Most Monroe County elected official races are uncontested within a party or the incumbent is currently the only candidate.

The most prominent race among countywide offices this primary election season is a Democratic face-off in the race for Monroe County Clerk/Register of Deeds.

Most other races are uncontested within a party or the incumbent is currently the only candidate.

Each candidate was asked to answer the following question: What challenges will you face in your elected office because of the pandemic and how can they be addressed?

Answers were limited to 125 words.

MICHAEL G. ROEHRIG

Age, place of birth: 63; Detroit

Occupation, employer: Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney

Education: Juris Doctor, University of Toledo College of Law; bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, economics and business administration from Hillsdale College

Memberships: Michigan State Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association, CrimeStoppers of Michigan, Monroe County Fire Investigation Team, Monroe County Criminal Justice and Technology Committee

Length of residency: 25 years

Public offices held: Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, 2019-present; Chief Assistant Prosecuting, 2015-2019

Answer: As Prosecuting Attorney and head of the Office of Prosecuting Attorney, my team of dedicated attorneys and administrative professionals and I will continue to fulfill the mission of the Prosecutor’s Office throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome the unique challenges presented by the Coronavirus, we have collaborated with the judiciary, the law enforcement community, technology partners and many others. Our staff works every day (seven days per week) to promote the ends of justice by effectively and efficiently prosecuting violations of the law, helping to maintain community security, and advancing a fair and reasoned administration of the law. Our commitment demands the extensive use of technology, including video-conferencing, and maintaining open lines of communication – both within our office and with our community partners.

TROY GOODNOUGH

Age: 54

Address: Raisinville Township

Spouse: Carolee

Children: Emily, Amber and Carson

Occupation, employer: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Major of Jail Operations

Education: Monroe High School; attended Monroe County Community College; bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Spring Arbor University; master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Memberships: Monroe Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Kiwanis Club of Monroe, Board of Directors Monroe Family YMCA, Monroe Center for Health Aging, Community Corrections Advisory Board and a Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

Length of residency: Lifelong

Answer: We have already responded with protocols that protect our employees and the inmates. Our team has clearly demonstrated its ability to develop a response plan and implement it. What will be as impactful is the financial challenges on multiple fronts. Our partnership with the federal government has been diminished resulting in less cost sharing. With the state facing its own budget shortfall across Michigan including Monroe County, we are bracing and preparing for reductions in revenue sharing used to support public safety and jail operations. Our focus will be on protecting our community and its citizens with the resources available to us. Fortunately, the law enforcement agencies in Monroe work jointly and I am confident this effort will continue and help keep our citizens safe.

LOGAN TISDALE

Age, place of birth: New York

Address: Temperance

Spouse: Kathy

Children: 2

Occupation, employer: Retired Michigan State Police

Military service: Army, three years

Memberships: Michigan State Police Troopers Association-Retired

Length of residency: 38 years

Answer: It is impossible at this time to determine what will be the protocol for the Covid-19 pandemic that we presently are experiencing. It is unknown if there will be a vaccine developed and approved by the F.D.A. by January 1, 2021.

Whatever protocol is required in January 2021 as implemented by the C.D.C., State of Michigan and local health department, it will be strictly administered. PPE’s will be available and utilized if required.

SANDRA L. BLANK

Age, place of birth: 69; Arco, Idaho

Address: 5019 Skylark Dr., Monroe

Spouse: Wayne L. Blank, Sr.

Children: Aprell D. Babic-Blank

Occupation, employer: Retired administrative assistant; Michigan State Dept. of Corrections, Probation/Parole 38th Circuit Court

Memberships: American Legion Auxiliary, Post 514 Ida; American Legion Riders, Post 514 Ida; Bethany Eagles Nest Church.

Length of residency: 49 years

Answer: Challenges regarding the pandemic will be minimal. Guidelines have already been established and in practice since March. I will be responsible for enforcing the guidelines enacted for both my co-workers and the public to keep everyone as safe as possible. The washing of hands is a must, masks are optional and up to each working individual, sanitization of work stations-especially computer keyboards and telephones-is also a must do -daily. Sanitization of counter tops where the public is greeted should also be done between customers. Those who are permitted into the office area should be wearing a mask. These people are in regular contact with the public and precautions will be taken. Safety is foremost in the performance of the County Clerk’s office.

