Kasson Township has two candidates seeking the Republican nomination for township supervisor.
Greg Julian, the incumbent, will face challenger Ryan “Buzzy” Noonan for the Republican nomination.
Julian earned a degree in marketing management from Northern Michigan University. He works as a carpenter/property manager and serves as chair of the Cedar Fire and Rescue board. Julian lives south of Maple City on Co. Rd. 667 with this wife, Molly and daughter Lily Mae and is an advisor for the Glen Lake Community Library.
Noonan is a 1997 graduate of Glen Lake Community School. He and his wife, Denise, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters: Lily, Grace and Eden and two bulldogs.
He has worked on the family farm his whole life.
“I am running as a Republican but care more about doing what is right above all else,” Noonan said.
The winner of the Primary will be the only person on the November ballot. Supervisor terms are four years long.
Compensation this year for the post is $14,450, according to the 2024-25 budget.
We asked candidates three questions. Their responses are as follows, listed in alphabetical order.
1.) Kasson Township is investigating construction of a new fire station near the intersection of Burdickville and Coleman roads. What are the pros and cons of establishing a new station to serve residents in the southwest portion of the four township department? Is this needed?
JULIAN: Our four township department (CAFR) covers one of the largest geographic areas in northern Michigan. Yes, a second station is needed! Fire Chiefs, Township and Managing Boards and local mutual aid fire department partners have given input which was taken into account during investigative research. There is a need to improve service for the residents in western Kasson Township and beyond. Fast respond times are critical when providing fire and emergency services for residents you represent.
NOONAN: Pros would be: closer to the school, and closer service to the southwestern portion of the county. A new fire station is definitely needed but I am not sure at this time where the location would be.
2.) Anyone who goes to Maple City knows that the intersection of Maple City and Burdickville roads is in bad shape and needs some attention. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the best and 10 the worst, how do you rate the infrastructure (roads, sidewalks) in the unincorporated village? If improvements are needed, how would you fund these projects?
JULIAN: Improvements are in the works for Burdickville and Maple City roads. Kasson Township, the County Road Commission and law enforcement have been monitoring this intersection. Under our leadership and welcomed input from affected citizens, these roads will get the needed attention.
Funding of the improvement could come from joint funding partnerships, grants and from the township general fund. With a number one being the best rating, that number will my goal to obtain.
NOONAN: I would say the road itself is in fairly good shape a, 4 or 5, but the flow of traffic may need to be looked at. Aesthetically, Maple City needs some improvements. New and level sidewalks. Any improvement would be paid for by the Road Commission and the township.
3.) Unlike any other township in the county, Kasson Township has a gravel extraction district through which they regulate mining operations. Legislation has been proposed for the state to take over these regulatory issues. The end result: loss of local control.
How well does the ordinance balance the commercial activity with residents nearby? Is more regulation needed?
JULIAN: Kasson Township’s gravel district and local oversight of it, is something all of us living in the region can be proud of. Ever since the township’s victories in the Michigan Supreme Court and Circuit Court of Appeals, legislation has been proposed to reduce local oversight, putting Lansing lawmakers in its place. We strongly oppose the takeover of these regulatory issues by the State of Michigan. There is a good balance for all parties in the Kasson Township region.
NOONAN: As far as I know there have not been any complaints about how the gravel operations are run at the current time. No more regulation is needed from Lansing, where they have no clue how our gravel extraction ordinance works.
