Holly candidate debate slated for Thursday

Mike Wagner will be moderating...

HOLLY, Michigan – Candidates running for Holly Village Council seats as well as those vying for a seat on the Holly Township Board of Trustees will be squaring off Thursday evening, thanks to a debate sponsored by The Holly Express.

Former President for the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce, Mike Wagner, will serve as moderator for the debate, while Tony Mayhew, President of the Holly Area Schools Board of Education, will serve as timekeeper.

“This is the second time The Holly Express has sponsored such a debate,” Amy Mayhew, owner and publisher of The Holly Express said. “We had a fairly good turnout for it in 2010, and I’m hoping we can get more interested residents out for this one – it’s a great opportunity for voters to get to know the candidates and the issues that are important to them.”

The debate will run in two sections with general candidates for the Holly Township Board of Trustees debating, followed by Holly Village Council candidates in the first half. After a short intermission, residents will hear candidates for Holly Township Supervisor debate, followed by three candidates contending to become Holly’s next village president.

Running for general council positions this year are residents Bob Allsop, Ryan Bladzik, Bill Kuyk, John Lauve, and Debra Musgrave. Village president candidates facing off on Thursday include Peter Clemens, Jason Hughes and current Village President Jeff Miller.

Candidates hoping to become a trustee for the Holly Township Board of Trustees include challenger Mark Cornwell and current Trustees Janet Leslie and Steve Ruth. With Supervisor Jesse Lambert poised to step down in November, George Kullis and Dale Smith are competing for the position. Both will debate on Thursday evening.

The debate takes place from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Karl Richter Campus (Holly Middle School) Auditorium, 920 Baird St., Holly. There is no cost for admission and the event is open to the general public.