Bender, James, Seek to Retain Seats in Freedom Township

Longtime Freedom Township Supervisor Ed Bender is seeking another six-year term on the board.

Bender was first elected to the board of supervisors in 1998, serving as the liaison between township supervisors and emergency services, as well has the day-to-day operations of the township.

Bender has been employed by the township since 1992 and currently serves as roadmaster.

A life member of the Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Company, Bender has held the positions of chief, assistant chief, vice president and trustee.

As a supervisor, Bender has overseen the restoration of the war memorial across from the fire hall and helped secure a $100,000 grant to replace a defective bridge on Paw Paw Road.

Bender said he is seeking another term because while a lot has been accomplished, there is still more to do.

Bender said serving Freedom Township is in his blood, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

"Freedom Township is my home," Bender said. "I have always tried to serve the community in some capacity, and it has been a privilege to serve as supervisor. I am running for re-election to continue the work of moving Freedom Township forward."

While Bender seeks a six-year term, Timothy James is seeking election to serve the remaining two years on the term left vacant by the death of Daniel "Butch" Giarth in December.

James was appointed to fill Giarth's seat in January.

James has served as a volunteer firefighter for 41 years, the past 17 with Freedom Township, where he currently serves as the deputy fire chief and treasurer.

James said he sees Freedom Township as a growing community and his time on the board has shown him how important it is for the supervisors to work together.

"Before being named to the board, I regularly attended the monthly meetings and was impressed with how well the three supervisors worked together," James said. "Being on the board the past several months taught me how important it is for the supervisors to work together, and I want to continue working with this board to serve the community."