As someone who is dedicated to my local community and our county, I believe I can be that strong and sound voice that we need to represent District 12 and honor the will of the people that I would serve. I have been a proud public servant for the past 18 years where I have worked for Oakland County, the City of Clawson, the Village of Wolverine Lake, and currently at the City of Berkley in many roles such as city clerk, city manager and village administrator. Alexander C. Duensing For Oakland Community College Board of Trustees. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? No local municipality is an island workers, shoppers, others travel across community boundaries every day. I know how to leverage the talents and expertise of subject matter experts and work with them to come up with positive solutions. Almost all the Oakland County residents I discussed with (whether they are Democrats or Republicans) are concerned about the lack of transparency and the ongoing speeding that put more tax burden on families. Resources for our Sheriffs Department ensuring our deputies have the tools and training to keep our communities safe and that the safety of our children is paramount. I have introduced programs to help make child care more affordable to everyone. The board also appoints the university president as well as the secretary to the . Supported and promoted our Native Plant Initiative to provide education about cultivating native plants and the effect on the environment. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. I have shown the willingness to work across the aisle and stand up to issues that would not benefit our community. ; Kensington Valley/S. I am a professional pianist and have been the music director at many Archdiocese of Detroit parishes (most recently Sacred Heart in Auburn Hills!). We have lived in Oxford for 20 years and both of our daughters attended and played sports for Oxford Schools, graduating in 2020 and 2022. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin for Congress, District 8. The health and safety of our communities depends on the health of the people who make up our communities. CONTACT THE OCRP. I support the entire county and will continue to work with communities outside of my district as I represent the entire county. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a lifelong resident of Oakland County and am proud to call the Rochester area home. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Both were appointed to eight-year terms that will run through August 2030. EMAIL OCRP 248 - 499 - 7288 FOLLOW OCRP DONATE. Precinct Delegates reject Ronna McDaniels. I did not take the decision to run for county commissioner lightly, nor the decision of running against an incumbent of my party, but after much thought and encouragement, I committed to running for this office. Our campaign is focused on expanding racial, social, economic and environmental justice. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. This another question that needs to be asked. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Contact the Board of Trustees in writing at Wilson Hall, Room 3026, 371 Wilson Blvd., Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309, by telephone at (248) 370-3112, or by email at joshuamerchant@oakland.edu. I know what its like to be an employee and an employer, and I also know what its like to be unemployed while overreaching government saps private opportunities from a community. Having owned my own business as well as worked in small, family-run companies and large corporations, I appreciate the benefits of varied niches of free-market commerce. I believe that county government is where I can affect the most change in my community. They must be addressed responsibly without negatively labeling people. For far too long, public education has been defunded, resulting in larger class sizes and teacher shortages. MCC office temporarily closed. To view the 2022 midterm Oakland County Board of Commissioners race, click here. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? Oakland Community College is governed by a seven-person board of trustees. I know how to work in a bipartisan manner and I know how to get things done. I have served my community of Novi as a long-time volunteer on the Planning Commission as well as with several local nonprofit groups. After talking to many parents in our community, I realized many in our county are unaware of what the commission actually does, and how they spend our money. The supervisors explained their decision by saying that the all-volunteer, nine-person board failed to hold the hospital system's executive leaders accountable for serious mistakes and mismanagement, including decisions that led to a five-day strike by health care workers earlier this month. Sep 12 2022. The Oakland Community College (OCC) Board of Trustees recently welcomed newly elected trustee, Edward D. Callaghan of Royal Oak, and also elected new officers at the first board meeting of 2023 . I have lived in my district for 27 years. In my 30-plus years as an insurance agent, I have read complex legal contracts and agreements to make sure my clients liability exposures are covered. A meeting of the Finance Committee will be held on Wednesday, February 22 at 11 a.m. For information on how to watch meetings or participate in public comment, please click here . I have worked on initiatives to increase the number of childcare workers and offer more affordable housing to our community members. When I was 16 I was adopted. I have crossed the aisle to work on issues, such as when I worked with the late Democrat State Rep. Isaac Robinson on trying to push the right insurance reform into law as we knew the one being pushed through only benefited insurance companies as well as the medical field. Im a graduate of Cass Technical High School. In 2008 I ran for the Oxford Township Board of Trustees and was elected to a four-year term and then transitioned into the county commissioner role in 2012. Secured $10M in funding for a new sewer project in north west Oakland County that will reduce the need of septic fields. To schedule an appointment in ADVANCE for the Board of Review, please call Oakland County Equalization toll free at 1-888-350-0900, Extension 85584 or 248-858-0776. I will continue to promote Small Business Stabilization grants & programs to keep small businesses open and continue the work-force development programs that attract and stimulate quality jobs and employment opportunities. Providing leadership in trying times such as the 2008 great recession and foreclosure crisis, establishing the Great Lakes Water Authority to protect access to water as well as preserving the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Zoo. #2 Protect our AAA bond rating to keep our financial outlook positive, which will keep both residential and commercial property taxes low, bring business to our county and make it cheaper for us to borrow money, if needed. I have been working with many senior-focused nonprofits to better understand the needs of our aging population. During most of that time, Oakland County was the envy of the nation for its competent, business-like management. I participated in overseeing the distribution of tens of millions of COVID-19 relief dollars to small businesses, veterans, nonprofits, nursing homes and other groups, helping many of them navigate through and survive the pandemic. My top priority is to embed financial responsibility and accountability in county spending and the voice of common sense in policy decisions. