Candidate Q&A: Highland Trustee Candidate Beth Lewis

To kick off election coverage, White Lake-Highland Patch has sent out a survey to candidates running for office in White Lake and Highland. The following is the Q&A response from Highland trustee candidate Beth Lewis who is running for the open seat in the Aug. 7 primary.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

Lewis: My Husband and I have been Highland residents for 24 years

Patch: What community and civic organizations are you currently involved in?

Lewis: I am a “Charter Member” of the Highland Community Emergency Response Team. I am a member of the Highland Downtown Development Authority Board and serve as the Organization Committee Chairperson. I am also a member of the Highland Equestrian Conservancy Board.

Patch: What drew you to run for Trustee?

Lewis: I have always believed in volunteering and giving something back to the community you reside in. I am currently involved on two boards and I am well versed in how the township operates. I also am aware of issues residents and business owners are facing in these difficult economic times. A Trustee is an individual placed in a position of public trust with fiduciary responsibilities to manage the affairs of the township in the best interests of the public. This is a responsibility I will take very seriously.

Patch: What personal and professional experiences make you qualified to hold that position?

Lewis: I have current experience on multiple boards and am well versed in how township boards operate. I have helped organize many community special events. I’m also a team player and respect and listen to others even though I may not always agree with their point of view. As a commercial insurance underwriter I deal with insurance agents and business owners across Michigan.

Patch: What is the most important issue facing the township and what do you intend to do about it during your term in office?

Lewis: I feel that maintaining a balanced budget is one of the most important issues facing the township. The township needs to continue to spend wisely and always keep the best interests of our residents at heart. The most important item is properly maintaining township infrastructure before it collapses which costs more money to fix or replace. We should get quotes from outside vendors for refuse collection and recycling services on a yearly basis to make sure we are getting the most competitive pricing. We should also review the townships insurance program yearly with our agent and discuss coverages and pricing. We could also consider “job sharing” opportunities by township employees if necessary as a way to reduce expenses. We shouldn’t compromise police or fire protection since this is one of the most important services we provide to our residents.

Patch: How do you plan to address the vacant buildings in Highland including the former Highland Middle School building?

Lewis:  As a board member I would visit other rural hamlet type communities like Highland and talk to supervisors, board members, etc. I would discuss ways they have encouraged new tenants to move into vacant buildings and what has worked for them. I would also talk to small business owners in other communities and see if they would consider opening an additional store in Highland. I would talk to the owners of vacant buildings and encourage them to offer various incentives to entice prospective tenants to move in. I would push for local colleges to open a branch at our vacant middle school.

Patch: What is your vision for Highland Township, where do you see the township in 10 or even 20 years, and what does the township need to do now to realize that vision?

Lewis: We need to maintain a balanced budget now and in the future. We must keep Highland’s charming rural hamlet atmosphere. We are an oasis in the midst of urban sprawl. We are unique and don’t want to be a “clone” of communities around us. We need to preserve our clean air, clean water and green spaces for future generations. We need to have a vibrant downtown area where people like to work, shop and play. Highland needs to remain a place we all want to come home to. To realize our vision we must spend wisely and get residents and business owners involved.