RECENT NEWS. I say that because the issues I list are not a cure-all, but a starting point. Your money is best to be in your pocket versus the governments. Editors note: WDET distributed candidate surveys to candidates in contested primary races. Priorities As a two-term city councilman, Rob knows how to keep the county functioning and within budget. Mental health resources are needed more than ever and protecting our beautiful environment in north Oakland County are paramount. I pride myself on being transparent, honest, dedicated, and leading with integrity and honor. I find it satisfying to solve problems for constituents. Citizens should not be overruled and cut off, especially when they come to voice their concerns at county commission meetings. I will ensure that all tax dollars pa. funds are spent/invested as intended, wisely and costs are contained. I believe the marketplace, not politicians and bureaucrats, should determine which jobs are essential and which are not. Rob successfully worked to lower local tax rates in Wixom as well as for balanced budgets each year. Learn the latest COVID-19 updates . During most of that time, Oakland County was the envy of the nation for its competent, business-like management. What are the top 3 priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? I know how to work in a bipartisan manner and I know how to get things done. 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. My experience and knowledge of county government has helped me guide residents through the process of receiving benefits during the pandemic. Supporting policies that protect our drinking water and recreational waterways, preserving community green spaces, parks, and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. I decided to run for Oakland County Commissioner based on the wasteful spending that is taking place by our commission, the non-transparency that is taking place with meetings behind closed doors, and work that is being delegated to agencies that are not directly accountable to the people. 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. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: Rob is a husband and father of three amazing boys. I have spent most of my career and personal time working with individuals to create productive results in their lives and communities. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Not only do schools help to build well-educated citizens who are ready to meet the future challenges of our community, but schools are also a source of employment for residents and we know that school performance directly impact property values, making public schools a monetary investment for all residents. 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. See a list below of all the candidates for county offices below and read some of the platforms and bios of candidates who responded to our survey requests. VOLUNTEER JOIN OCRP FOLLOW OCRP. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a wife married to a wonderful man and a mother to three beautiful children. In just a few short years we have seen the damage done by a government more concerned with woke virtue-signaling than responsible management of the peoples resources, particularly their tax dollars. As Ive attended the local commission meetings I have watched as Sheriff Bouchard has repeatedly asked for more funding for training facilities for his officers and other basic necessities and the commission has repeatedly declined to approve the sheriffs department request. I am also a mom to four young daughters. I am running for county commission to represent my hometown with a new generation of progressive, pragmatic politics that puts people first. OCRP EVENTS. I know first-hand that seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome when individuals have access to the appropriate resources, services and supports. It is a two-year term. As vice chair of the commission I am committed to working across party lines to offer the best programs to all our residents. I live in Rochester Hills, went to high school in Pontiac and got my first real job as the Public Events Coordinator at the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) in Royal Oak. 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. Current job: Owner of RCS-JANITORIAL.com, a multi-state janitorial company; Realtor 20-plus years, insurance agent 30-plus years, Education: Associates Degree Oakland Community College, Insurance Degree American Institute of Insurance, Licensed Insurance Agent, Licensed Realtor. Taxpayer funds are being wasted by the commission such as $3 million to the job-killing World Economic Fund, which will likely steal jobs from Oakland County rather than create. Working hands-on as a special education teacher and a behavior analyst have instilled the values of persistence, compassion and problem solving, and I will continue to put that spirit to work for constituents. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin for Congress, District 8. Related Articles. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the appointments of Colleen Ochoa Peters, of Bloomfield Hills, and Stefen J. Welch, of Detroit, to the Oakland University Board of Trustees. Sustainability It is important to be good stewards of our planet, but the Green New Deal plan for Oakland County is filled with expensive and unproven objectives that will do more harm than good to Oakland County. I also am a strong supporter of Detroit City FC and all species of bees. Improve public safety, property values and education. Below is a list of candidates who have filmed interviews. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? It was self-rewarding to contribute to the county I lived in. Three candidates are running for the District 2 seat on the Oakland Unified School District board this year. As someone with young children I am extremely dedicated to their future growing up here in Oakland County. I am committed to serving the district, keeping taxes low, improving roads and infrastructure and preserving property values. 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. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? I have participated in committees to understand and address seniors needs and will continue to advocate for those needs. 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 taught for a long time at Oakland County Community College in the mathematics department where I enjoyed working with people from different backgrounds. Hes been active in the community for many years, providing his abilities as a designer, football coach, and councilman. This includes a matching fund from our communities. 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. The board provides general supervision of the university, including control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds. General election results for local races in Oakland County, including municipalities, . . by admin Jan 29 2023. He told The Oaklandside he's running because he's passionate about resolving inequities and providing . Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a native Detroiter and a 50-year Highland resident. Last year, Oakland County officials approved a new plan that set new boundaries for county commission districts, reducing the amount of districts from 21 to 19. With the economy and jobs in the delicate state that they are in, it is more important than ever to elect leaders who will serve our community by enacting policies and laws that enable individuals, businesses and communities to prosper. . Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a lifelong Oakland County resident and live in Orion Township with my husband and four children. Oakland Community College is governed by a seven-person board of trustees. The current global initiatives being passed through the Oakland County Commission threaten our community with urbanization, which will kill our small businesses and our schools. The great people who make up the Oakland County Democratic Party are the champions of working families in every city and township throughout our county. I believe that these schools are the heart of our communities and by investing in public education, we are investing in our future. As a former school teacher, I am well aware of the challenges our teachers and child care educators face every day. by admin Jan 30 2023. Fax: (248) 370-4201. joshuamerchant@oakland.edu. The focus of our team is to build: Thriving communities, happy and healthy people, and smart business. In just a few short years we have seen the damage done by a government more concerned with woke virtue-signaling than responsible management of the peoples resources, particularly their tax dollars. Education: BS Chemistry, Western Michigan University. I became a social worker after interacting with child protective services as a child. He was elected to the Peralta Board of Trustees in 2020, . I am rooted in this District where I have not only lived in but have also worked here and served as the past Village Administrator of Wolverine Lake. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Central Michigan University. to help transition, say, an internal combustion engineer at Stellantis to the world of electric vehicles. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and especially our local economy here in Oakland County as they drive employment, pay taxes, increase GDP, and are valued members in any community. Within that the three issues Oakland County faces are: WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. I love where I grew up, think its a great place to live, and I have the experience and know-how to help it continue to be so. by admin Jan 27 2023. I am a graduate of Avondale High School and earned a bachelors degree in business, with a concentration in information technology from Oakland University, which is also located in District 4. 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