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: Rob is a husband and father of three amazing boys. Parts of Oakland are represented in Areas 3, 5 and 7 Responsibilities: Programs in Macomb County; Online Learning; Professional and Continuing Education; Research; Study Abroad; . Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? We must support small businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. We attend and are active in our church. 18 Jul. During most of that time, Oakland County was the envy of the nation for its competent, business-like management. Current job: Designer/Illustrator and Wixom City Councilman, Education: College for Creative Studies (formerly Center for Creative Studies) Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, 1992 Graphic Communications. As a citizen activist, I have already been doing the job of a commissioner, without the elected title. We are starting by evaluating all county buildings and operations for efficiencies, alternative energy sources, building utilizations, and fleet operations. Oxford resident Rick Donovan is one of nine people running to be a member of the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees. By returning their tax dollars, the people become free to support the initiatives they not the politicians value through the free market. Working with the Executive branch, our current budget is structurally balanced, and includes a 25% Rainy Day Fund and a 5% Emergency Fund. 2022 Candidate Interviews and Election Information. I have a teaching credential and am the incumbent county commissioner in the newly formed 11th Commission district. (510) 466-7200; Get Adobe Reader to view PDF files; Entries (RSS) Support for innovative solutions such as the Pontiac Waste Water Treatment plant where we turn sewage into methane which is captured and turned into energy or sold, is where we should focus our attention. Candidates for two, six-year terms ? Public transit needs to become a reality across the region. We need to support economic development and our business community to maintain our tax base and demand for housing. I will continue to work to find alternatives and inventive ways to continue to entice employers into our area. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? Transparency, spending, infrastructure. Here are the names of the unofficial winners of the Oakland Township Board positions for 2016-2020 - pending the results of the November election: Supervisor - Mike Bailey. I hear from people almost every day who need public transit for jobs, education, etc. The three priority issues for a first term would be employment and mentoring programs for youth. Gained approval from the BOC for $500,000 to support co-pays to Oxford School district for mental health support after the Nov. 30, 2021 incident. My other priority of Environmental stewardship has led me to be part of projects on native plant promotion, invasive species eradication and water quality initiatives. Sponsored a resolution to amend the countys non-discrimination policy to include protections for gender identity and expression, veteran status, familial status and marital status. Why are you running for county commission? I voted to lower the tax rate every year since 2011 protecting property values while maintaining quality services. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? I am a retired state youth services caseworker and have been a small business artist for 45 years. Dorothy Hernandez is Digital Editor for 101.9 WDET, creating digital editorial content. Economy, fiscal responsibility in the aftermath of the pandemic, roads and Infrastructure. Having owned my own business as well as worked in small, family-run companies and large corporations, I appreciate the benefits of varied niches of free-market commerce. County government is not supposed to be about power, its supposed to be about responsibility. I will propose and vote for steps that make us carbon free. Date Appointed/Reappointed: April 5, 2021. I have been in the auto industry for over 30 years and during the day I continue to work for a Tier 1 automotive supplier as an executive global director of engineering where I manage programs and resources in multiple countries around the world. We need to address the affordable housing situation. He told The Oaklandside he's running because he's passionate about resolving inequities and providing . I am running for county commission to represent my hometown with a new generation of progressive, pragmatic politics that puts people first. Board of Trustees Wilson Hall, Suite 3000 371 Wilson Boulevard . Why are you running again for the Board of Commissioners and why should voters re-elect you? Why are you running again for the Board of Commissioners and why should voters re-elect you? Part of that rebuilding would also include training and funding for individuals who want to enter into skilled trades and other important job sectors that dont require a college degree. We must work together to find new ways and programs to support them and our citizens, including crisis intervention training (CIT). It is time to start investing in public education again. Current job: Oakland County Commissioner, District 16, Clinical Supervisor, Easter Seals, Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. I have been appointed to Oxford Township Planning Commission since 2014. Budget, infrastructure, health and human services are three priority issues. Box 489, Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48303-0489 Phone: 248-433-7700 Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees 333 East 8th Street Oakland CA 94606 Phone. People now come from neighboring communities to dine, shop and conduct business. What are your accomplishments as commissioner? I will make sure that the county commission abides by that legitimate (well-founded) need. must be considered and used effectively and efficiently to ensure we are not creating long-term programs that funding will no longer be available. I am in the process now of administering assistance through the American recovery funds to schools, nonprofits, residents and businesses. I would be the youngest member and only openly LGBT member of the commission: two voices that are sorely needed in elected chambers. Third, I am committed to ending the duplicative and patchy-at-best status quo of public transportation in Metro Detroit. In 2020, I was elected as a precinct delegate in Orion Townships 6th Precinct and that work has reinforced my belief that local government is where its at local government is where one can effect the most change in ones community. Kevin Jenkins. Vote for not more than 3 - 6 Year Term. