TEMPERANCE — Bedford Township has a competitive race for treasurer.

Trustee Paul Francis has thrown his hat in the ring. Mr. Francis, in his eighth year as a trustee, vies for the office being vacated by Sherri Meyer. She plans to retire at year-end after 30 years as treasurer.

There is one other contender for the post: Lambertville tax accountant Laura Collins. The deadline for filing is May 15. Mr. Francis and Ms. Collins, both Republicans, will meet in an Aug. 7 primary.

Taking the podium, Mr. Francis made his announcement in the public comment period of last week's township board meeting. He emphasized that he was speaking as a citizen, not a trustee.

"I am a lifelong resident of Bedford Township, a proud graduate of Bedford High School, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, and am a self-employed certified public accountant by profession," he said. "I'd like to stress the importance of electing someone to the position of township treasurer who has the professional qualifications and experience to handle the duties of township treasurer."

Mr. Francis, 66, and his wife, Garnet, live in Lambertville. Mrs. Francis is the township's deputy clerk. The treasurer's position pays about $63,000 annually.

Mr. Francis said he had been a CPA 43 years, with expertise in all aspects of government accounting and financial reporting. He is a member of the township's finance committee, road committee, and fire commission. He served on Bedford's Board of Education for eight years.

Mary Kay Thayer, interim president of the Bedford Republican Club, expressed delight her party was fielding two candidates with strong backgrounds in accounting. "I'm really excited," she said.

First Published May 9, 2012, 4:00 a.m.