By Jacob Swiecicki, Staff Reporter.
The American Association of University Professors, AAUP, hosted a debate at the Delta campus on Oct. 22 between write-in candidates campaigning for the Board of Trustees. The four write-in candidates running for election on Nov. 4 for the open Bay County trustee seat are Diane Middleton, Charles Juers, Charin Davenport, and John Wright.
The debate focused on the candidates’ qualifications as well as their goals for Delta should they be elected. Rob Clark, editor of The Bay City Times, moderated the discussion and students, faculty, and community members attended to hear from the candidates.
Middleton is a Delta College alumni and resident of Bay City who has had experience serving on boards, such as the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce. Middleton has a son who is currently studying welding at Delta.
“Delta College is such a great asset,” said Middleton, ” The members of that community have a responsibility to maintain that asset.”
Charin Davenport is a Delta English Adjunct Instructor and recent cancer survivor. After joining the Navy in 1974, Davenport received the G.I. Bill and went back to college where she learned to be a reporter. Davenport focused her career on education, eventually earning a Master’s of Science in Education from State University of New York, becoming an English teacher and returning to Michigan.
“This is kinda bringing everything full circle for me,” said Davenport. ”I think I bring a perspective to the board that probably hasn’t been there in quite some time.”
Charles Juers, who arrived a half an hour into the debate due to work obligations is the most recent person to file as a write-in candidate for the Bay County seat.
According to Juers, he applied to be a write-in candidate because he’s looking to advance his life. “I’ve never heard anything bad about Delta,” said Juers.
John Wright was unable to attend the debate due to a vacation in Italy.
Voters from Midland, Bay and Saginaw county will have the opportunity Nov. 4 to elect a write-in for the Bay County seat. According to Bay County Clerk Cynthia Luczak when voting for a write-in candidate you must spell out the candidate’s name in the designated area and fill in an oval or connect an arrow, depending on which county you live in. Candidates’ names must be spelled correctly, or as close as possible. Nicknames will not count toward a vote.
