 Aug. 5 Primary to Decide Two Contested Races for Livingston County Seats
Monday, July 28, 2008, C-T
The primary election is just over two weeks away and starting with this issue of the Constitution-Tribune, candidate profiles in races for the offices of Livingston County Western District County Commissioner and Livingston County Collector-Treasurer will be published. In today’s edition, the biographical information of each candidate and their respective statements are published.
On the Democratic ticket, challenger Martha Peery, former Chillicothe Township collector is vying for the collector-treasurer’s seat, currently held by incumbent Deanna Joy Kepner, who has held that position since she was elected in 2004.
There are three Democrats running for the seat of Western District County Commissioner: Toi D. Swartz, incumbent Kenneth Warren and Todd W. Rodenberg. Swartz, co-owner of two rural small businesses in Livingston County, is challenging Kenneth Warren, incumbent, who has held that seat since he was elected in 2000. Also running to unseat Warren is Todd Rodenberg, a retired teacher and former mayor of Chillicothe.
The candidates were asked to provide a candidate statement no longer than 250 words and were asked to respond to nearly identical questions with a response limit of 200 words per question. The candidates’ statements follow.
TOI SWARTZ
My name is Toi Swartz and I was born and raised in Mooresville where I currently reside. My husband Jeff works for the family business of Orville Mann dozing. I have three children Daniel, Toi Anne, and Mindy and have three granddaughters Karsyn, Karly, and Korbin. As a resident of Mooresville I have been a long time member of the Mooresville Methodist church. I have owned and operated TJ’s Hair House in Mooresville for the past 22 years and also owned and operated a cleaning business for the past 11 years. My public service consists of being a former tax collector for Mooresville Township for 8 years. I think my voice in the county commission would benefit all Livingston county citizens. If elected as Western District Commissioner I hope to continue the improvements in Livingston County and continue to have our county be a great place to live and raise a family. I would appreciate your vote on August 5th.
KENNETH E. WARREN
What are your issues? I am committed to addressing your issues as a resident of Livingston County. The most important factor in addressing and being knowledgeable about these issues is communication. Many people simply don’t make a point of letting their representatives know about their concerns. You don’t want to be that person. Please approach me and let me know what your needs and concerns are.
For more than 30 years I have served the voters, the last eight as your Commissioner from the Western District of Livingston County. During that time I have stood up for your right to determine and uphold your local ordinances. I have never backed away from the responsibility of protecting your right to determine how you do business here in Livingston County. I am not an insider or a part of the good ol’ boy network so I can promise you this, I won’t tell you what you want to hear just to make you feel better and get your vote. I will be honest and up front. I will give you the facts as I see them and as they would be looked upon from a commissioner’s standpoint. On Tuesday, August 5, step up, ask for a Democrat ballot and exercise your constitutional right to vote. Thank you! Kenneth E. Warren
TODD RODENBERG
I have been in public service most of my adult life and I’m anxious to get back into it again as the Western District Commissioner of Livingston County. I taught 30 years at the Grand River Technical School and got my first taste of local politics when I became the 4th Ward Councilman and later served two terms as mayor. This past work experience coupled with my formal education has prepared me well to be the next Western District Commissioner. My undergraduate degree is in economics. I have a master’s degree in marketing and an Ed. Specialist’s degree in vocational education from the University of Missouri. I’m quite proud of my accomplishments in education and city government and the theme of my campaign literature is “Proven Leadership.” Shortly after I was elected mayor for the first time, my leadership skills were tested big time. Our community was informed that we were going to lose our prison but through the hard work and persistence of a lot of folks we turned the situation around and, later this fall, a brand new $110 million prison will open. When that prison officially opens it will be the proudest moment of my life. I’m glad the prison crisis happened early in my political career because the adversity made me a stronger leader and set the stage for later accomplishments that I’m also very proud of. Through my lifetime of proven leadership I hope I have earned the support of Livingston County voters on Aug. 5.
MARTHA PEERY
My love of working with numbers, keeping records and balancing books has led me to becoming a person who is persistent, hard working with a willingness to learn even more. Collecting taxes for over 30 years has become a part of me and my entire family’s life. My husband and sons grew to know all about tax season. The late nights, long weekends and short holidays due to the preparation for collecting or doing the monthly settlements of taxes. These sacrifices paid off with an average of 93 to 94 percent of Chillicothe Township taxes collected each tax year. I can honestly say I did work hard and I loved it. I always enjoyed working with the public. Seeing old friends and making new ones. With your vote on Aug. 5 it will allow me to continue serving all the people of Livingston County.
DEANNA JOY KEPNER
I have enjoyed serving you, the people of Livingston County the past eight and a half years. I will continue to operate the Collector-Treasurer’s office openly and effectively with the same degree of honesty, professionalism, and integrity that you have come to expect. With my experience, knowledge and dedication, I am the best qualified candidate to continue serving as your Livingston County Collector-Treasurer. I look forward to serving you for the next four years.
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