You may not pay much attention to Whitewater Township government. We have busy lives and expect our local government to work efficiently and effectively. But our elected representatives have fallen far short of our expectations. Go to the township website, watch a board meeting, and the dysfunction will be obvious. Or look at the large legal expenses found on financial statements.

On Aug. 6, the registered voters of Whitewater have an opportunity to say “enough is enough.”

Five candidates have stepped up to offer alternatives to chaos and inefficiency. They are committed to work together, each bringing a unique background and perspective, to do much better. They all love our community and want a new day in which we listen to residents, work together, and accomplish what is needed. They will provide the refreshing new leadership we expect, deserve, and can be proud of. They are committed to focusing on resident priorities:

  • Rural Character & Agri Business
  • EMS and Fire Protection
  • Shoreline & Environmental Protection
  • Master Plan implementation with required ordinances
Linda Slopsema

Linda Slopsema

Supervisor

Candidate Details
Wendy Hoeksema

Wendy Hoeksema

Clerk

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Jill Koester

Jill Koester

Treasurer

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Tim Arends

Tim Arends

Trustee

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Randy Mielnik

Randy Mielnik

Trustee

Candidate Details
We want to address what we’ve “heard on the streets.” With that in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to answer questions/comments on what we’ve heard.

Let us start by saying that we’re all individuals with differing opinions. There’s no “groupthink” here! We’re running as a team because we each bring deep knowledge and a wide breadth of experience in our area of expertise, something badly needed in our township. For example, Linda is a proven strong leader with keen management skills. She can listen and understand what residents want. Wendy has experience in healthcare, education, and public service. She has strong management skills and played a significant role in facilitating the Cowell Family Cancer Center opening in Traverse City. Jill is a longtime resident of Williamsburg with 30 years of financial and accounting experience. Her goal is to streamline and bring efficiency to the treasurer’s office, something sorely needed. Randy is a Community Planner with 40 years of experience. He has deep knowledge and skill in managing community growth and change. Tim’s skillset is in project management and strategic planning. He has a strong background in finance and management. As individuals, we’re strong. As a team, we’re stronger!

Last year, a survey was sent to residents, and workshops were held to understand what residents deeply cared about. What was clear was that residents wanted to preserve rural character. We agree! The draft Master Plan reflects this value. We understand that farms are businesses that do not exist solely to provide rural character for the community. We want farmers to thrive, and with good community planning, they will. There are multiple options to preserve farms and rural landscapes. This is a priority, and we look forward to digging deeply into this subject.

There are NO proposed zoning amendments to increase lot sizes from 10 or 20 acres, and there are no references to that in the draft of the Master Plan. This is a rumor that only scares residents, especially farmers.

Wendy is running unopposed, and to leverage expenses, we thought it prudent that four of us, rather than five, share costs.

We see Whitewater Township as a community of many people from all walks of life. Everyone living here can express what they want their community to look like. That’s why paying attention and being involved in local government is important. We want to hear from you to help preserve what we love, fix what’s broken, and build what we need. We can do this with all of your help. It’s a new day with five people willing to step up to the plate to represent you. Please vote for us!

Don't forget to vote on November 5th!

Don't forget to vote!
  • Paid for by Citzens to Elect these candidates;
  • Linda Slopsema, 9693 Miami Beack Rd., Williamsburg, MI 49690
  • Wendy Hoeksema, 8635 Church St., Williamsburg, MI 49690
  • Jill Koester, 4531 Williamsburg Rd., Williamsburg, MI 49690
  • Tim Arends, 10180 Elk Lake Trail, Williamsburg, MI 49690
  • Randy Mielnik, 9304 Wheeler Oaks Dr., Williamsburg, MI 49690
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