Two compete for Ira Township mayor’s seat – The Voice

Ira Township voters will choose between two Republican candidates vying for the position of supervisor on August 6. (Courtesy of Google Maps)

On August 6, Ira Township voters will choose between two Republican candidates vying for the supervisor seat.

Incumbent James J. Endres Jr. is being challenged for the seat by newcomer Isaac Joseph. There are no Democratic candidates for supervisor on the ballot.

The Ira Township manager’s annual salary is $35,000, including meetings, said Jean Corbat, Ira Township clerk.

Questions and answers with candidates

The Voice sent questionnaires to the two candidates, asking them to provide biographical information and answer two questions. Each answer was limited to 75 words.

Q: Biography: Please provide information about yourself, including age, education, occupation and any previous political experience.

James J. Endres Jr.: My name is Jim Endres Jr. I am married with two daughters and one grandchild. I graduated from Anchor Bay High School and have worked in construction my entire life after retiring from the St. Clair County Road Commission. I have served on the Ira Township Board for over 25 years, as a Supervisor since 2017, and previously served on the Township Fire Department, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission.

Isaac Joseph: I live in Ira Township. I am 39 and was homeschooled through high school. I have owned my own construction company since 2015 and have no political experience.

Q: What do you think makes you the best qualified candidate?

James J. Endres Jr.: As a lifelong resident of Ira Township, I value the opportunity to serve our residents; it is something I try to do daily in the office. My many years of experience as a dedicated member of the Township government gives me insight into the needs of the Township. I have the drive and conviction to lead Ira Township in a positive direction and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve as Township Supervisor.

Isaac Joseph: I can’t say I’m the most qualified…hell, I’ve never held public office before. But I’m the only one who’s campaigned for this. One thing I can say is, I know how to hold a community together; I know how to listen to people.

Q: What do you think is the biggest problem facing Ira Township and what would you do if elected to solve it?

James J. Endres Jr.: Ira Township has problems with blight and vacant buildings. Since taking over oversight, we have aggressively addressed this problem and changed the way we handle cases. We have successfully demolished three abandoned buildings and resolved countless other issues in court. Although blight is very costly to address, I will continue to budget and work with our bylaw officer to continue the process of cleaning up our township.

Isaac Joseph: The biggest problem is the big corporations and politicians who want to ignore the little people, the citizens whose voices are being drowned out. I feel a deep obligation to the citizens of Ira to make their voices and desires for their community heard in the political forum.

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