oakland county board of trustees
When elected I will work to cut funding to any created or bureaucratic office that does not demonstrate usable services of our district. . 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. There is a need for change in the ways the county commission is using peoples tax dollars and sidelining taxpayers in the decision-making process. He was disqualified from the Independence Party primary scheduled on June 23, 2020. I also work with the communities I serve to make sure they are current on county activities along with ways to support their needs. I have shown the willingness to work across the aisle and stand up to issues that would not benefit our community. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Economic recovery for families and small businesses I would find ways to trim waste in the budget and reallocate those funds to programs that assist families in need as they recover. Education: I earned a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wayne State University, and I completed board certification (behavior analyst) from Florida Institute of Technology. Secured $10M in funding for a new sewer project in north west Oakland County that will reduce the need of septic fields. A lover of stories, I love being in plays and musicals almost as much as I love browsing a good bookstore. L.E.O./Kitefest; Operation Injured Soldiers; Huron River Watershed Council; Milford Memories & War Dog Memorial. 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. Businesses have been further tested in the years since the pandemic and many are still struggling to recover due to global material shortages, supply chain issues and employee shortages. Bryant is a retired Executive Director of Community Relations for Birmingham Public Schools. My vote on the new county commission will join others to open the process to the light of day so the people can watch and judge our actions. Jennifer Brouhard, David Kakishiba, and Max Orozco are all parents who sent their children to OUSD schools. The Community College District is comprised of Laney and Merritt Colleges in Oakland, College of Alameda, and Berkeley City College. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Senator Gary Peters for Senate. Secretary-Kiwanis; 2016 & 2005 Chamber Citizen of the Year, Finance Council-St. Joseph Catholic Church, Deputy Grand Knight K of C Council 7586 & Past Secretary K of C Assembly 3099 Milford-monthly Flag replacement on Veterans Graves; Member-Lyon (Twp.) Maintaining our hometown values common-sense decisions need to be made locally from input from the people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions. What are your accomplishments as commissioner? I have lived in Oakland County for most of my life and I want to continue to make sure the county remains one of the best counties in the Country. 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. Mental health services. I know what it takes to do the work and I will bring a new voice and expertise to this Board for District 12 to serve my community and makes things better for the future. I began my service to the community in 2003 as a police officer. One area of need is to develop a Senior Services office within the county to support people age 65 and older. Oxford residents Justine Willcock (Dem) and Michael Spisz (incumbent, Rep) will run against each other to represent residents as the Oakland County Commissioner for the 5 th District. HEADLINE NEWS. He is married with five children and has been an OCC trustee since 2002. We citizens took it for granted and our leaders were unprepared for the passing of county executive L. Brooks Patterson. I have lived in my district for 27 years. . 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. These dollars were not cut to balance the budget or to provide tax relief to residents, but rather to pay for unnecessary projects. I attended Oakland University, where I earned a bachelors degree in history and then my paralegal certificate. I make decisions based on facts and data, not emotions. Elizabeth Welch for MI Supreme Court. When my family moved to Lake Orion 10 years ago, there was not a lot happening in downtown Lake Orion and Baldwin Road was a ghost town. By returning their tax dollars, the people become free to support the initiatives they not the politicians value through the free market. With the social climate, mass shootings, threats and overall anger in our communities we cannot afford to reduce funding of our law enforcement agencies. We need a commissioner that will work with colleagues to get things done, particularly our infrastructure. I want Oakland County to set the standard for the present and future in all these areas. Hes been active in the community for many years, providing his abilities as a designer, football coach, and councilman. 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. Why are you running again for the Board of Commissionersand why should voters re-elect you? Board Members. Education: BS Chemistry, Western Michigan University. I will always support initiatives that protect and beautify our natural environment, and make parks and recreation areas safer, more accessible and inclusive for all residents. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at The San Francisco Foundation, at Ecotrust and at the Rosenberg Foundation. For 15 years, I worked as a paralegal, specializing in construction and surety law. Im a lifelong Oakland County resident, born and raised in the District I represent. Oakland County and the wider area face many issues: climate change, jobs, lake and water concerns, broadband, infrastructure, mental health and quality of life. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? My three top priorities for my next term are to continue efforts to help the local economy recover, increase access to mental health services and offer more options to allow seniors to age in place. 