the right track to see it become successful.
“I have previous experience with being a successful mayor and commissioner, have business experience, common sense, and I am a people person,” he said. “I would like to see the city improve its overall relationship with its citizens. I’d like to see the city council work with its citizens, not against them.”
If elected, Danger said that his priorities would be fixing the water quality issues that the city is currently facing, improving deteriorating infrastructure, and bringing more opportunity to the city.
“The only way to fix these things is to get serious and come together to find workable solutions,” he said.
Danger added that he believes that Hartford can and will have a comeback if he is elected.
“I believe that every voter should vote for what they believe is right for their own situation. Now as a senior, I appreciate our small-town atmosphere more with what is still here and close by, and still believe that Hartford can have a comeback future.”
Commissioner Helen Sullivan - Incumbent
Incumbent Helen Sullivan is currently a commissioner in the city of Hartford and has served on the board since 2014. She was also a Hartford City Commissioner from 1997 until 2000.
“Since my return to city government, we’ve seen many infrastructure and street projects, the passage of a marijuana ordinance, and the addition of a new library,” Commissioner Sullivan said. “Commissioners are elected for two-year terms, and while that may sound like a long time, some of the projects that are undertaken during my term, I would like to see them come to fruition.”
If re-elected, Commissioner Sullivan said her priorities would lie in working with the commission to provide a plan that would allow the city to have a code enforcement officer who will have the tools they need to do their job safely, as well as bring a low-income clinic back to town, and address staffing issues within city government.
“Like most employers, it’s been difficult to find experienced people to fill out the vacancies. We’ve been blessed to have Linnea Rader as an interim city manager. I have supported Ms. Rader in her endeavors to address our staffing shortages and we have talked, concerning how we will need to find individuals who will best serve our community,” she said.
Commissioner Sullivan added that she will also make water filtration a priority and is already taking proactive steps to make it happen.
“We need to move towards the completion of the waterline replacement program that has been mandated by the state. I have been searching for grant opportunities and forwarding them to Ms. Rader,” she said.
Commissioner Sullivan continued, saying that if re-elected, her knowledge, experience, and professionalism in city government, can move the city forward.
“There needs to be experienced commissioners who can understand the projects that are in the works and can make informed decisions. My family is here, my roots are here, and I want to continue to help others see the good that is Hartford.”
Eric Germinder
Eric Germinder is a resident of Hartford. The November 7 Election will be the second time Germinder has run for Commissioner. Germinder’s initial run was as a write-in candidate in 2021, where he lost by seven votes. This will be the first election where his name will appear on the ballot.
Graduating from Galien High School in 1978, he met and married Hartford resident, Sally Johnson, who is the daughter of former Hartford Mayor, Ted Johnson. Germinder and his wife have lived in Hartford since 1989 and have three sons, all of whom graduated from Hartford High School. They also have three grandsons and one granddaughter.
Before his retirement, Germinder worked at American Electric Power for 41 years, starting as a Fire Brigade leader and working his way into the Operations department, where he worked as an Auxiliary Equipment Operator, for 15 years and served as a trainer in the Operations Training section during his last three years.
Additionally, he served on the Hartford Fire Department from 1991 until 2001, working his way up to becoming 2nd Lieutenant. Germinder said he is running for commissioner because he wants to serve the community.
“I feel I would be a great choice because I possess that rare commodity, common sense, and I am fiscally conservative. I realize that this is taxpayer money that is being spent. I believe in personal responsibility and accountability. I really want to see the city clean up all those properties that have become blight.”
Germinder added that he feels it’s good that Hartford voters have more of a variety of candidates to choose from in this year's election.
“A couple of years ago there were only two on the ballot for three seats. I ran a write-in campaign and lost by seven votes. It’s a good thing for voters to have so many choices,” he said.
Like many of the candidates, Germinder is also in favor of the Hartford School Bond.
“It’s not going to raise taxes, it basically replaces the old bond. The schools are in desperate need of new boilers, windows, and lighting.”
If elected commissioner, Germinder said that he would serve with common sense, personal responsibility, and responsibility.
