Mental health needs to be looked at a s part of a complete health concern, not by itself as its impact affects people in multiple ways. Our recent bouts with the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence in some schools and public places, and added economic stress exacerbated by personal issues, PTSD, alcohol and drug abuse have caused much of this problem. Mental health is a growing problem in Macomb County and throughout the United States.Water is essential for life and attracting business and is a necessary priority. Roads currently have a state and federal tax for repair and replacement, but our water systems currently rely on water and sewer rates paid by the consumer and occasional grants for certain water infrastructure problems like lead pipes. Prioritize water and sewage systems to provide adequate clean and safe water, control pollution and address flooding and old infrastructure repairs and replacement.I would also encourage more work with our cities and townships and the tri-country area in joint partnerships for services and infrastructure. I would actively pursue additional grants from state, federal ,and private sources along with making wise use of the current tax dollars produced in the county. Examine and help to carefully reprioritize the budget to focus on our essential services and securing the work force we need that is skilled enough to perform its work on an excellent service basis for our citizens.What are the top three priority issues that Macomb County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? I have had experience with balancing budgets, negotiating contracts and serving as president of some 5,000 school employee union members in 16 school districts for nine years. I have a good knowledge of how government can work for the good of the communities it serves. I want to increase county services in essential areas. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? I want to be able to contribute more to the community and county in which I have lived for so long. Community Foundation as its secretary, chair of its scholarship committee and a community volunteer for Halloween Trunk or Treat and Run the Plank.

Active Board of Directors member of Friends of Macomb Township. Currently active in programs to nourish needy people by preparing and serving through Blessings in a Backpack, Feed the Hungry and Salvation Army. Member of First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Father of three, grandfather of Six, great-grandfather of one, foster father to two dozen children through Oakland Family Services where his wife once worked. Tell us about yourself: Resident of Macomb County for 73 years and Macomb Township for 44 years. in Education with Majors in Spanish and Social Studies in 1968, Wayne State University M.A./Ed. Cynowa, DemocratĬurrent job: Retired, former L’Anse Creuse Public Schools teacher from 1968-2004Įducation: Utica H.S. Alternatives to incarceration must be addressed.Ĭounty Commissioner – 4th District (One 2-year term) Gary E.

Pollution control of our natural resources. Accessibility to county services for our aging population and veteran population needs to be reviewed and updated where necessary. Goals if elected: Recruiting and maintaining high quality jobs in the county is and always will be a main goal. I have not held an elected position in local, county or statewide government elections. Previously elected offices: I have held the elected positions of local union president (Macomb Intermediate Federation of Teachers), vice president for statewide union (AFT-Michigan), recording secretary for a local sportsmen’s club (Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress) and parish council facilitator (St. Occupation:Retired public school educatorĮducation: Associate of Arts-Macomb Community College, Bachelor of Science-Western Michigan University, Master of Education-Wayne State University, Juris Doctor-University of Detroit Kramer, DemocratĬounty Commissioner – 3rd District (One 2-year term) Ken Reid, Democrat LaBuhn, DemocratĬounty Commissioner – 2nd District (One 2-year term) Kurt S. County Commissioner – 1st District (One 2-year term) Michael E. To see what’s on your ballot, click here. This post will be updated as candidates submit their responses. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 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. Editor’s note: WDET distributed candidate surveys to candidates in contested primary races.

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