JERRY OLEY

Age, place of birth: 55; Monroe

Address: 3333 S. Custer Rd., Monroe

Spouse: Stacy

Children: Megan and Lucas

Occupation, employer: executive director of operations, Monroe Public Schools

Education: Monroe High School, Monroe County Community College, Siena Heights University

Membership: Monroe County Democratic Party, Michigan School Business Officials

Length of residency: Lifelong

Public offices held: Monroe Public Schools Board of Education, 1991–98; Monroe County Board of Commissioners, 2000–present; Board of Commissioners chairman, 2005-2006 and 2014-2015; vice-chairman, currently; currently chairman of the Operations committee

Answer: The County Clerk’s office has many experienced and dedicated staff members very capable of addressing todays challenges. The Coronavirus pandemic has brought about many concerns however, if we all work together as a cohesive group everyone will perform at an optimal level and address any challenges going forward. Staying positive and focused will allow us to provide the best possible solutions to any challenges. It will also allow us to continue providing services to the people of Monroe County.

I will bring over 25 years of administrative leadership experiences to this position and I will dedicate the time and energy necessary to continue developing innovative and thoughtful solutions with the staff when it comes to the most challenging issues in our community.

ANNAMARIE OSMENT

Age, place of birth: 54; Monroe

Address: 1024 Abbey Rd., Monroe

Spouse: Jeffrey S. Osment

Children: Jeff Osment and Olivia Osment

Occupation, employer: Operations coordinator, County of Monroe

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Memberships: St. Michael Parish, Monroe County Republican Women, National Rifle Association, Monroe County Republican Party

Length of residency: Lifelong

Public offices sought: Monroe County Employees Retirement System

Answer: Solutions come from innovative thinking and collaborative efforts. I don’t feel the challenges I will face as County Clerk will be unique to those from others in County government. Throughout this pandemic I have been directly involved in effort engaging innovative thinking and collaborative efforts. I worked with Monroe County elected officials, including the County Clerk and Deputy Clerk to overcome some of these challenges to continue offering essential services while keeping everyone safe. The need to upgrade services through technology is more important than ever. Electronic access to vital records and support to the Circuit Court is imperative. My commitment to Monroe County citizens and businesses will b to improve technology and further our dedication to service no matter what challenges we face.

ANDREW B. FELDER

Age, place of birth: 30, Monroe

Address: 322 Crampton Dr., Monroe

Spouse: Jessica Felder

Children: Theodore and Emmaline

Occupation, employer: Financial Data Analyst, Ford Motor Company

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economic and political science from Eastern Michigan University; Jefferson High School

Memberships: Ducks Unlimited, Cultivate Community Board Member, Eastern Michigan Alumni Association, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Length of residency: Lifelong

Public offices held: Monroe City Council, 2018-present; River Raisin Area of Concern Public Advisory Council, 2018-present; River Raisin Watershed Council, 2018-present; Commission on the Environment and Water Quality Council, 2018-present; MCFA Scholarship Committee, 2019

Answer: First and foremost is ensuring the safety of our residents and employees. As a member of city council, we enacted 9 resolutions in response to COVID-19. These resolutions aimed to protect our community, guide the reopening of the city, and assist local businesses. I plan to use this experience to safeguard our community. Second, the economic impact of the pandemic coupled with DTE’s property reassessment will need to be handled. The Treasurer’s Office must maintain an investment policy which accounts for these changes. As a city councilor, in response to DTE’s tax reassessment, we put over $3 million into a reserve fund without lay offs or raising property taxes. I will use this balanced approach to help safely navigate Monroe County through this pandemic.

JESSE STANFORD

Age, place of birth: 25; Monroe

Address: 421 Smith St., Monroe

Occupation, employer: Sales associate, Sherwin-Williams Paint Company

Education: Associate degree, Monroe County Community College; Bachelor’s degree, Bowling Green State University

Memberships: Monroe County Republican Party

Length of residency: 25 years

Public office held: Republican Precinct Delegate, 2018-present

Answer: The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our economy. Paying property taxes may become a challenge for many people in our community. Many people were living paycheck to paycheck and many of our friends, family, and neighbors across Monroe County are now juggling how to put food on their tables. Loss of their jobs, some companies going under, and others making drastic cuts are all challenges that will impact payment of taxes. As County Treasurer, my top priority will be to keep people in their homes and work out payment options rather than focusing on tax foreclosure. I don’t want to see people lose their homes, farms, or land!

DAVID P. THOMPSON

Age: 52

Address: 1841 Wood Rd., Erie

Spouse: Jessica Thompson

Children: Elizabeth and William

Occupation, employer: Monroe County Drain Commissioner

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University; Monroe High School

Memberships: Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners; Kiwanis Club of Monroe; Toledo Metropolitan Area Council Of Governments, Water Quality Council; Ducks Unlimited; Michigan Municipal Wetland Alliance

Length of residency: Lifelong

Public office held: Monroe County Drain Commissioner, 2012-present

Answer: Thompson did not submit an answer to the question.

SCOTT WARNKE

Warnke, an incumbent and a Democrat, did not return biographical information or answer the question.