The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for November’s Mendon village trustee election. We will run all completed questionnaires from candidates in contested general election races in the order they’re received prior to Election Day.
Mark Moerland filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers. Moerland, a challenger, faces fellow challengers Jerry Batten, Michael Leo, Don Saunders, and Darlene Watson. The five candidates are running for three village trustee offices.
Name: Mark Moerland
Age: 70
Address: 226 E. Jackson, Mendon, MI
Party affiliation: Moerland did not answer this question.
Are you an incumbent? No
Family (optional): My wife, Jill, and I have lived in Michigan all our lives. We have been married for 46 years and have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I am originally from Byron Center MI, Jill from Southfield, MI.
Background/Bio:
I am currently retired. I moved to Three Rivers in 1993 when my wife was transferred to a position in Sturgis. I continued my job in Grand Rapids through remote work and commuting. We then moved back to Grand Rapids in 2002 after our children graduated from High School. We returned to Three Rivers in 2016 after retiring. We rented until we found our home in the Village of Mendon in the fall of 2019.
Prior to retiring I worked for 30 years at a large non-profit organization in Grand Rapids that supported people with disabilities by using my technology background in job placement, vocational services, and eventually information technology support.
Why did you choose to run for village trustee?
I believe it is important to support and participate in the community which I live. When there was appeal for new trustees, I saw that as an opportunity to provide that support in any way I can that is needed.
Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?
No
What are the three most important issues facing your village and constituents?
1) Affordable housing that meets community needs.
2) Transparency on issues and projects
3) Infrastructure improvement to support growth
How will you work with your fellow village citizens, village leaders, and/or county leaders if elected?
Listen; improve communications between the council, village government, and the community to foster an atmosphere of participation.
Open better lines of communications for staff, trustees, county officials, and community members so all are aware of the issues, and opportunities the village must prepare for.
I will act decisively, in a timely and transparent manner.
How would your term in office differ from previous terms, including your own, if applicable?
Moerland did not answer this question.
Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?
As a Village of Mendon Trustee, I hope to use the skills learned working 30 years in the human services and technology field, specifically project management and continuous improvement.
