Candidate Questionnaire: Jennifer Wortinger for White Pigeon village trustee

The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for November’s White Pigeon 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.

Jennifer Wortinger filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers. Wortinger faces incumbents John Gentry and Jeffery Miller and fellow challengers Shireen Cline and Dianne Fenner. The five candidates are running for three trustee postions.

Name: Jennifer Wortinger

Age: 49  

Address: 204 S. Athletic Street 

Party affiliation: Not Applicable  

Are you an incumbent? No

Family (optional): Editor’s note: Wortinger left this question blank. 

Background/Bio:  

I have been a life-long resident of White Pigeon and the surrounding areas, graduating from White Pigeon High School in 1993. I am a mother, grandmother, and working professional. I have a history of volunteering in local schools, hosted exchange students, have been a Girl Scout leader, a treasurer for Cub Scouts, and assisted with Habitat for Humanity.

Why did you choose to run for village trustee?  

I have always considered getting more involved. I want to learn how our local government works and what can or cannot be done to help improve the community we live in. I also feel my finance background could be an asset to this community.   

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? 

I have not held a public office or served in a public leadership role.

What are the three most important issues facing your village and constituents?

I feel the 3 most important issues are water, roads, and open communication.  

How will you work with your fellow village citizens, village leaders, and/or county leaders if elected?

I intend to listen to the concerns of my fellow village citizens. I will take these concerns and research ways to remedy them. I would then work with village, township, and/or county leaders to resolve the concerns. I also intend to keep the citizens informed as why these concerns were or were not able to be resolved.  

How would your term in office differ from previous terms, including your own, if applicable? 

I really want to help our citizens feel heard.  

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background? 

I would like to share my education and work background that I feel would be an asset to our community.

1. Military veteran serving 6 years in the Michigan Army National Guard drilling in Sturgis, MI

2. Graduated from Glen Oaks Community College in 1997 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree with an Accounting Certificate

3. Graduated from Ferris State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy

4. Worked in public accounting for four years auditing local villages, townships, & school districts

5. Worked as a substitute teacher for eight years subbing in White Pigeon and Constantine

6. Have worked at current employer for 15 years holding multiple positions:

a. Receiving clerk

b. Materials planner

c. Materials manager

d. Accounts payable manager