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. Mental health resources are needed more than ever and protecting our beautiful environment in north Oakland County are paramount. 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. She is also President of the Board of Trustees at Eton Academy and Chair of the Children's Trust Fund of Michigan. Rob is a husband and father of three amazing boys. With ensuing inflation we must maintain our multiyear balanced budget and continue to find ways to save cost within government. We must prioritize public education: Oakland County has some of the best public schools in the nation. Rob successfully worked to lower local tax rates in Wixom as well as for balanced budgets each year. I am also a student of history and know the threat posed by a government unrestrained by constitutional limits and free, but secure, elections. Public health and safety. Date Appointed/Reappointed: April 5, 2021. 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. When the commission voted to appropriate $3 million to create a hub for the World Economic Forum in Oakland County, the decision was solidified to run. L.E.O./Kitefest; Operation Injured Soldiers; Huron River Watershed Council; Milford Memories & War Dog Memorial. 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. 117 likes. Each district is eligible to receive another $175,000 if the district matches the second amount. Our summers have been full of travel softball for the last eight years and will soon transition to college sports. I later went back to school for a graduate degree with hopes going into public service. 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. I am a member of Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, HVCA, and contributor to many charitable needs. I have a history of woking on bipartisan programs to increase gun safety awareness. I have been a grassroots advocate for over a decade, creating relationships and advocating for families at the local, state, and federal levels on matters that affect my family and my community for more than a decade. 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: Valuing people, taking into account their concerns and contribute as I can if needed. I am extremely supportive of our countys efforts to grow our regions talent pipeline through our Oakland80 commitment. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? In addition to serving the community, I am an executive for a leading global biotech company, where I am responsible for managing cost-saving strategies that increase patient access to life-altering biologics while reducing financial burden. St. QIC 22103 Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 967-3825. ; Kensington Valley/S. People now come from neighboring communities to dine, shop and conduct business. First and foremost, we need to restore transparency to county government. Was invited to the White House to represent Oakland County at the Summit on Human Trafficking in 2020. I also understand the liberating nature of individual responsibility and seek to encourage it for others. Commissioners have allocated significant resources for mental health resources to students and their parents and all community members. Supporting our local law enforcement is essential to making Oakland County a safe place to live, work and raise a family. The position has a six year term. #3 Provide our Sheriffs Department with the funds needed to hire and supply tools they need to keep our communities safe. I will ensure that all tax dollars pa. funds are spent/invested as intended, wisely and costs are contained. District Newsletter Sign-Up. CONTACT THE OCRP. OUR PLATFORM. Parts of Oakland are represented in Areas 3, 5 and 7 Responsibilities: The Oakland Schools Board of Education may be reached at: Oakland Schools Board of Education. - General Manager, Operations, RCO Aerospace and RCO Engineering - Board of Directors, Treasurer, Aerospace Industry Association of . My wife, Stacey, and I reside in Southfield and have three adult sons. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? By returning their tax dollars, the people become free to support the initiatives they not the politicians value through the free market. Friedman has been Founder, General Counsel and Chair Emeritus of Prosperity Now since 1979. Funding for feasibility study for training and dispatch facility in Oakland County Sheriff and Homeland Security teams. I say that because the issues I list are not a cure-all, but a starting point. MIGOP Chair forum. I have voted to bring breakfast programs to all students. Education: I graduated from Clarkston High School here in northern Oakland County. Why are you running again for the Board of Commissioners and why should voters re-elect you? Oakland Community College is governed by a seven-person board of trustees. As a Precinct Delegate, I get to work closely with voters in my precinct, understand the issues that are most important to them, and keep them updated with important voting and candidate information. MSW, University of Michigan. Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. Generally be a voice for the unheard and raise righteous hell in support of racial, social, economic and environmental justice. I find it satisfying to solve problems for constituents. Rob believes local government should exist to be fiscally responsible, ensure security for its citizens while protecting their rights, and being accessible and transparent. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? (March 1, 2023) Teachers and school staff in Oakland survived the budget ax for now after the Oakland Unified School District Board on . Abraham also . Why are you running again for county commission and why should voters re-elect you? Gov. Education: Bachelor of Mathematics, Master of Arts (major mathematics), Master of Education Leadership (major administration). I use my spare time reading or watching videos about local, state, national or international issues. OUSD teachers and staff survived 2023-24 budget cuts for now. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? Each candidate is given an opportunity to provide biographical information and to answer a number of questions on issues important to the office being sought. Welcome to the official website of the Oakland County Republican Party. Third, focus on supporting our local law enforcement. Seniors are a critical part of the financial blueprint of our county and I am committed to listen and learn the priorities that are important to strengthen access to programs for this demographic. 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 worked on initiatives to increase the number of childcare workers and offer more affordable housing to our community members. . Or contact Nicole Christian, Senior Executive Assistant to the Board: Phone: 248.209.2123 Fax: 248.209.2206 Email This means using our resources for the integration of environmental health, social equity and economic vitality for all. She has also been involved in many community events . This program will embed education navigators in our local secondary intuitions to assist residents to attain post secondary or certification. Dorothy Hernandez is Digital Editor for 101.9 WDET, creating digital editorial content. As a sitting member of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners since 2018, I currently serve as the Majority Caucus Chair, Chair of the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee, Chair of the Healthy Aging Ad Hoc Committee, and I am a member of the Public Health and Safety Committee. Gun Violence team member in 2013 after Sandy Hook tragedy, and unfortunately is still relevant today. Special Meetings are held on an as needed basis. As a business owner, I made tough decisions, including hiring the right people to get the job done and balancing my company books, just like I will for the county. To view the 2022 midterm Oakland County Board of Commissioners race, . We learned a lot about where our county health vulnerabilities are and where we do a better job administering holistic health care (from mental to physical to reproductive) from Holly to Ferndale to Novi. The lack of a responsible government spending policy that entails transparency and accountability in a timely manner. 2022 Candidate Interviews and Election Information. Within that the three issues Oakland County faces are: WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. 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. This really showed me that we need a new voice on the board. I became a social worker after interacting with child protective services as a child. Our campaign is focused on expanding racial, social, economic and environmental justice. I would be the youngest member and only openly LGBT member of the commission: two voices that are sorely needed in elected chambers. No time for QUITTING! Supporting policies that protect our drinking water and recreational waterways, preserving community green spaces, parks, and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. 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. I am running to ensure that the county anchors itself in fiscal responsibility, supporting our local businesses and keeping our residents safe. Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman, 2014-2018. I have also received the 40 under 40 award from Oakland County and the Michigan Chronicle. 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. He told The Oaklandside he's running because he's passionate about resolving inequities and providing . Related Articles. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: Im Connie Johnson, a Republican and 22-year resident of the beautiful Township of Milford. I have lived in the City of Troy for over 27 years and lived in Oakland County for over 48 years. 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. I live in Orion township with my wife, Jessica, and our six kids. International Relations, Michigan State University; M.S. Joshua Merchant. About LWVOA Voter Guides. Learn the latest COVID-19 updates . Too much work is done behind closed doors and delegated to agencies that are not directly accountable to the people. 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 spent most of my career and personal time working with individuals to create productive results in their lives and communities. 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. They must be addressed responsibly without negatively labeling people. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Michigan Republican Party has picked its endorsements for statewide races like attorney general, secretary of state, state board of education and more ahead of the 2022 . Events Org. by admin Jan 30 2023. The members of the board are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis by voters living within the college district, an area that generally coincides with the boundaries of Oakland County. I bring political relationships and experience that other candidates do not have. After 18 years of working in public education, I currently work full time as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with individuals on the autism spectrum. RECENT NEWS. Sep 12 2022. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? The Oakland County Bar Foundation (OCBF) promotes and funds programs designed to increase access, affordability, and understanding of the law and legal system. More than ever and protecting our beautiful environment in north Oakland County resident, and. 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