“I want to move the town forward as the beautiful little city it can be and I would greatly appreciate your vote.”
Lindsy Morsaw
Lindsy Morsaw has been a resident of Hartford for 22 years. She and her husband, Joseph Morsaw, have been married since 2003 and have four children, all of whom attend Hartford schools. Morsaw is currently a 6th-grade science teacher at Hartford Middle School. Graduating from Airport High School, Carleton, MI, in 1996, she went on to attend Western Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also received endorsements in elementary and early childhood education, middle school science, and social studies.
Morsaw said she is running for commissioner because she wants to see the city thrive and improve. She added that her experience in education would give her the qualities that would be perfect for the role.
“I am a diligent thinker who can listen with heart and use data to make informed decisions that are cost-effective to the city.”
Additionally, she feels that raising four children in the community also may give her an advantage when running for office.
“I feel I would bring family values to the table. I know firsthand the struggles that families are facing with the current cost of living. I will be keeping that in mind with every decision I make.”
If elected, Morsaw said that she would work together with the other commissioners and make the water quality issue and its cost her first priority in addition to cleaning up sidewalks.
“I would love to work together with the other members of the city council as a cohesive team to decide what can be done quickly and then laying out a plan and timeline to improve our community,” she said. “One of my biggest priorities is water quality and its costs. Continuing the update of old waterlines in our city would help to bring higher-quality water to homes.
“I believe that the residents know that change is needed and citizens are stepping up to give the community many options. I am someone who when I start something, I give it my all. I will do the same if elected as your city commissioner.”
Mark Little
Mark Little is a Hartford city resident and veteran, who is one of the names on the ballot for commissioner. Little will be an option on the November 7 ballot.
Charles Weeden
Charles Weeden is a third-generation resident of Hartford. Graduating from Hartford Public Schools in 1983, Weeden owns his own business and has a background in road construction and infrastructure; something that he feels would benefit his time as commissioner if elected. Weeden said that he decided to run for commissioner because he felt it was time for him to become more involved with the community.
“It’s my home town, I want what is best for the city — nothing more, nothing less.”
If elected, Weeden said that his primary focus would be fixing the water quality issues in town and bringing positivity to the table.
“I would like to see a positive attitude from city hall as well as its residents… we need to improve the water quality in some of our neighborhoods and we need funding for that… no town is perfect, but if we stay positive, things will improve.”
HARTFORD MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Mayor Richard Hall - Incumbent
Mayor Richard Hall is in the running for his fourth term as mayor of the city of Hartford in the November 7 election. A part of the city’s government since 1996, Mayor Hall said he is running for re-election because he feels he knows the city’s strengths and weaknesses in addition to being knowledgeable, trustworthy, and will continue to get the job done.
“I feel that my knowledge and experiences with the city’s government as well as the intricacies of its infrastructure brings great value to my city,” he said.
During his current term as mayor, Hall said he has continued to work on the city’s infrastructure and has worked with the city commission on cleaning up neglected areas of the city. He also worked with State of Michigan representatives to bring Honor Credit Union – Hartford Member Center to the community, an accomplishment he has been the proudest of during his third term.
“My vision was and still is for the citizens of Hartford to come together and focus on making our city the best it can be. I will keep properties maintained and support one another. We can accomplish great things,” he said.
If reelected, Mayor Hall said his priorities would be working on maintaining properties, and bringing more commerce opportunities to the city through upgrading and expanding railways. However, Hall said that the most important issue is continuing the waterline replacement project.
“I feel that the biggest issue Hartford is facing right now is the water quality and rates,” Mayor Hall said. “Myself and the commission have already started working on a state mandate by the year 2040 to have all lead waterlines replaced. Many municipalities have not begun to address this issue yet. We are taking a proactive approach. We are wrapping up our first big project, now.”
Mayor Hall added that he is also in support of the Hartford school bond proposal.
