The focus of our team is to build: Thriving communities, happy and healthy people, and smart business. 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. 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. Why are you running for county commission? #1 priority is keeping our tax dollars low to encourage population growth and business growth in our county. Health and human services include our safety and quality of living. I am running for re-election in order to continue to serve the community and help others. It is a useful benefit to hold developers accountable when seeking government subsidies or project approvals. I became a social worker after interacting with child protective services as a child. Abraham also . Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. I have been a commissioner 10-plus years and truly enjoy public service, giving back to the community and I want to keep Oakland County one of the best places to live, work, play and prosper. Making health care more accessible by establishing a community health care model and partnering with many local health care facilities is a priority. Was invited to the White House to represent Oakland County at the Summit on Human Trafficking in 2020. I believe our tax dollars need to work for us first. Climate change related issues. Joshua Merchant. I would like to speak with industry leaders in the field on how we as a county can build on this investment to ensure every member of our county can access therapies and treatment. Many of these same commissioners are more interested in their pet projects or political future than the well-being of the county and their specific districts. Joseph Rozell, Chairperson (Term expires December 31, 2026) Jeffrey Phelps, Vice Chairperson (Term expires December 31, 2023) Dave Woodward, Trustee. Abraham, 46, is a certified public accountant and resident of Royal Oak. What are your accomplishments as commissioner? The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman, 2014-2018. The board also appoints the university president as well as the secretary to the . As a county commissioner reading and understanding complex agreements and contracts are important to protect the taxpayers of the county both financially and legally. Robert Wittenberg, Trustee. 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. The schools in D2, which encompasses Crocker Highlands, Cleveland . Ricky Donovan, Sr. ( Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 26th Congressional District. 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 . MIGOP Chair forum. 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. I am currently an elected precinct delegate, trustee on the Holly Township Library Board, community volunteer, and co-founder of Holly ACTS, a community action network. County Commissioner Oakland Community College Trustee Local School Board Member Oakland Intermediate School District Precinct Delegate. I am forever indebted to the service that others before me have shown and done for these communities and it is my turn to give back and serve all of the residents, business owners, and constituents in this District. The three priority issues for a first term would be employment and mentoring programs for youth. What are your accomplishments as commissioner? I am committed to serving the district, keeping taxes low, improving roads and infrastructure and preserving property values. Trustees serve as volunteers and are not paid. 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. I make decisions based on facts and data, not emotions. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I have been married to my wife, Michelle, for 22 years and we have two daughters and a dog. For 15 years, I worked as a paralegal, specializing in construction and surety law. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a fourth-generation lifelong resident of Oakland Countys District 4, which serves the communities of Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. Like many in my community, I am frustrated and disappointed with how our commissioners choose to ignore the will of the people and do little communicating with their constituents or guard the finances of our county. 4200 Telegraph Road, P.O. Through those two actions, a new Board of Commissioners will go a long way toward realizing a third priority, which is restoring responsible management to Oakland Countys government. Everyone deserves access to clean and safe water, land, air and inclusive outdoor activities. With the exception of one year teaching English to high school . Gained approval for additional resources for Prosecutor and Sheriffs office for ongoing support to investigate threats throughout Oakland County after the Nov. 30. My work has allowed me to engage people with hard core needs. 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. 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. He told The Oaklandside he's running because he's passionate about resolving inequities and providing . 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.) Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a social worker who has worked in policymaking, municipal finance and community organizing. Share this: Tags: Prev post. 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. 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. Jun 3 2022. I will continue to support Oakland Countys collaborative efforts in providing equitable access to affordable mental health and behavioral health services and treatment to individuals across Oakland County. People now come from neighboring communities to dine, shop and conduct business. Farmington Area Republicans Monthly Meeting Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 6:30 pm. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I have a diverse background so I can relate to others. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. 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. We are starting by evaluating all county buildings and operations for efficiencies, alternative energy sources, building utilizations, and fleet operations. I have also received the 40 under 40 award from Oakland County and the Michigan Chronicle. I have participated in committees to understand and address seniors needs and will continue to advocate for those needs. County government needs to return to serving the people of the county, not bullying them or making them dependent. 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. I have lived in the City of Troy for over 27 years and lived in Oakland County for over 48 years. 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. He is married with five children and has been an OCC trustee since 2002. As someone with young children I am extremely dedicated to their future growing up here in Oakland County. Member Milford, Highland, Wixom & South Lyon Historical Societies, Highland White Lake Business Owners Assoc. Current job: Oakland County Commissioner, District 16, Clinical Supervisor, Easter Seals, Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. September 1st, 2022. Lyon, Huron Valley & Lakes Area Chambers. Honorable Jay Costa Jr. JD Treasurer, CCAC Board of Trustees Term Expires: 12.31.2023. . 1OAKLAND Superintendent Barbara Baker has announced her retirement from Garrett County Public Schools, effective July 1. 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. I am running for county commission to represent my hometown with a new generation of progressive, pragmatic politics that puts people first. 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. We need a balanced budget. The Community College District is comprised of Laney and Merritt Colleges in Oakland, College of Alameda, and Berkeley City College. 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 lived in my district for 27 years. 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. I would be the youngest member and only openly LGBT member of the commission: two voices that are sorely needed in elected chambers. 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. The Oakland County Bar Foundation (OCBF) promotes and funds programs designed to increase access, affordability, and understanding of the law and legal system. Trustee - Robin Buxar. Our summers have been full of travel softball for the last eight years and will soon transition to college sports. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Central Michigan University. I have been a commissioner 10-plus years and truly enjoy public service, giving back to the community and I want to keep Oakland County one of the best places to live, work, play and prosper. I have been appointed to Oxford Township Planning Commission since 2014. ? I have a history of woking on bipartisan programs to increase gun safety awareness. Our summers have been full of travel softball for the last eight years and will soon transition to college sports. 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. After completing my undergraduate degree, I returned home and worked as the store manager of Farmer Jack in Southfield. I will ensure that all tax dollars pa. funds are spent/invested as intended, wisely and costs are contained. COVID-19 Meeting Access Notice WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. 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