Empire Township Supervisor Carl “Bucky” Noonan is being challenged by Democrat nominee David Hendricks.
Noonan is a Glen Lake graduate; previous owner of Grumpy’s Market and a past member of Glen Lake Fire and Rescue.
Both candidates were sent questions in mid-September. Here are Noonan’s responses. Hendricks did not respond to the questionnaire.
We asked candidates to respond to three questions, limiting their answers to 75 words each.
1.) Empire Township has had a facilities study for a new fire station since 2018. Given the length of time that has passed, is this assessment accurate?
Is Station 2 of the Glen Lake Fire Department needed and still under consideration?
Noonan: Yes, the assessment is still accurate. A new station is needed because the size of new equipment, the age of the building, and the service area. Engineers have looked at the station and there is no way to expand the current building or footprint. Station 2 is needed because it serves Empire township, and a new station is still under consideration. Finding an ideal location is important because it could lower insurance premiums for residents.
2.) During the COVID pandemic, local municipalities were through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. How much did the township receive? What has the township done with the funds?
Noonan: Empire Township received approximately $85,000 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The board decided to use this to help cover a portion of the cost for an upgrade to the kitchen in the townhall. This was a long overdue and needed upgrade.
• 3.) The Empire Campground is the only township-owned campground in the county. How does this fit into the township’s annual budget? Is it a money-maker or a drain on township coffers?
Noonan: Currently the township campground is self-sustaining and meets its own needs for maintenance and upgrades. The excellent township employees give customers a great experience and bring the campers back year after year. The campground does generate some revenue, but the funds are restricted to recreational uses including but not limited to the Empire Airport and the Glen Lake Community Library.