“Hartford Public Schools is a gem in our community. Allowing our schools to continue making improvements will never be wasted funds… This would allow the school to make needed infrastructure upgrades and technology upgrades within the buildings to continue operations for many years to come. Students will continue to be successful and in return, Hartford’s citizens will share in those successes by knowing that they were an integral part of that success.”
With eight candidates running for commissioner and two running for Mayor Hall’s position, Hall said that having so many people trying to obtain a seat is what government is all about.
“The quantity of candidates speaks to the fact that there are differences in what the citizens of Hartford want and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This allows all options to come to the table. This city is not in crisis, we are financially stable. We all have differing opinions of what the priorities should be.”
Going forward, Mayor Hall said he would like to see the downtown beautification project, finished, creating unity and empathy among residents, as well as bringing more diversity into Hartford’s economy by attracting new businesses and families.
“I will always do what is best for Hartford… I would like to work with the commission on changing the ways our residents of Hartford view and treat each other — help solve problems and not create more”
Ramon Beltran
Ramon Beltran is a Hartford resident and had, until recently, been a commissioner for the city of Hartford since 2021. He is running for Mayor of Hartford against incumbent Mayor, Richard Hall. Before his retirement, former Commissioner Beltran was involved in law enforcement for 37 years and served as Hartford’s chief of police from 2000 – 2016, making him the longest-tenured Chief of Police for the city. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
Beltran said he is running for mayor because he has always held the interest of the city as a priority and believes that teamwork is essential to getting the job done.
If elected, Beltran’s first priority would be to fix the water line issues and revitalize the downtown area.
“I feel the most important issues are the water issues and water lines that need to be replaced… I would like to see us rebuild the downtown area. We have too many ‘lots’ instead of businesses, as well as more things for young people to do. This will take a collective effort of the whole city commission.”
He also noted the importance of getting younger people involved with the city.
“There comes a time when some of the veteran commissioners decide to stand back and let a new perspective come forward, I feel we are at that point. It is basically the same as some people wanting term limits in Washington.”
Moving forward, Beltran said he believes that the commission needs to work together to get issues corrected and fair, for city residents.
“This will take hard decisions and the commission coming together as a body. I have always had the best interests of the city in mind while under the employ and as an elected official, I feel that I have been instrumental in correcting certain issues as a commissioner. If elected, I would continue to give my best, as a single-vote member of the commission, to carry the voice of our citizens to the commission.”
SCHOOL BOND PROPOSALS
A significant day is on the horizon for Hartford and Watervliet area schools as voters are expected to vote on a significant bond that will be vast improvements to both school systems. Both school districts will have bond proposals on the November 7 ballot, with Hartford Schools’ totaling to $22.6M and Watervliet valuing at $29.9M, respectively.
This will be the second time that voters in the Watervliet Public Schools District have the opportunity to vote for the bond. Most recently, Watervliet Public Schools Board of Education approved an order for the bond during their election on May 2 of this year; however, it did not pass. This will be the first time a Hartford school bond proposal of this magnitude will be on the Hartford City, Hartford Township, and Keeler Township ballot since 2014.
The Watervliet school bond proposal is the only item on the ballot for Bainbridge Township, Coloma Charter Township, Watervliet Charter Township, and the City of Watervliet. There is no election in the City of Coloma.
In addition to the Hartford school bond proposal being voted on in Hartford Township and Keeler Township, those voters will also have the opportunity to place a vote for the Watervliet school bond proposal.
Hartford school bond proposal
The following is for informational purposes, only:
“Shall Hartford Public Schools, Van Buren County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Two Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($22,600,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:
remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology in school buildings; and preparing, developing, and improving sites?”
The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2024, under current law, is 3.00 mills ($3.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy.
The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 3.84 mills ($3.84 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).
The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $6,966,174 and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $10,462,308.
The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is twenty-nine (29) years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 7.75 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances.
The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $13,910,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0.
(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)
The Hartford Bond Proposal: What is it, how does it affect Hartford residents and what will it do for our schools?
The Hartford bond proposal would provide $22.6 M to Hartford Public Schools for health and safety improvements, operational costs, accessibility upgrades, and updating infrastructure.
