By Bruce Rolfe

While the Climax Village Council president race between interim president David Miller and Bill Lewis has created a significant amount of interest, the race for three four-year trustee seats and one partial term seat are also contested.

On the November 5 ballot running for three trustee seats is current trustees Alyssa Schwili, Janet Sutherland, Arlene VonHout and Nicholas Ludwig, along with Denise Munoz Pyle and Cathy Weissert.

Benjerman Moore will be on the ballot running for a partial term seat ending 11/30/2026, and write-in candidate Joshua Fleisher is also running for the position.

Friday, October 25, at 4 p.m. is the deadline for write-in candidates to submit a declaration of intent form.

The mandatory period of early voting begins Saturday, October 26. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on election day, November 5.

This week, the Climax Crescent is profiling the Village Council trustee races. The Crescent forwarded the same questions to all candidates. The candidates’ answers are published how they responded, however in some cases, grammar was corrected.

The Climax Crescent did not receive answers from Nicholas Ludwig and Benjerman Moore.

Climax Village Council Trustee 4-Year Term

Janet Sutherland

Question: How long have you lived in the Village of Climax?

Answer: 30 years.

Question: Any previous or current experience serving on any municipal board or council?

Answer: I have been on the village council as a trustee for 10 years.

Question: Why are you running for the position of Village Council Trustee?

Answer: I believe there is still a lot of good that can be done.

Question: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the Trustee position you are running for?

Answer: Because I am a humanitarian, and I believe in the people of Climax.

Question: What are some big issues the Village of Climax faces and what would be some of your suggestions to help correct those issues?

Answer: We must be united, together we can accomplish many things, like we have in the past. Better streets, law enforcement, making the village a safe family environment.

Question: What are some changes you feel should be considered in the Village of Climax to help make the village a better place to live and work in?

Answer: Transparency and believe that by working together for the best we can do for the people who live in Climax. We have a terrific council and DPW that works well for the
betterment of the village.

Alyssa Schwili

Question: How long have you lived in the Village of Climax?

Answer: I have lived in Climax since May of 2023. However my husband’s family, the Low’s, have been here since the early 1930s. They owned the Pharmacy and Low’s gas station. And the family lived in Climax all the way up to 1999 when my husband’s grandmother moved to Augusta..

Question: Any previous or current experience serving on any municipal board or council?

Answer: This is my first year. I previously worked for a Credit Union.

Question: Why are you running for the position of Village Council Trustee?

Answer: I am running because my husband’s family has been in Climax-Scotts since the early 1930s. I want to keep this a special little Village that will stay beautiful and healthy, along with my children growing up here now. I want it to be as remarkable as it was for my family before and families to come. I want to keep this Village alive.

Question: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the Trustee position you are running for?

Answer: I am willing to go above and beyond to help our village residents happy. Along with helping to meet their needs and wants for the village to come true.

Question: What are some big issues the Village of Climax faces and what would be some of your suggestions to help correct those issues?

Answer: I would say there is too much of everything working against one another. And we need more working together as a village. Yes, there is always going to be disagreements.
But I feel as a village, we need to come together as one and work together to make it a fun and enjoyable place to reside.

Question: What are some changes you feel should be considered in the Village of Climax to help make the village a better place to live and work in?

Answer: One concern is the night time mischief taking place. Having a surveillance camera in strategic locations that can help identify suspects is something to consider.

Question: How long have you lived in the Village of Climax?

Answer: 25 years

Question: Any previous or current experience serving on any municipal board or council?

Answer: I am currently serving on the Village Council.

Question: Why are you running for the position of Village Council Trustee?

Answer: I would like to continue serving the community.

Question: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the Trustee position you are running for?

Answer: I believe it takes a few months to learn the duties involved. Also, common sense and patience are necessary to effectively serve.

Question: What are some big issues the Village of Climax faces and what would be some of your suggestions to help correct those issues?

Answer: Although we live in the country, we are also inside the Village limits. Therefore, we must adhere to the ordinances and laws that make community living pleasant for all of
us. I would suggest that ordinance complaints be in writing, with details and possible pictures to support the issue.

Question: What are some changes you feel should be considered in the Village of Climax to help make the village a better place to live and work in?

Answer: I love living here. Small town living, but close enough to city amenities. The Memorial Day festivities, ball games, our little park and library. I am always open to suggestions, with the good of the community and cost taken into consideration.

Cathy Weissert

Question: How long have you lived in the Village of Climax?

Answer: Twenty two years. In February, 2025, it will be 23 years.

Question: Any previous or current experience serving on any municipal board or council?

Answer: I was Climax Township treasurer from 2002 to 2007, first appointed, then elected. As an assessor, I assist the Board of Review in March, July and December meetings.

Question: Why are you running for the position of Village Council Trustee?

Answer: I feel the citizens of Climax Village need a positive change in leadership.

Question: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the Trustee position you are running for?

Answer: I have worked in government for 22 years, township, county and city, and have a balanced understanding of how all departments should work together efficiently.

Question: What are some big issues the Village of Climax faces and what would be some of your suggestions to help correct those issues?

