Three candidates are seeking two trustee seats on the Kasson Township Board.
Incumbents Kenneth “Tad” Carter and Roger Noonan are seeking reelection to four-year seats as is former zoning administrator Mike Lanham.
Carter is a 45-year resident of Kasson Township. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree in administration.
A retired teacher/administrator from Benzie Central Schools, Cater is married to Agnes Shimek Carter and have two children and two grandchildren.
Noonan is a life long resident of Kasson Township. He is self employed as a third generation farmer and has been married to his wife, Beth, for 47 years.
The Noonans have three children and nine grandchildren.
Lanham has deep roots in Kasson Township as well. He graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools in 1992 and returned to work fulltime for the family construction company in 2001.
We asked candidates to respond to three questions, limiting length to 75 words each.
Here’s what they had to say:
1.) What experience do you have which qualifies you for the office of trustee?
CARTER: My experience includes serving two terms as a Kasson Township trustee and chairing the Kasson Township Planning Commission. I also spent over twenty years as president of the Benzie County Central Education Association, where I negotiated contracts and participated in mediation, arbitration, fact-finding, and grievance sessions. Additionally, I have been involved in various agricultural pursuits in Kasson Township, including cherry farming, hay farming, beekeeping, and maple syrup production.
LANHAM: From 2009 to 2019, I served as the township zoning administrator, collaborating with the planning commission and township board during their monthly meetings. In March 2023, I was appointed to the planning commission and was appointed by the commission and in January 2024, I assumed the role as chairperson. My extensive experience and regular attendance at board meetings equip me to effectively serve as a trustee.
NOONAN: I have been a trustee in Kasson Township for 36 years and have helped the township navigate through many issues and changes. I feel I can continue to make good decisions for the people of Kasson Township.
2.) The township is considering construction of a new fire station in Kasson Township. What’s your position on this proposal?
CARTER: I believe that Kasson Township residents should decide through a vote whether a new fire station is needed on the west side of the township. This decision should be made after gathering input and presenting relevant statistics, such as ambulance and fire department runs, from the Cedar Fire Department. Furthermore, any mileage for construction and operational expenses should be voted on by the residents.
LANHAM: The 2019 master plan survey shows residents want better Fire and EMS coverage. The board’s researching and planning for a new fire station addresses this, improving safety and response times, and enhancing the Cedar Area Fire Department’s coverage area. I support this proposal as it strengthens emergency services within our township and with the neighboring townships which Cedar Area Fire Department, benefiting everyone.
NOONAN: We certainly need another location with the influx of people moving into the township and surrounding area. I am in support of a new fire station.
3.) Year after year, there have been legislative efforts to usurp local control over gravel extraction/ mining. Given Kasson Township’s great volume of gravel and gravel extraction ordinance, who is better equipped to regulate these uses?
CARTER: I oppose the expansion of the Kasson Township gravel district, believing that local control is essential. The current rate of gravel consumption suggests that expansion is unnecessary, and our township board has worked to regulate gravel mining effectively. I am against legislative efforts to strip local control, driven by the aggregate lobby’s interests.
LANHAM: Local government is best equipped to regulate gravel extraction and mining. Residents need local contacts, like our zoning administrator, planning commission and town board to address issues with Special Use Permits should and when those issues arise. Kasson Township established their gravel district to keep gravel in a controlled area and is committed to maintaining local control to prioritize community interests and concerns.
NOONAN: The township has done a good job of controlling the gravel extraction and we have spent many hours developing the gravel district. We don’t need the state to step in and take control.
