Hometown
DeWitt
Education
BBA 1971 Western Michigan University.
Family
Married to Marie, We have three Daughters, 3 Granddaughters and another on the way.
Professional Experience
40 years in the Insurance Industry
Political Experience
5 years as a City of Dewitt Councilman
15 years as a Clinton County Commissioner serving the City of DeWitt and DeWitt Charter Township
20 years of City and County Government experience.
Parks and Recreation are an important part of community life. Counties should play a role in the development and management of Parks and Green Space. Clinton County currently manages two water based parks and are looking to acquire another in the southern end of the County.
Road funding is the issue. The Road funding legislation that was enacted in 2015 was conceived by relying upon and accepting poorly thought out economic and political assumptions.
Yes, I would support raising the gas tax. User tax is the fairest form of cost sharing.
Michigan has been successful in delivering Constitutionally mandated services through the current County Governance structure.
I am always willing to look at constructive changes if they will improve service delivery.
I am always willing to dialogue about improving and ending expensive duplication of services.
I would advocate for structural changes that end unnecessary duplication of service delivery and the expenses that result.
Good leadership requires intensive evaluation and execution of constitutionally mandated and community sanctioned services.If this process is applied consistently there should be minimal chance for pressing issues to develop.
Our financial position is solid. In the last 16 years we have built a new Courthouse, Animal Shelter, Maintenance Department Building, and Health Department Building. By the end of 2016 all of the bonds that were issued to fund these structures will be paid in full. We are one of the few counties have who have well funded pension and opeb plans. Our pension plan is funded at 94% and our OPEB plan (payment of retiree health insurance premiums) is funded at 116%.
The State Constitution clearly delineates the role and authority of each unit of Government. Any deviation would require a vote of the people.
They are all vital.
Judicious use of taxpayer dollars has made it possible for the Board of Commissioners to avoid any trimming of services.
I have no unpaid tax obligations, My Children are adults and I have been married for 46 years. My Wife is a very patient Woman.
e.thePeople