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I have a diverse background so I can relate to others. The Independence Township Board of Trustees consists of 7 elected officials, specifically the Supervisor, the Clerk, the Treasurer, and 4 Trustees. Candidate responses are included as submitted and have not been . Fiscally conservative we need to return the county to responsible spending and good government, prioritizing and refocusing on everyone within our community, and not special interest groups. In the Republican primary for treasurer, Susan Anderson, owner of a bookkeeping agency and treasurer of the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees, is running against Joe Kent, an Oxford . Oakland Community College is governed by a seven-person Board of Trustees. Oakland University is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor to serve eight-year terms. I am committed to providing continued support for Oakland Countys small businesses, especially as they recover from the pandemic, and understand that the success of our small businesses directly impacts the success of our communities. As a city councilman, public safety has always been Robs top priority. In local government, one has the opportunity to work with people on local issues that affect us all. I live in Orion township with my wife, Jessica, and our six kids. As District 4s commissioner, I will bring my leadership experience of six years as a City Council Member and eight years as mayor to the county commission. Oakland County is my home. McCulloch is a seasoned strategic and results-focused professional with an extensive background in operations and budgets. My husband, David, and I have been married for 28 years and currently homeschool our two teen sons. I have done that as a dean and executive director of academic and student services, and now faculty at Oakland Community College for the past 20 years. I would build upon what has already been done and find ways to trim waste and seek any available grants and federal dollars available to assist in these efforts. I have also received the 40 under 40 award from Oakland County and the Michigan Chronicle. OCRP MENU VOLUNTEER JOIN OCRP ABOUT THE OCRP. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Fax: (248) 370-4201. joshuamerchant@oakland.edu. Climate change related issues. Sponsored a resolution approving $1 million in emergency grant assistance for veterans, service members and eligible family members. She is also President of the Board of Trustees at Eton Academy and Chair of the Children's Trust Fund of Michigan. We citizens took it for granted and our leaders were unprepared for the passing of county executive L. Brooks Patterson. I will always support initiatives that focus on hiring and retaining the very best educators, investing in technology, providing our students with the mental health care that they need and deserve and school safety measures that will provide our children with a safe environment in which to learn. The lack of a responsible government spending policy that entails transparency and accountability in a timely manner. In 2013 I became a member of the Novi City Council, and was re-elected in 2017. Commissioner Meeting Oakland County Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 6:00 pm. I have voted to distribute funds to help many of our small businesses and restaurants. The people flourish only when they are in control of their own destiny, not when they are serfs of the state. Citizens should not be overruled and cut off, especially when they come to voice their concerns at county commission meetings. During my professional career I have done service in the community by serving on boards of various organizations (Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County, American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan, Southfield Rotary Club, Marvin L. Winans School of Performing Arts). . This means using our resources for the integration of environmental health, social equity and economic vitality for all. Retraining the workforce to respond to emerging job sectors, Creating incentives to bring new businesses to Michigan, Protecting business owners who were affected by the pandemic, Supporting local municipalities with economic development, Maintaining the AAA bond rating for the county, Establishing mental health funding for residents and schools, Fighting for womens rights and LGBTQ+ members, Partnerships with businesses, colleges and trade schools, Helping residents to attain affordable housing, Educate residents on the resources the county offers, Better access to health care for veterans and those in need, Addressing our roads and infrastructure needs, Addressing our need for safer water for residents, Developing better practices for maintenance and construction, Developing a more robust regional transportation system, Conserving and protecting open spaces, parks, water, Current job: Co-Founder of Metro Detroit Medical Waste. With the, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Business Administration Global Specialty. I attended Oakland University, where I earned a bachelors degree in history and then my paralegal certificate. Our summers have been full of travel softball for the last eight years and will soon transition to college sports. Over the years I have also been a substitute teacher, a certified state transporter, a youth art instructor at inner city outreach programs, and a Meals on Wheels driver. Current job: Practicing Attorney-Owner Law Office of Philip J. Weipert and Oakland County Commissioner, Education: Juris Doctor 1988 Thomas M. Cooley Law School, BA 1983 University of Michigan-Dearborn, 1983, Detroit Catholic Central 1978, Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: Married to Pam and 30-plus year resident South Lyon; Past Chair-SEMCOG and current delegate to SEMCOG. 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