Liberty Township primary ballot sets up fall supervisor contest/By Marth Knight

A current supervisor seeks re-election and a former supervisor seeks to return to that position. Each is unopposed for his party's nomination in the May 21 primary, so indications are that they will face each other in the fall municipal election for the single six-year term to be filled this year.

Democratic incumbent Charles Safford of Upper Portage Road was a dark horse winner six years ago. He has partnered closely with Republican supervisors Gary Turner and, more recently, Bruce Klein to maintain and improve township highways. Also, in recent months, Safford has been involved in planning for a grant-aided expansion of sewer and water services into the Liberty Villa area of the township.

Township facilities in Route 155 South have been upgraded, equipment has been repaired and added to, and equipment maintenance capacity has been increased with Safford's help.

During his earlier term as supervisor, Republican candidate Fred Ernst III of Coleman Road was a member of the highway crew. He continued in that capacity until recently. In a recent Republican candidates' forum Ernst stated, “I disagree with a lot of things chuck (Safford) has done and how they do the work.”

Sandra Kinney, Upper Portage Road, seeks another term as tax collector. She is unopposed.

Other available positions are those of auditor (two positions), constable, judge of election and inspector of election. Betty Lou Stebbins of Upper Grimes Road has filed for reelection to the Democratic inspector of election position. The other positions did not attract any candidates.