MARQUETTE — Candidates are running for various contested primary races for offices in Skandia and Champion townships.

Two candidates will be on Tuesday’s ballot in the Democrat race for Skandia Township treasurer.

They are Alice Anderson and Michelle Dolby.

Candidates were asked to respond to two questions, with answers limited to 100 words or less.

In your view, what is the most pressing issue for Skandia Township at present?

Anderson said roads are the top priority.

“There isn’t enough money available to fix any of our roads,” Anderson said. “Most of our side roads are in really in bad shape.”

If elected as Skandia Township treasurer, how do you propose to address that concern?

“Really, our whole board has to look at getting some help from the outside, from the state, or maybe even the federal government because our millage doesn’t cover it,” she said. “We have 1 mill for roads.”

Dolby was unable to be reached for comment.

Christopher Pelkola, Lee Tonge and Betty Ann Brotherton are running in the contested Democrat race for Champion Township supervisor.

In your view, what is the most pressing issue for Champion Township at present?

Pelkola said, “The most pressing issue for Champion Township at present in my thoughts is the image that is being seen within the township. With blight and little to no curb appeal, I don’t feel families or businesses looking for a place to set roots are choosing here to be the place. Without growth and in an aging community, it’s hard for a township to stay viable.”

If elected as Champion Township supervisor, how do you propose to address that concern?

“If elected as Champion Township supervisor, I propose to address this concern and others the resident may have by using and enforcing the current zoning laws that are already established, and working together with the township board, the planning commission and zoning administrator.

“The residents of Champion Township will be able to bring any and all questions and concerns forward so that we all can work together to move forward. I feel that more life can be injected into the township to make Champion a place for families and businesses to come and grow.”

In your view, what is the most pressing issue for Champion Township at present?

Tonge said, “I think the biggest thing is protecting the value of our properties and taking care of our seniors. We’re more senior-oriented now and that’s where our priorities lie, whether it be grass-cutting or snow-blowing.”

Tonge wants to take those efforts a step further.

“It’s kind of a retirement community,” he said of the township.

If elected as Champion Township supervisor, how do you propose to address that concern?

“The kids, I have some respect for and they have some respect for me,” Tonge said.

He believes these issues can be resolved.

Having more group sessions and getting the community involved in helping seniors can benefit the elderly population, Tonge said.

“Having organizations is a key to getting some of this stuff done,” said Tonge, who has been a Champion Township volunteer firefighter for 30 years.

Brotherton was unable to be reached for comment.

Democrats Sonia LaPin, Jeremy Bowen and Susan Little are running for Champion Township trustee.

In your view, what is the most pressing issue for Champion Township at present?

LaPin believes the top priority is cleaning up the town and getting it “back to normal.”

“It’s going back downhill, so I’m on the strategy on getting the town back to where it was,” LaPin said.

If elected as Champion Township trustee, how do you propose to address that concern?

“I’m hoping with some new board members, maybe we can all work together and get this job done,” LaPin said.

She also wants to see more community involvement, pointing out that already has taken place with recent work on the Lions Club building that was scraped and painted with volunteer help.

“We’re always looking for volunteers for stuff like that,” LaPin said.

Susan Little declined to answer questions from The Mining Journal.

Jeremy Bowen was unavailable for comment.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net