Primary forum to host Democratic candidates for Brighton supervisor

This year, there’s a primary to determine the Democratic candidate for Brighton town supervisor. There’s Bill Moehle, town attorney, who is endorsed by the town’s Democratic committee, and Susan Kramarsky, who is currently serving as the town’s clerk.

Ahead of the primary vote, there will be a forum featuring both Democratic candidates. The moderator will be Barbara DeLeeuw, with Paul Holahan timing the candidates’ speeches. The program will start with each candidate having three minutes for opening remarks. Questions, submitted by the audience, will be asked to both candidates, who have two minutes to respond. Closing remarks for each candidate will run two minutes each.

Here's a rundown of the candidates' visions for Brighton:

Susan Kramarsky
Hometown: Brighton
Age: 59
Occupation: Brighton Town Clerk
Family: Husband, two adult daughters

What prompted you to run for town supervisor?
I am running for supervisor because as town clerk, having been elected six times, I have interacted with thousands of our residents in person.  I have found great satisfaction in helping address their problems and concerns. As supervisor, I will expand that philosophy of service and attitude to the entire town government.

What do you see as your greatest accomplishment while working for the town of Brighton so far?
In three words: access, service and effectiveness.  I have improved and facilitated access to town records for individuals and businesses; I have extended hours to be there when residents needed a town service; I have worked diligently to ensure that our residents are well served and that the work is done accurately, courteously and in a timely manner.

What do you see as the biggest challenges in the town, and how would you plan to overcome them?
Tough economic realities compel us to make different decisions going forward. I will initiate a strategic plan for development and improvements, both in the town and in town hall, with measurable outcomes. Our town needs its leadership to protect what we have and assure viability for our future. We need to ensure development is consistent with town values without making development impossible.

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Bill Moehle
Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan; Brighton resident for 32 years
Age: 56
Occupation: Brighton town attorney, private law practice in Brighton
Family: Wife Barbara, three adult daughters, three step-children

What prompted you to run for town supervisor?
I have served Brighton as attorney to the town for 18 years, as a leader in Rotary and the Brighton Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of several not-for-profit boards.  Brighton is my home and as supervisor, I can use my skills and my experience to preserve Brighton’s unique character and build upon its strengths.

What do you see as your greatest accomplishment while working for the town of Brighton so far?
My greatest accomplishment working for Brighton has been my role in enabling Brighton to develop a park system with over 400 acres of parkland.  From the first park projects approved in 1993 to the newly proposed purchase of 73 acres between Elmwood and Westfall, I have played a major role in every Brighton open space project.

What do you see as the biggest challenges in the town, and how would you plan to overcome them?
The major challenge we face is that government, and taxpayers, have scarce resources.  Government must find a way to make the most its resources it has, while recognizing that taxpayers are also stretched.  My business and financial experience make me best equipped to address this challenge, while still maintaining Brighton’s quality of life.