Elect Aaron Wissner, Thornapple Township Trustee, August 7
Background
- Graduate of the University of Michigan - Mathematics, Science,
Education.
- Teacher, 19 years, currently employed by Wayland Union Schools
- Founder and executive director, Local Future, non-profit educational
organization
- Sixth generation Michigan resident
- House in Thornapple Township, near Bass Road, off of Spencer Drive
- Married with two children - 4 year old son and 2 year old son
- 4 year old attends Thornapple Kellogg preschool and will attend TK's
McFall Elementary for Kindergarten in this fall
Platform
- Support local business
- Improve roads including improved plowing
- Maintain a quality fire and ambulance service
- Protect the outdoors: the water, air and soil
- Improve and expand Internet access
- Safeguard township funds
- Support parks and recreation
- Explore the possibility of a township park
Question and Answer
How long have you been interested in this position?
- I've been interested in the township trustee position for several years
and periodically attended board meetings. Since January, I've
regularly attended meetings, so I would be prepared to hit the ground
running, in the event that I am chosen to serve.
Are you familiar with formal business style meetings?
- Yes. I'm extremely familiar with formal meetings. I've
attended years of board of education meetings, served as the chairman of
various committees and associations, and even trained people in the
effective use of parliamentary procedure.
Have you taken part in budgeting or negotiations?
- Yes. I have served as treasurer for the Wayland Union Education
Association, done books for the Local Future non-profit, and prepared
budgets for both. I'm experienced in negotiations, and was a key
team member in a very successful contract negotiations in Wayland in 2011,
resulting in a groundbreaking three-year agreement, which helped to ensured
the security of the employees and the financial security of the school
district.
Do you have any lobbying experience?
- Yes. I'm very comfortable talking with elected officials, both
over the phone and in person. In fact, at various times, I have
traveled to both Lansing and Washington D.C. to explain and clarify various
issues to legislators, congressmen, and staff.
Does your family have any experience in politics?
- Yes, a number of my family members have served their communities in
elected positions. Most recently, my grandfather, Ray Wissner was
councilman and mayor of the City of Manistee.
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