Answer: A big issue right now is communication. Citizens need to be listened to, treated with respect and to have action taken to resolve problems.

Question: What are some changes you feel should be considered in the Village of Climax to help make the village a better place to live and work in?

Answer: I feel that a leadership change is necessary.  If leadership is welcoming and open to discussion and change, the citizens will feel more comfortable where they live.

Denise Munoz-Pyle

Question: How long have you lived in the Village of Climax?

Answer: My family has lived within the village since 1976. I graduated from Climax-Scotts High School and once married, my husband Scott and I raised our family here, where they attended K-12. Altogether I have been a resident for over 40 years.

Question: Any previous or current experience serving on any municipal board or council?

Answer: I am retired, however in my past career I was a professional negotiator for the Michigan Education Association and provided representation to over 2,000 individuals. My
skills included negotiating the wages, hours, terms and conditions these people worked in. I was often required to be a good listener and mediator to work through the daily
problems that would arise. That is a skill set that I feel is needed for public service.

Question: Why are you running for the position of Village Council Trustee?

Answer: It’s time for a change. Current leadership has lost touch with village residents in regard to working through problems, listening to residents, and appropriately spending hard earned taxpayer money. I am seeking a trustee seat because I want to be a positive change for our community. I want to work with our community on problems instead of against. My goal is to lend a hand to village residents when needed instead of punitively singling out individuals that may have fallen on hard times. We don’t live in a homeowner’s association, and we can accomplish so much more when we work together. I want to bring back small-town values and put the “community” back in the community.

Question: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the Trustee position for which you are running?

Answer: I feel that I will bring a fresh set of perspective ideas and skillset to our community. I feel that I would be the best candidate because I am a candidate that will provide equal representation to everyone without disparities. I will listen to any concerns, ideas, or thoughts for change and will be accessible to those I represent. I will work together with residents to problem solve and improve our Village. I will maintain office hours for any concerns or questions that arise and promise to always be responsive to residents within a timely fashion.

Question: What are some of the big issues the Village of Climax faces and what would be some of your suggestions to help correct some of those issues?

Answer: Some big issues the village is currently facing are improper use and allocation of taxpayer money, infrastructure, lack of accessibility for residents to voice concerns or suggestions. These issues go hand in hand with each other. For instance, the village’s infrastructure issues (tornado siren, sidewalks, water, and drainage etc.) aren’t adequately being assessed and maintained. Allocated funds are being put toward other unnecessary causes such as nonsensical code concerns, legal expenditures, and studies that don’t benefit the majority. A lot of these issues could be addressed by working together with residents at the root of the problem and creating an opportunity for more community input and involvement that benefits the majority, not the minority.

Question: What are some changes you feel should be considered in the Village of Climax to help make the village a better place to live and work in?

Answer: Not available

Candidate did not respond with answers.

Partial term seat ending 11/30/2026

Question: How long have you lived in the Village of Climax?

Answer: I have lived in the Village of Climax for 6 months. My girlfriend and I purchased her family home, which has been in her family for 40 years, and we have been remodeling it as we begin our new life together.

Question: Any previous or current experience serving on any municipal board or council?

Answer: I do not have previous experience serving on a municipal board or council. Over the past 8 years, I have been frequently relocating for work, including 6 years in the Air National Guard and various work-related travels.

Question: Why are you running for the position of Village Council Trustee?

Answer: I’ve greatly enjoyed living in the Village of Climax and am enthusiastic about seeing it thrive as a vibrant and growing community.

Question: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the Trustee position you are running for?

Answer: My experiences as a young man who has served this nation and lived in various places have provided me with a broad and unique perspective. This diverse background
allows me to approach challenges with a fresh and informed viewpoint. Having served our county, I bring a deep sense of responsibility and dedication. This commitment to service
translates into a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the community. My background offers a modern and innovative perspective that can help in addressing current issues and implementing new solutions. I am eager to bring forward-thinking ideas to the role and work collaboratively with the community to achieve our goals.

Question: What are some big issues the Village of Climax faces and what would be some of your suggestions to help correct those issues?

Answer: Many small villages struggle with limited economic growth and declining local businesses. I would suggest finding ways to organize community events and markets to boost visibility. I would also suggest the village begin to develop partnerships with some sort of regional economic development agency to attract new businesses. Focus on industries that align with the village’s strengths and needs. I’d like to see a local restaurant return to Climax and a gym established nearby to support and enhance community health.

Question: What are some changes you feel should be considered in the Village of Climax to help make the village a better place to live and work in?

Answer: To make the Village of Climax a more attractive place to live and work, we should focus on enhancing our infrastructure and supporting local businesses. Upgrading roads (44th street railroad tracks), utilities, and public facilities will improve daily convenience and quality of life, reducing the need for residents to commute outside the area for work. Investing in infrastructure improvements will also make the village more appealing to businesses, encouraging them to set up shop locally. By developing a more robust infrastructure and fostering a supportive environment for local enterprises, we can create a self-sufficient community where residents have access to essential services, job opportunities, and amenities right within the village, ultimately boosting both economic growth and overall satisfaction.

Benjerman Moore

Candidate did not respond with answers.

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