Water and development. Public transit needs to become a reality across the region. Education: BS Chemistry, Western Michigan University. 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. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I have a diverse background so I can relate to others. I am a fiscal conservative and will always work to find ways to save the county and our taxpayers money. 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. Three candidates are running for the District 2 seat on the Oakland Unified School District board this year. - General Manager, Operations, RCO Aerospace and RCO Engineering - Board of Directors, Treasurer, Aerospace Industry Association of . As a former school teacher, I am well aware of the challenges our teachers and child care educators face every day. That means many incumbents are running in new districts. Generally be a voice for the unheard and raise righteous hell in support of racial, social, economic and environmental justice. September 1st, 2022. Current job: Southfield City Councilman for nine years and tenured professor of political science (20 years) at Oakland Community College, Education: Bachelors and Masters in political science from Clark Atlanta University, Doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Wayne State University. 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. Re-established the Human Trafficking Task Force in 2016 to increase communication of all organizations working to stop these terrible acts. These dollars were not cut to balance the budget or to provide tax relief to residents, but rather to pay for unnecessary projects. This means reevaluating programs and eliminating those that are unnecessary, inefficient or counter-productive. Rob has learned to maximize funding with limited and fluctuating budgets. I have been married to my wife, Michelle, for 22 years and we have two daughters and a dog. Friedman has been Founder, General Counsel and Chair Emeritus of Prosperity Now since 1979. It was self-rewarding to contribute to the county I lived in. To view the 2022 midterm Oakland County Board of Commissioners race, click here. Among the Republican hopefuls, Susan Anderson, a bookkeeper and treasurer of the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees, is the choice over Oxford businessman Joe Kent. 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. We must also use these funds to support our local businesses and continue to bring employers to Oakland County. Board Formal Session Location: Oakland Center, Banquet Room A. December 4, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - Board Formal Session Location: Oakland Center, Banquet Room A (248) 370-2100; Water commissioner Family is what ultimately fuels Robs passion to maintain and improve his community. We must support small businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. 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. Member of the County team supporting Businesses and distributing of monies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. We are in a time where police and sheriff departments need additional funding to fight the rise in crime and mass shootings, such as the Oxford High School tragedy in our own county! 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. I am in the process now of administering assistance through the American recovery funds to schools, nonprofits, residents and businesses. County Commissioner Oakland Community College Trustee Local School Board Member Oakland Intermediate School District Precinct Delegate. What are your accomplishments as commissioner? He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020. I believe the marketplace, not politicians and bureaucrats, should determine which jobs are essential and which are not. I am extremely supportive of our countys efforts to grow our regions talent pipeline through our Oakland80 commitment. MCC office temporarily closed. I have shown the willingness to work across the aisle and stand up to issues that would not benefit our community. This program will embed education navigators in our local secondary intuitions to assist residents to attain post secondary or certification. Learn the latest COVID-19 updates . Current job: Freelance Writer, Producer, Researcher. (March 1, 2023) Teachers and school staff in Oakland survived the budget ax for now after the Oakland Unified School District Board on . We must continue to support our Sheriffs office and all local law enforcement. I find it satisfying to solve problems for constituents. Joshua Merchant. She has also been involved in many community events . The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. Jun 3 2022. Lyon, Huron Valley & Lakes Area Chambers. She is also President of the Board of Trustees at Eton Academy and Chair of the Children's Trust Fund of Michigan. This and the environmental concerns facing us require a creative and progressive vision. 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 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. We citizens took it for granted and our leaders were unprepared for the passing of county executive L. Brooks Patterson. #3 Provide our Sheriffs Department with the funds needed to hire and supply tools they need to keep our communities safe. 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. 1OAKLAND Superintendent Barbara Baker has announced her retirement from Garrett County Public Schools, effective July 1. I currently work at the Michigan State House of Representatives where I am the Chief of Staff for Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). #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. Our mission is to elect Republicans to all levels of government, from local school. 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. Oakland County was one of the three counties that paid Highland Parks water bill for years when Highland Park refused to pay its own bill. One area of need is to develop a Senior Services office within the county to support people age 65 and older. 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. District 13 is made up of suburban and rural areas. #1 priority is keeping our tax dollars low to encourage population growth and business growth in our county. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to remove the entire AHS Board of Trustees. I am currently working on efforts to increase the salaries of child care and home care workers. Board Members. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: Oakland County Commissioner, Elected in 2018 and 2020, Mayor, City of Clawson, 2007-2017; Council Person, City of Clawson 2003-2007; Clawson Youth Assistance Chair; Clawson Chamber of Commerce Board Member; Area Agency on Aging 1 B Board Member; Clawson Farmers Market Co-Organizer, 2009 to present; Boy Scout Troop 1627 Secretary; Employed at Easter Seals since 2002. Throughout my time as commissioner I have accomplished a number of things including: Financial responsibility and accountability by delivering balanced budgets, living within our means and being recognized by Standard and Poors as one of the best run counties in the nation. Secured $10M in funding for a new sewer project in north west Oakland County that will reduce the need of septic fields. Our ability to thrive as a county through changing social and economic times depends on creating good policies that support affordable housing, public transportation, job opportunities and support for small businesses. 