Flint Township View

Three vying for supervisor’s position at Gaines Township


Paul Fortino

Paul Fortino

GAINES TWP. — Incumbent Supervisor Paul Fortino will face two challengers — Charles Melki and Lee Purdy — in the Nov. 3 general election.

Here’s what the candidates had to say:

Paul Fortino, Age: 73

Education: Graduate Swartz Creek High School

Accomplishments: • Gaines Township Supervisor, 2002 – 2012, 2014 – Current • Genesee County (GC) 9-1-1 Executive Board – Current • GC Water & Waste Advisory Board — Current including Sewer Subcommittee and Budget Subcommittee • GC Roads & Bridges Advisory Board – Current • Gaines Township Trustee 1986 – 1996 • Gaines Township Planning Commission,1976

– 1996 • Gaines Township Zoning Board of Appeals, 1982-1986

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected?

To continue to uphold my responsibility as Township Supervisor to work in partnership with the Township Board and County agencies for the benefit of the residents of Gaines Township.

Chuck Melki

Chuck Melki

To continue the aggressive Township

Road Improvement Project for the maintenance and improvement of Township roads.

To secure funding for long term requirements of Township Fire Department needs such as Class A Pumper Truck.

To secure stable funding source to continue Township part time Police Department for the safety and security of Township residents.

To continue to move Township forward with a balanced operating budget. To use my experience and knowledge to work with County agencies for the benefit of the residents of the Township.

To govern honestly, according to the law and not to special interests.

Chuck Melki, Age: 59

Education: Mott Community College, Oakland University

Accomplishments: Gaines Township Supervisor, Swartz Creek School District Board member, former president of zoning board in the City of Swartz Creek, Genesee County Water and Waste Advisory Committee, Union President for Genesee County Sherriff’s Department, 35 years of law enforcement experience and local business owner

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected?

I would like to maintain a transparent and fair government for all residents of Gaines Township. As the former supervisor of Gaines Township, I worked diligently to implement efficient processes and maintain a tight budget. I know the importance of being careful with community member’s money. We are currently spending more money with no increase in services or infrastructure. My solution is to return to a streamlined budget and secure grants as I have in the past. Additionally, following state and local guidelines will be of the utmost importance.

Lee Purdy, Age: 61

Education: Lansing Community College, some work in graphic design. Durand High School, Class of 1977

Accomplishments: Owner of farm and flouring mill for past 20 years. Feed 30 families with CSA (Community Supported

Agriculture). Trustee for 20 years in Gaines Twp., 2 years in Venice Twp, Shiawassee County. Also work as a graphic artist.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? I would like to continue Paul Fortino’s excellent infrastructure program, including dealing with chronic drainage issues. I am interested in creating a full-time police department to more adequately protect our citizens.

The Genesee County View will run more candidate profiles next week for the various races throughout the county.