While the bond would benefit the school system as a whole, an assessment done by Kingscott Associates and Miller Davis Company determined that there was a critical need for infrastructure updates in Hartford Middle, and High School.
According to the Hartford public school district, the funds from the bond will be divided into three main categories including, health, safety, and operations. If voters pass the bond, many improvements will be made to all schools throughout the district.
Superintendent for Hartford Area Schools, Brad Geesaman, said the first projects that would take effect are new paging systems, energy-efficient windows, hard phone line connections for all office buildings, and new plumbing, just to name a few. Geesaman added that some of the critical infrastructure elements date back to the building’s original construction in the 1950s.
“This bond will fund improvements to keep our schools open, operating, and safe. The state of Michigan identifies the useful life of a school building as 40 years. Hartford Middle and High Schools are over 60 years old,” said Geesaman. “District staff has done a great job caring for our buildings to extend their useful life by 20 years, but the improvements necessary to sustain our school buildings to require more attention.”
In addition to revitalizing the schools, the bond would also benefit the students of Hartford School District and the community.
“The improvements made can have a positive impact on educational outcomes. Updated facilities often enhance the overall educational experience, making our schools more engaging and conducive to learning,” he said.
If approved, Geesaman said the bond would not increase the taxes of Hartford School District’s residents and is projected to have a zero net mill increase to property owners, meaning that the current millage rate will remain the same as it has since 2014.
According to Geesaman, if the bond is not passed, the schools could potentially close.
“The failure of critical infrastructure system due to deferred maintenance can result in potential school closure until the issue can be resolved and that’s something we’re trying to avoid,” he said. “If the bond does not pass, general fund dollars would be required to maintain building infrastructure improvements. The use of general fund dollars for larger projects decreases the available funds to educate our students.”
Watervliet school bond proposal
“Shall Watervliet Public Schools, Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Nine Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($29,900,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:
erecting, furnishing, and equipping additions to school buildings; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings; erecting, furnishing, and equipping school buildings; and preparing, developing, improving, and equipping athletic fields and facilities, driveways, parking areas, and sites?”
The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2024, under current law, is 1.70 mills ($1.70 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 3.75 mills ($3.75 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds.
The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $5,386,137 and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $5,915,510. The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is 23 years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 7 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $19,460,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0.
(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)
These bond proposals are the main source of funding for many K-12 school capital projects. Other important funding sources that are utilized come from private donations or grants but those are never enough to tackle large capital improvements like both of the proposals are suggesting. Voting is on November 7 for each district. It is imperative that as residents of the Tri-City Area we invest in our schools today, so we can lay the foundation for our future leaders. If you have questions about registering to vote or where your polling place is, please call your local city hall.
What is this bond proposal and how does it affect Watervliet residents?
The Watervliet School Bond that is being proposed is identical to the one that was proposed in May. It is the second phase of a bond passed in 2014, which was valued at around $24M. With only 29% of voters coming out for the May election, Watervliet Schools Superintendent, Ric Seager is hopeful it will pass this time around. Like the Hartford school bond, the funds will also go to safety and infrastructure improvements at the middle and high schools; however, the funds will also go to improving the curriculum by adding STEM programs to all Watervliet schools.
Unlike the Hartford School Bond, it is projected that the approval of this bond would cause the debt tax rate for 2024, in Watervliet to slightly increase from 5.3 mills to 7 mills. Seager said that if a person were to have a $100,000 home, their taxes would go up by $7.08 per month or less because most homeowners’ taxable value is not half of their market value.
“There is a small increase in taxes but it’s an investment,” Seager said. “It’s an investment in this district and an investment in property value because if the schools have good programs and the buildings are in shape, it makes property values stronger. People want to live in those communities.”
How is this bond helping Watervliet schools, specifically?
Seager added that if the bond is passed, safety concerns will be addressed first including a vestibule at the middle school, and updating locks on all the doors in each building, including perimeter doors.
