JACKSON — The Jackson Democratic Club has unanimously endorsed the slate of Mike Kafton for mayor and Sean Giblin and Marvin Krakower for Township Council in the May 11 municipal election.
In the nonpartisan election, Kafton, Giblin and Krakower are running on the Strong Leadership, Lower Taxes, Real Results ticket.
In a press release, Democratic Club President Dan Pekarchik said, “Our screening committee interviewed several capable candidates for these positions and after a lively debate and exchange of ideas, we unanimously endorsed Mike Kafton, Sean Giblin and Marvin Krakower.
“We strongly feel that these candidates are the most qualified to represent Jackson because of the strength of their experience and their past accomplishments”
Pekarchik said the club is proud to be supporting Kafton, Giblin and Krakower. He said they are all upstanding Democrats and said he is confident they will do an excellent job representing all of Jackson’s residents.
“I know that I speak for my running mates, Sean and Marvin, when I say how very proud and pleased we are to have received the endorsement from the club,” said Kafton.
“We are all lifelong Democrats who have a tremendous stake in Jackson. We have raised our families here and we will continue to work for the betterment of all Jackson residents,” he added.
Kafton said each one of the candidates on the Strong Leadership, Lower Taxes, Real Results slate, while in office, cut the tax rate, created the most aggressive treesave ordinance in the state, championed recreation initiatives for youth, and created the skate park, the safe trick-or-treat event and teen dances, to name a few of the programs.
“We have demonstrated fiscal responsibility and know how to run local government,” he said. “It never took four days for residents to get out of their driveway after a snowstorm.”
Pekarchik said he knows the Kafton, Giblin and Krakower team can move Jackson forward. He said residents can trust this team, not because they have said so, but because they have done so.
In the May 11 election for a four-year term as mayor, Kafton, Mike Reina and Ken Bressi are seeking the position.
Kafton is presently serving as the president of the Township Council, Reina is currently Jackson’s mayor, and Bressi is currently a member of the Township Council.
In the race for two four-year terms on the Township Council, Giblin, Krakower, Scott Martin, Ann Updegrave, Kimberly Lum, Peter Grzelak and Kevin Di Gesu are seeking the terms.
Martin and Updegrave are currently serving on the Township Council and completing their first four-year terms; Giblin and Krakower are former members of Jackson’s previous Township Committee form of government.
Jackson’s municipal election is a nonpartisan vote, and the candidates do not run under a party banner; however, a local political party or political club may choose to endorse a candidate or slate of candidates.
The winning candidates in the May 11 election will take office in July.