Swartz Creek View

Kautman-Jones, Folts seek 4-year term as supervisor


ATLAS TWP. — Former Supervisor Shirley Kautman- Jones, who served from 2008- 2016, wants her old job back. She will face opposition for the post, however, as she goes up against resident Justin Folts in the Nov. 3 election.

Kautman-Jones, a Republican, unseated outgoing Supervisor Teresa Onica in the August primary and will now run against challenger Folts, a Democrat, for the seat she held four years ago.

Here is what the candidates Shirley Kautman-Jones Justin Folts had to say, in their own words:

Shirley Kautman-Jones, Age: 65

Education: College, no degree awarded

Accomplishments: Wife to David, mother to Daniel and Stephanie & Justin, Mimi to DJ (David) and Leona, daughter to Irene and William (deceased) and sister to Carol, Bill, Kelly and Rudy. I have been fortunate to operate a small business successfully for 40 years in Genesee County. I have served the residents of Atlas Township and Genesee County on several boards as an elected official and an appointed official. I am dedicated to serving our community through my involvement as a volunteer with several community groups.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? I will support services that are important to the residents: police, fire, ambulance (to shorten ambulance response times) and to be involved in the maintenance of the roads in Atlas Township.

Be accessible and responsive to residents.

Continue my prior work on seeking the availability of internet services to all residents.

Be fiscally responsible with the Atlas Township budget.

Attend Genesee County meetings and participate with all agencies that can benefit residents. Develop partnerships and foster communication with other municipalities to benefit Atlas Township.

Provide televised/video of all Township meetings.

Justin Folts, Age: 35

Education: Swartz Creek High School graduate

Accomplishments: I am a married father of sux who runs a successful lawn care company. As a businessman, I provide excellent customer service and receive great feedback from my clientele. In addition to being a father and business owner, I have served our community in the past as an on-call firefighter.

Tell us what your goals are for the community if elected? As Township Supervisor, I will work to ensure residents and businesses are aware of available economic recovery programs at the state and federal level. Our township is in a great position to take advantage of the growth in surrounding communities. The M-15 corridor provides opportunities to encourage business growth.

The Genesee County View will run more candidate profiles over the coming weeks for the various races through the county.