13th District Oakland County Commission/Democrats

Bloomfield Township COUNTY COMMISSION - 13TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

Two Democrats are competing in the August primary for this seat, and the winner will face Republican Max Rohtbart in the November general election. Only incumbent commissioner Marcia Gershenson responded to the Downtown questionnaire.

MARCIA GERSHENSON

Gershenson, a resident of Bloomfield Township, is a former English techer with a degree from the University of Michigan. Gershenson is the incumbent county commissioner for the 13th district, first elected in 2004.

KELLY DILLAHA from page 20B

with them. We need to ensure Oakland has the amenities that keep and attract a talented workforce, or workers will keep leaving and companies will follow. This will be devastating for our economy. Address the unique needs of our growing senior population, projected to make up 40 percent of Oakland County by 2035. I cared for my mom when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so I know first-hand the challenges that seniors and their families face.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

This week, our twin sons Aidan and Brady graduated from Seaholm amidst the pandemic. The outpouring of well wishes reminded my husband Scott and I why we chose Oakland County for our home 20 years ago: caring neighbors, excellent schools, vibrant shops and safe streets. In a few years when our sons finish college, we want them to start their careers and raise their families here. I’m running for county commission because I want to play an active part in shaping Oakland’s future. Through professional MASS TRANSIT

I support improving mass transit in our region. Better transit is needed to transport workers to jobs, assist people who don't drive or own cars to appointments, get students to school and keep our communities connected. I support developing a transit proposal that will require the approval of our county voters to move forward and age, the transit needs of our senior population will grow exponentially. While some workers can work remotely, workers in need of transit are generally in jobs that cannot be done remotely such as lower wage health care and service sector jobs. Improving transit is essential to sustain and grow our regions economy, attract the workforce we need, and improve the quality of life in southeast Michigan.

VOTING DAY OFF FOR EMPLOYEES

I support Election Day being a county holiday as it is an opportune time to celebrate our democracy. The Republican cost estimate is not accurate. and was corrected by our human resource department. Election Day is a holiday in over 30 states and there is legislation pending in Michigan. The day off provides an opportunity for many county workers to volunteer at local polls where there is a need. We currently have over 500 local

provide benefits to all. As residents precincts and absentee ballot counting boards. This year, with the pandemic, there is concern the traditional poll workers whose average age is 70, will be less willing to work. New volunteers and workers will be needed to support running our elections. Voting is one of our most important civic duties and a cornerstone of our democracy.

BUDGETARY SAFEGUARDS

This is completely false. Democrats instituted a policy that requires all actions and resolutions spending ANY county money, have budget amendments included in the resolution. This reform enables commissioners and the public to fully understand county spending. All budget amendments are required to align with our three-year budgeting practices. Commissioners are committed to the long term success of our county and unanimously passed a three-year budget. Another reform advanced this term, was a requirement that departments submitting grant proposals committing county resources, receive board approval at the beginning of the process. This was often done at the end of the process by the previous administration. Democrats led an effort to require

and volunteer work, I have built strong relationships with community groups, business leaders, educators and government. I am proud of my reputation as someone who works hard to get things done on time and within budget. I’m not a career politician, and I don’t hide behind a computer. I’m active in the community as a business owner, a parent, and volunteer and a leader.

WILLIAM GAGE

political office before.

MASS TRANSIT

I am in favor of mass transit. I believe we need to solve the first and last mile problem to make it more attractive for elderly and rural users. I think it’s important for the communities to work together to the extent possible.

VOTING DAY OFF FOR EMPLOYEES

I agree that voting day should be a holiday. I think we should do everything possible to encourage people to vote and perhaps get a return to a real democracy.

BUDGETARY SAFEGUARDS

Normally the Republicans use this tactic to prevent funding of needed projects. I doubt they’re good faith.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

I think this is part of the infrastructure problem which has been underfunded for decades and I believe we should definitely invest in our natural resources and our infrastructure.

KEY ISSUES contracts come before the board for approval, a practice that had been ignored for decades. Our county's AAA bond rating was sustained this year, and the rating agencies affirmed our increased transparency, fiscal discipline and budgetary practices.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Protecting our lakes, water and streams is a top priority. I led the creation of the Oakland County Safe Lakes Initiative that resulted in a 400 percent increase in lake testing across the county and joined a statewide effort to post data publicly. We are taking many additional steps to protect our environment. I support reducing Oakland County's carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 and we are in the process of conducting a county energy audit to establish a benchmark to achieve that goal. I support creating a new county Energy Sustainability Office to lead our efforts. Lastly, I believe we need to find ways to inspect firms that use toxic chemicals annually. Partnering with the state, we can do more to protect our environment. I want to prevent another “Green Ooze” disaster and lead in communities pipes from ever happening again.

of the richest counties in the state, if not the country. However we have great disparity in housing, schooling, medical care, and a number of other public services. I believe most people would rather live in a just and equitable society where we don’t have to close our eyes to the suffering that goes on around us. Although the board of commissioners has little legislative authority, they do set the policy for the county and allocate almost $1 billion a year.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

Why me? This is really for the voters to decide. Fortunately my Democratic opponent in the primary seems well qualified and would likely do a good job for the citizens. I offer my legal background, many years of experience. We are in the middle of what I believe could be massive changes. One of the things that finally needs to be dealt with Is structural racism. I was around after 1967 and handled a number of civil rights cases including cases involving police killings. I think criminal justice reform is one of the primary issues we need to deal with and I believe that I am particularly qualified to deal with these issues.