Candidate Profile: Christal Corliss For Plymouth Township Trustee

Christal V. Corliss, a Plymouth Township resident is running for Plymouth Township Trustee.

Age: 62
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:Husband: David J. Corliss, PhD. 1 son, 1 daughter, 2 grandchildren.
Occupation:For the past 29 years, I have worked in Automotive IT. Obtaining my PMP while supporting General Motors in a Project Manager role for 19 years, then several project management roles throughout the Big Three automotive. Leaving Ford Motor Company last September, the time was right to move on to a role dreamt of for 34 years. I planned to launch my own art business, Grafham Studio Creations in the Summer of 2020. And then COVID happened. All of the shops, galleries, and art shows that I was going to begin participating in closed down and many will not be able to recover enough to reopen when the virus is under some kind of control.
Previous elected experience:I have been a member of several non-profit organizations over the years. Serving as a Secretary, Educational/Event Coordinator, Vice President, and President. Supporting students, Women, and children, the hungry, homeless, and occasional starving artist.
Family members in government:No
Campaign website: https://www.womenforplymouth.com/christal-corliss

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
There are so many residents who are out of work or struggling to support their families with multiple jobs that provide little to no health care coverage or personal protection. Yet the Township chose to remove all data related to the Coronavirus from their website. An informed public is a safe public.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
While we are all women who live in Plymouth Township there the comparison ends.

Each of us brings unique life experiences, professional expertise, personal, cultural and theological perspectives to this task. Yet the connectivity we have as a group continues to grow. This synergy enables the team to drive the policy changes needed in the new administration.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have 25 years of experience in large corporate IT Project Management. I have been responsible for million-dollar, multinational software deployments, involving critical services such as first responders. As a USAF paramedic, I protected and saved the lives of our service personnel, providing an essential perspective needed today.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
As a resident of this community for the past 25 years, I want to see to it that all of our citizens receive equal quality support for their needs and to assure our beautiful green Township remains an example of safe, healthy, prosperous, and green places to live. As a business owner within our community, I feel a kinship with small, minority, and women-owned businesses and want to work to see that everyone’s concerns are heard.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
I have the highest respect for the officers in our township. As a previous First Responder myself, USAF EMT, I have seen first hand the challenges people face when supporting a community as the police face on a daily basis. I believe they need the best training and support that is possible when handling emotional and domestic-related issues.

A careful revision of training across both the leadership and all first responders is desperately needed. The addition of a special panel to help oversee hiring and firing practices should be a top priority.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
The Women who are running for positions on the Plymouth Township Board this election have put together a list of issues we feel are of critical importance for the new board to address. They are.

Supporting Diversity of Experience and Perspective
Prioritizing Public Health and Safety
Improving Recreation Opportunities for Families and Seniors
Respecting our Community through Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency
Balancing Development and Preservation
Leading with Business and Community-Minded Solutions

What each member of the board has written about each of these bullets which can be found at the bottom of our Webpage; https://www.womenforplymouth.com/

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am running for Plymouth Township Trustee to be a representative of the diversity of citizens who live here.