Four candidates will be running to fill three seats on the Van Buren Township Advisory Board during the Nov. 4 election. Among the candidates are three Republicans: Harry Doty, an incumbent; Stephen Unruh, an incumbent; and newcomer Robert L. Beer. Incumbent Vickie Marquart will be running on the Democratic ticket.

Harry Doty is a lifelong Milford resident, who estimated he’s been in the area for 87 years. He is a retired bus driver with Wawasee Community School Corp., where he drove a bus for approximately 65 years. He is a longtime advisory board member. Doty is also a World War II veteran and severed in the Army for two and a half years, right out of high school when he was drafted. He served first in the infantry before being transferred to artillery.

Stephen Unruh and his wife have lived in Van Buren Township for close to 44 years. He has served on the advisory board for about a year and a half. He works at Warsaw Masonry Supply and is a fireplace consultant.

Each candidate was asked two questions; their answers are below. As of press time, Beer and Marquart had not responded to phone calls.

1. If elected, what will be your main focus in Van Buren Township. And briefly why?

Doty: “Taking care of the fire department.” Doty noted he had been a part of the fire department for 22 years starting in the ’50s, which brought an appreciation for what the department does. “I enjoyed the time I was in it. It was a good experience.”

Unruh: “I think my main focus will be fire and EMS, making sure they have enough funds in their budget to cover new equipment and important parts. That and make sure funds for area people in need are used wisely, and that those chosen contribute work back for the funds they are given like many have already done.”

2. Which three skills that you possess will be most beneficial should you be elected to the advisory board?

Doty: “My knowledge of the township.”

Unruh: “I’ve got experience on a number of community boards; I’m also a pretty good organizer and I don’t mind working with budgets.”