117 likes. . Board of Trustees. 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 live in Orion township with my wife, Jessica, and our six kids. The Honorable Jay Costa, JD is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate representing the 43rd district, which encompasses the townships of Penn Hills and Wilkins; the boroughs of Baldwin, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Homestead, Munhall, Swissvale, Verona, West Homestead, West . Was invited to the White House to represent Oakland County at the Summit on Human Trafficking in 2020. Too much work is done behind closed doors and delegated to agencies that are not directly accountable to the people. I would look for ways to invest in programs that assist small business startups and further the cause of assisting businesses already in existence. For far too long, public education has been defunded, resulting in larger class sizes and teacher shortages. 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. The need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leadership is to examine the conditions of the work environment and actively work to remove barriers that hinder residents and employees in the county. I also bring 25 years of experience in the private sector experience in the information business holding various global leadership roles. 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: Oakland County Commissioner, District 16, Clinical Supervisor, Easter Seals, Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. I am a strong advocate for responsible gun ownership and storage, and increasing mental health services throughout the County. 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. 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 am also a student of history and know the threat posed by a government unrestrained by constitutional limits and free, but secure, elections. I am running for county commission because we need strong leadership in South Oakland County. I became a social worker after interacting with child protective services as a child. During the pandemic, I actively worked to distribute over $200 million federal dollars to help local businesses recover. . Kevin Jenkins. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a native Detroiter and grew up on the east side where my parents still reside. As someone with young children I am extremely dedicated to their future growing up here in Oakland County. I hear from people almost every day who need public transit for jobs, education, etc. He was disqualified from the Independence Party primary scheduled on June 23, 2020. Over the past 18 months I have witnessed the OCC pass millions of dollars to create offices with zero oversight for spending our tax dollars. Oakland University is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor to serve eight-year terms. Candidate responses are included as submitted and have not been . Boyd Farnam. Transparency, spending, infrastructure. We must work together to find new ways and programs to support them and our citizens, including crisis intervention training (CIT). Oakland County Commissioner, Elected in 2018 and 2020, Mayor, City of Clawson, 2007-2017; Council Person, City of Clawson 2003-2007; Clawson Youth Assistance Chair; Clawson Chamber of Commerce Board Member; Area Agency on Aging 1 B Board Member; Clawson Farmers Market Co-Organizer, 2009 to present; Boy Scout Troop 1627 Secretary; Employed at . The actions that I will take would be to not spend taxpayer dollars foolishly as what is being done at this time. 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. Fax: (248) 370-4201. joshuamerchant@oakland.edu. I have been appointed to Oxford Township Planning Commission since 2014. ? Or contact Nicole Christian, Senior Executive Assistant to the Board: Phone: 248.209.2123 Fax: 248.209.2206 Email If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail at retirement@oakgov.com . 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 . 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 use my spare time reading or watching videos about local, state, national or international issues. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? I pride myself on being transparent, honest, dedicated, and leading with integrity and honor. Why are you running again for county commission and why should voters re-elect you? 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. 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. Get the latest 2022 general election results for races in Oakland County, including county offices, school boards and local ballot proposals. The three priority issues for a first term would be employment and mentoring programs for youth. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? by admin Jan 30 2023. This is my home and I want to give back to my community and fight to be their voice. 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. 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. OCRP EVENTS. L.E.O./Kitefest; Operation Injured Soldiers; Huron River Watershed Council; Milford Memories & War Dog Memorial. Second, focus on rebuilding our small businesses and create incentives for entrepreneurs to want to open small businesses in our county. St. QIC 22103 Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 967-3825. 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. I stepped up in the past and served as an elected Walled Lake School Board Member from 2010-2013. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Many people see this trend as a wasteful spending. 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. COVID-19 Meeting Access Notice 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. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a social worker who has worked in policymaking, municipal finance and community organizing. I owe it to my children, my community and my God to be faithful to this call to serve for such a time as this. Im a graduate of Cass Technical High School. I began my service to the community in 2003 as a police officer. Transit must include all communities. Donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, may be used in connection If you have any questions, contact the Oakland County Board of Elections at . I also am a strong supporter of Detroit City FC and all species of bees. Robert Wittenberg, Trustee. Community economic development. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a 30-plus year insurance agent, 20-plus year real estate agent and owner of RCS-Janitorial.com, a Michigan-based commercial janitorial company. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at The San Francisco Foundation, at Ecotrust and at the Rosenberg Foundation. Current job: Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Berkley, Education: Graduated from Walled Lake Central High School (1999), Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Leadership & Diversity from Grand Valley State University (2003), Master of Public Administration from Oakland University (2008), Post-Masters Certificate in Local Government Management from Oakland University (2011). 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 . Candidates for two, six-year terms ? 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. Relate to others 22103 Oakland, CA 94602 ( 510 ) 967-3825 ; Huron River Watershed Council Milford! 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