North Kent News

Forrest Herzog, incumbent Belvidere Township Treasurer, is seeking the Republican nomination for re-election to his seat for a four-year term. The primary election will be held on August 6.

According to Montcalm County's unofficial candidate list, Herzog is running in the GOP primary against Yolanda Lane. 

Herzog has served as Belvidere Township Treasurer since 2009. Herzog has an accounting degree from Montcalm Community College and has had his own accounting business since the 1980s. 

As he noted in a Q&A with the Daily News, "My degree and lengthy experience are a plus for this position, as you should know how to manage accounts and maintain accurate financial records. The treasurer’s position requires interaction with the entire township board, specifically the clerk’s position, which I have been able to do effectively throughout my term."

Herzog also explained in the Q&A why he is well suited to his position as Belvidere Township Treasurer saying he enjoys "working with my community and helping them solve problems that arise in dealing with property taxes. My accounts that I have been responsible for have consistently been balanced."

In a press release, Private Property Rights PAC — a political action committee whose "mission is to safeguard and promote the ownership and control of private property" — endorsed Herzog, stating that he "has demonstrated a profound commitment to the principles of property rights and governance that respect the rights of individual property owners" and praising his stance against government overreach. 

Private Property Rights PAC Senior Adviser Madeline Morris expressed confidence in Herzog's commitment to private property rights and government transparency and accountability, predicting that he "will help protect the foundational rights that are vital to personal freedom and economic stability" in Belvidere Township.

According to the Michigan Townships Association, the township treasurer's responsibilities include collecting real and personal property taxes, maintaining an account of township receipts and expenditures, and issuing township checks. Treasurers are elected to four-year terms.