It is a two-way race for the Republican District 11 nominee for Berrien County Commissioner. No Democrats have filed to run, meaning the winner of the Aug. 5 primary will likely be the winner in November. It is a two-year term seat.

Name: Rick Briand

Race: Berrien County District 11 Commissioner

Party: Republican

Age: 45

Residence: Niles

Education: Associates of Arts from Lake Michigan College, Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Sienna Heights University, Completing Bachelor of Arts in Community Service with a focus on family systems. Also at Sienna Heights University.

Professional Background: Former small business owner (Briand Floor-covering)

Occupation: Retired floor-covering installer

Political Experience: Majored in political science and history, no professional experience.

Civic Involvement: Docent in training for Snite Museum at Notre Dame and the South Bend Museum of Art, and coached Little League Baseball.

What will be your top priority if elected to office? My top priority is improving the 11th district. We send millions in taxes to the County each year and yet our roads are atrocious. Business has fled and our job market is weak. Many of our people are unhappy and unemployed. I will bring the servant leadership philosophy to the Commission.

Name the three core values that define your political outlook: I believe in liberty, limited government, and individual rights. I am a fiscal conservative and a social libertarian and I subscribe to the principles of Servant Leadership.

What makes you the best candidate for the job? In my years of floor covering experience here the southwest Michigan I have worked to improve thousands of homes. During that time I’ve spent countless hours discussing the opinions, issues and concerns of my customers. This has given me a unique perspective on what the people want and need.

What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? I am proud of the quality service I’ve provided as a floor-covering installer. I’m proud that I am a servant leader and not a politician. I am most proud of my role as a husband and father of 10.

How do you think you can impact southwest Michigan’s future? My experiences as a father, former business owner, coach, and student have given me a unique perspective concerning the needs of our residents, and I will work to implement strategies which benefit everyone rather than a select few.

What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it? Our biggest challenge is the drastic loss of quality jobs we’ve experienced. This has created a loss in revenue for the county which some would remedy by raising taxes. I will address this problem by working to make Berrien County more attractive to people, business and industry.

Other comments: Our children and grandchildren deserve the same opportunities we’ve had. All Americans need good jobs, nice homes, and a Country rooted in liberty and freedom. These opportunities are guaranteed by the blood of over a million patriotic Americans who gave their lives to protect them. When elected I will work to assure that the American dream is available to everyone.

Name: Jim Curran

Race: Berrien County District 11 Commissioner

Party: Republican

Age: 60

Residence: Niles

Education: Niles High School and Lake Michigan College — Degree in Criminal Justice

Professional Background: Certified Fire Investigator established by IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators), National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications, Fire Investigation Instructor established by the MAPC (Michigan Arson Prevention Committee) recognized as an expert witness in fire and explosion origin and cause. Numerous certifications in the law enforcement field as well as the fire service.

Occupation: Retired from the Michigan State Police as a Detective Sergeant assigned to the Fire Marshal Division. Currently own and operate my own fire investigation company.

Political experience: Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education Trustee. 1994 – 2014.

Civic involvement: Knights of Columbus Council #708, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #449, former board member and officer for the Little Squirt Board of Directors, former board officer for the Berrien County Fire Fighters Association, former member Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #95.

What will be your top priority if elected to office? Berrien County’s budget is always a top priority. I believe Berrien County has been operating conservatively regarding the budget. We need to maintain an efficient and cost effective government to continue the high level of services being provided.

Name three core values that define your political outlook: I believe in two core values that I live my life by. First is honesty. I believe in being honest and up front with people and appreciate people who are honest with me. The second core value is integrity. I believe a person must possess the ability to adhere to good moral and ethical principles. A third core value would be fiscal responsibility and accountability.

What makes you the best candidate for the job? Serving 20 years on the Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education has prepared me very well. I’ve dealt with budgets and the many issues that come before a school board. I have also been exposed to a number of issues dealing with county government through the one and a half years I’ve served on the board of commissioners.

What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? I have had so many situations throughout my career with The Michigan State Police where the outcome was positive and I was proud to be a part. There are too many accomplishments to recount or place one event above another.

How do you think you can impact southwest Michigan’s future? In the short time I’ve been on the Board of Commissioners, I believe I have earned the respect of the other commissioners through my level thinking and common sense. I will continue to be an advocate for southwest Michigan and District 11.

What is the biggest challenge our region faces? How would you address it? The biggest challenges for our region need to be addressed at the State or Federal level of government. One of those challenges is the poor and deteriorating condition of our roads. I don’t believe Berrien County property owners should have to pay more property taxes to fix and maintain the roads. I am not in favor of raising property taxes in Berrien County.

Other comments: I feel I have been an asset as a county commissioner. I’ve researched every issue that is brought before the board and voted in a manner that I felt was in the best interest of the county as a whole. I have a desire to serve the community in which I live and Niles is my home. I would like to continue to serve the people of District 11 and would appreciate their continued support.