Meet the candidates: Linda Spangler running for treasurer in Huron Township

Photo submitted by Linda Spangler

Meet the candidates column   The Huron Hub  Posted Oct. 10, 2020

Editor’s note: As the 2020 election draws near, the residents in Huron Township would like to hear more about each candidate that is running for office or reelection.

Recently, every person running on the Huron Township ballot was invited to use The Huron Hub as a platform to get their voice heard. All letters in this column are submitted by the candidates themselves and are not edited by Huron Hub staff. Letters are posted in the order they are received, and candidates have until Oct. 12 to submit their letters. Letters will not be accepted from the candidates after Oct. 12.

Readers can access all candidate letters on a special section of HuronHub.com HERE.

The following letter was submitted by Linda Spangler:

My name is Linda Spangler; I am a third generation Huron Township resident, proud Huron High School graduate. I attended Wayne County Community College. I’ve been married 19 years to Daniel Spangler. I am a proud mother of two wonderful young adults; Katie and Sean, both Huron Graduates. Also I am a proud grandmother to Lincoln, Evangeline and Coraline. I have been working as a Real Estate Transaction Coordinator. In 2017 and again in 2019 I began working at Melvindale North Allen Park School District as a Reading Specialist, Paraprofessional and a Testing Proctor. Currently due to Covid-19 my position has been put on hold as the district is offering only on-line schooling.

I served as your Huron Township Trustee from 2004 to 2008 and as your Treasurer from 2008 to 2016. I was a 4 year member of the Association of Public Treasurer’s United States and Canada, I attended the Michigan Municipal Treasurer’s Association from 2008-2016 where I received my Accreditation through Michigan Treasurer’s Institute (Central Michigan University), served on the Michigan Municipal Treasurer’s Association Education Committee. I also received my Certification in the Michigan Government Financial Officer’s Association. I attended the three year program at the Michigan Township Governance Academy 2005-2008. I received my certification with the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association, former member of the Michigan Citizen Corps and the Huron Township Community Response Team (CERT). I hold my Certification from the Crisis Preventative Institute.

While serving our community I was appointed on several committees; I was Chair of the Heath Care and Policy Committees, member of the Negotiation/Grievance Committee, Park and Recreation Commission Board Liaison, Alliance of Downriver Watershed Liaison, Huron River Watershed Municipal-Advisory Liaison, Elections Committee, Capital Improvement Committee, Recycling Commission and the Downriver Community Conference alternate. I have experience and knowledge of the statuary duties and responsibilities of the office of Treasurer, internal controls, cash managements, legal limitations on investments, budgeting and the uniform chart of accounts.

Some of my most proud accomplishments while serving our community;

-One of 4 board members who proudly supported the hiring of our current Police Chief and Public Safety Director; Everette Robbins. Through his leadership and experience our Police Department has become one of the best and most respected departments in southeast Michigan.

-Supported the hiring our first full time Fire Chief; Jamie Hinojosa. As a lifelong resident he knows our community and takes pride in serving the residents and building a better department that will give us the absolute best service we all desire.

-Reorganized the Treasurers Department staff which included cross training, reducing overtime and utilizing part time payroll staff to lessen employee legacy costs to the tax payers.

-Along with area Treasurer’s I worked with County officials to streamline and support state legislation that “disallowed” delinquent landbank owners to fall through the delinquent tax loop holes, allowing them to over step common tax laws.

-Spearheaded the acquisition of 80 acres and an adjacent parcel of 22 acres to be developed into a future sports and nature park.

-Received the award of $75,000 to enhance Lajko Park and build the townships first regulation Little League field located at the Joseph Waltz Park.

-Led the development the township’s first Policy Manual.

-Led the development of the township’s first web site. Hurontownship-mi.gov

-During the Recessions of 2008 and 2012; I along with my fellow board members and employees implemented strategies to increase the township’s fund balance for all government funds.

-Creatively utilizing Community Development Block Grant funds to build the nation’s first Senior Citizens Park and the Senior Citizen Community Center known as “The Senior Barn.”

I worked hard every day, successfully staying solvent during 2 recessions. We did not go without injury as we were forced to privatize our ambulance service and lose several fine full time firefighters/EMS employees. I am confident under the direction of Public Safety Director Robbins and Chief Hinojosa they will continue to build the public safety departments we all desire.

During my campaign I have been out visiting residents who love our small town charm but want services that can better suit their busy lifestyles. I will promote our community as an ideal location to attract the right businesses, while supporting our small businesses to ensure our small town charm remains as it should. I am proud to have worked alongside with fellow board members to attract companies like Inergy/Plastic Omnium and Brose to locate in our community and I will continue to work hard at bringing the right businesses here. This will allow an increased tax base to build a better community that serves us all.

I do my research and review all the facts before making a decision, a decision that affects us all. You can review my voting record on the Huron Township Web site. I am proud of many accomplishments and believe I have more to offer our community. My door will always be open.

With the political world we now live in we must be even more transparent and we must work together to unite us all as one community. I would appreciate your support in the upcoming election. Please VOTE November 3rd General Election or by your requested Absentee Ballot.

If you’d like more information or have any questions please feel free to contact me at 734-753-4170.

Thank you!