9 candidates seek to fill seven spots on the Ypsilanti Township Park Commission in November 2024 election

Ypsilanti Township Park Commissioner

Seven positions on the Ypsilanti Township Park Commission are up for election, so voters may select up to seven of the nine candidates seeking the position. The ballot includes the names of seven candidates, but two are running as write-in options. Voters must write the candidate or candidates' names on the blank line on the ballot.

All seven members on the commission are elected to four-year terms.

The parks commission is responsible for developing policy regarding the planning and development of park land and recreational activities for residents. The commission meets the first Monday of each month, except for January, July and September, in the board room at the township civic center. In January, July and September, the commission meets on the second Monday of the month. The center is at 7200 S. Huron River Drive.

Write-in Candidate: Jason Sprague

Party: No party affiliation

Hometown: A resident of Ypsilanti Township for eight years; originally from Grands Rapids.

Public service: Involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma society for 10 years. Helps run the Ypsilanti rugby football club for the past four years.

Education: Doctorate degree from University of Iowa in philosophy and religious studies. Master's in comparative religion from Miami University, and bachelor's in religion and philosophy from Wabash College. Currently active in three academic unions: graduate student union at the University of Iowa and two lecturer unions, at EMU and University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Family: Husband, with a 4-year-old son

Priorities: Our parks should be used, usable, and community focused; and used more heavily for community events and recreation. Usability is the second priority, which requires accessibility and appropriate amenities, such as updating or adding parking, restroom
facilities, athletic fields and pavilions. The third priority is community. The township and the commission should connect with neighborhood groups, athletic clubs, and community organizations to gather feedback on what should be in the parks, then get them involved in creating and implementing a plan for improvements, and then maintenance of those improvements.

Write-in Candidate: Sadaf Ali 

Party: No party affiliation

Resident: Ypsilanti Township resident for three years

Education: Doctorate degree from Wayne State University in communications, master's in journalism from Columbia College-Chicago, and bachelor's in English from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Priorities: "My educational background, work experience, and union work has grounded me in equity in my community, especially in environmental justice. I’m focused on clean energy, clean water, and safe, accessible parks.” Ali's goals including working with state and federal partners to clean up waterways in Ypsilanti Township and the wider Washtenaw County area; creating educational programs for children K-12; and continuing to protect township parks.

Candidate: William Andrew "Drew" Crosby

Party: Democratic

Resident: Ypsilanti Township resident for seven years

Public service: Current director of the Ypsilanti athletic club.

Education: Received a Bachelor's of Business Administration in finance, Georgia State University

Family: Husband with two sons

Priorities: Providing a safe, robust, and sustainable winter basketball league, for all ages (especially adults). Build upon the relationships the Township Recreation & Parks Department has fostered with Ypsilanti Community Schools, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, and Washtenaw International High School & Middle Academy. Work with the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, Ypsi Real, and other partners to identify long-term opportunities that could bolster the Recreation & Parks department's budget and amenities. Capitalizing on events at Eagle Crest and the upcoming US Rowing competition.

Candidate: Lawrence W. Johnson

Party: Libertarian

Public service: Previously served as a township park commissioner

Priorities: Keeping parks useable and increasing activity, including improving playground structures, restroom
facilities, and pavilions. Also wants to partner with local community leaders and organizations to promote events at the parks and organized volunteer park cleanup.

Candidate: Star Smith

Party: Democratic

Public service: Currently serving as a member of the park commission

Priorities: Securing for everyone in the township and equal opportunity to earn a living wage above the property line in a crime free environment and raising the standard of living for all.

Candidate: Edward Burnett

Party: Democratic

Public service: Currently serving as a member of the park commission

Candidate: Ashley Agdorny Sanders

Party: Democratic

Candidate: Cassidy Creech

Party: Democratic

Candidate: Suzanne LaFrance

Party: Democratic