“Our classroom doors still have the same hardware from the initial construction. The elementary school doors go back to 1954,” said Seager. “In order to lock those doors, teachers have to walk outside into the hallway and key lock those doors so it’s really risky. At the time [of construction] we weren’t thinking about shelter-in-place or lockdown circumstances.”
Seager added that projects that would be done as soon as possible include repaving the parking lot at the high school, which was last refurbished in the early 70s, and creating isolation rooms, which would shut down specific corridors if there were to be a threat to the students.
“For the most part the asphalt in the parking lot has been the same it has been the entire time. It’s beyond repair and needs to be replaced. We need to redesign it so it’s safer for people coming in and out. We also need additional parking up front.”
Regarding infrastructure and the instructional side of things, Seager said the first things that will receive attention would be repairing the WAY program building and adding STEM programs along with manufacturing and art programs as a way to better prepare students for the future.
The WAY program is an alternative education program that is comprised of a learning hybrid of in-person and online classes with portable classrooms which have not been updated since the 90s. According to Seager, the program hosts 100 students from surrounding towns including Niles, Bangor, Covert, Benton Harbor, Coloma, and Watervliet. Seager added that the building itself has decayed beyond repair and if the bond is not received, the school could lose the program, thereby losing nearly 100 students.
“If the buildings were on private property, they would be condemned. I would hate to see that happen because according to people who run the WAY program, ours is the best in the state. We have great outcomes and we save lives with that program, we really do. It’s a transformation for the kids.”
Seager claims that all of these projects and more are critical, but they cannot be done without a price.
“To do the vestibule at the middle school is four million dollars. To add the parking lot and do it right is 2.5 million dollars… the WAY program would cost $150,000 per site, just for the building… without the bond we don’t get to be in that game — we’re behind. These are things we really can’t save up for. As a school district, we have to bond it.”
While it is clear that moving forward with these projects will need monies outside of the school’s current budget, Seager said that if the bond is not passed now, the costs of labor in construction and architecture are expected to go up by 15-20 percent as time goes on, citing a 2012 state law that will be reversed, starting in April of next year.
“If we get this bond passed and we get the contracts written before the law takes place, we don’t have to follow it for this project. If we start after April, those projects will immediately become more expensive. It’s critical that we get this in now, otherwise, we’re facing substantially higher costs down the road.”
Between phases 1 and 2 of the project, this would be the largest bond that the high school has received since the 70s and the elementary schools, since the 50s. Seager believes the bond is crucial to obtain if they want to better the lives of their children and the community.
“Our kids will be safer because we will have our security systems in place and schools will run more efficiently. Our schools will be more situated from an infrastructure standpoint to last another 30 to 50 years, and we will be adding academic programs that will allow us to be in the game with educational programming for kids. We believe that this isn’t just an investment in the schools, but the community overall.”
POLLING HOURS AND LOCATIONS
Bainbridge Township - Pct 1
Bainbridge Township Hall
7315 Territorial Rd., Watervliet
Phone number: 269-468-8040
Website: https://bainbridgetownship.org/
Coloma Charter Township – Pct 2
Website: https://colomatownship.org/
**(Nov. 7 Election ONLY)**
Watervliet Charter Township Hall
4959 M-140, Watervliet
Phone number: 269-463-5113
Hartford City
Clerk’s Office
19 West Main Street, Hartford
Phone number: 269-621-2477
Website: https://www.cityofhartfordmi.org/administration/page/voting-information
Hartford Township - Pct 1
Township Hall
61310 CR 687, Hartford
Phone number: 269-621-4658
Website: https://www.hartfordtownship.org/voting.htm
Keeler Township - Pct 1 & 2
Keeler Township Hall
64151 Territorial Rd. W, Hartford
Phone number: 269-205-6817
Watervliet Charter Township - Pct 1
Watervliet Charter Township Hall
4959 M-140, Watervliet
Phone number: 269-463-5113
Website: https://watervliettownship.org/
Watervliet City - Pct 1
City Hall
158 W. Pleasant St., Watervliet
Phone number: 518-270-3800
Website: https://www.berriencounty.org/156/Elections
Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. in all locations. Please vote!
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