Republican
Pharmacist and entrepreneur
Have had extensive experience in managing a variety of pharmacies.
Ran my own small business for a number of years.
B.S. in Pharmacy from University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy
Think Local First
Active Pharmacy preceptor
Married
Four daughters: Katie & Carrie (married), Krissy & Claire (recent WMU grads)
If Washtenaw County is experiencing mutual benefit from this association, I would support it. During tough times we need as much help as we can get if the "price is right". I would need further details of this association/agreement to make a final judgment.
I work hard at what I believe in. I believe that everyone has been given gifts that they can use for the betterment of the "whole". As County Commissioner, I will work hard to develop those gifts in others and encourage them to use them where necessary. I realize that my knowledge base is limited, so I will listen and learn from those better equipped than I. Leadership is an awesome responsibility that requires humility and understanding and a servant's heart. I have tried to exemplify these character traits at home and in the work place and I will continue to practice them as County Commissioner.
I certainly cannot argue with the vision as set forth in the "Twenty year Comprehensive Plan" developed by the County Commission. Outstanding recreation and education opportunities, well maintained parks, ever increasing employment opportunities, well staffed and trained police and fire units, roads that are well maintained and traffic flow that is not congested and state of the art health care are all admirable goals. Many of them have already been achieved thanks to the efforts of many, including the past and current Commission. I would not only seek to maintain these achievements but to improve upon them where possible. Health and safety are always of paramount importance and I will endeavor to keep these areas a priority. Maximizing cooperation between all governmental units will also be a concern, looking for ways to share responsibilities and thereby minimizing cost.
While I agree, no one wants to see property values decrease because of adjacent blighted properties, I do not believe the solution lies in placing an ever increasing burden on the tax payer. Here again, we need to put our creativity to work and find solutions that are "enhancements" possibly involving cooperation of local neighborhood residents, similar as to what is happening in Detroit, as a recent article in the Wall Street Journal pointed out. The answers may be complex or simple but they are to be found.
I realize that in many ways, Washtenaw County is not unlike many, if not most, other counties, cities, and states. Money is tight and in some cases, nonexistent. This will be a challenge to manage with all the services that need to be maintained and all the goals that we as a county want to reach. Money, like blood, must circulate to maintain life. I will make it a priority to find/create money where possible to keep the "Comprehensive Plan" alive and look for creative ways to do this. I am a "possibility" thinker and believe there are ways this can be accomplished. Increasing taxes is the least desirable, since it continues to put pressure on an already strapped constituency. We need to develop ways to increase purchasing power in the pocketbooks of everyone. As this happens, business is stimulated and everyone benefits. One possibility is the "Local Monetary Initiative" being promoted by the Ann Arbor DDA, Think Local First and Sustainable MI.
I have been a resident of Washtenaw Count for over forty years. Because of that, I have a deep concern for the welfare of the residents of this county. We live in very uncertain times and I believe I have a perspective and a vision that can help guide us through these uncertainties. The old answers may no longer work and a new perspective may be required. I have always tried to think "outside the box" and ask the question, "Is there a way we can do this better?" Sometimes the answer is NO, but often as not there is. We must put our minds to together and seek "best practices management". The solutions to life's problems are often right there in front of us. All we need to do is open our eyes and look at things a little differently.
With money tight and many necessary services that need to be maintained, fire, police, etc., I could not at this time support an expansion the Road Commission. There may be some other creative ways the needs of the Road Commission could be met but this would require further assessment.
To offer leadership based on the understanding that government should be transparent and minimal. Those who govern the best govern the least. I would strive to encourage personal responsibility where appropriate with minimal government intrusion into people's lives. I would encourage cooperation at all levels, to minimize costs and maximize services, eliminating duplication of efforts wherever possible. Public leadership is an awesome responsibility that requires constant input from the elected official's constituency. Without this input it is too easy to get caught up in self serving programs that benefit a few forgetting the many. This would be a number one priority, to elicit public input as much as possible before making decisions.
Meet the candidates and watch hot races in your Voters Guide
Canham Natatorium is one of the University of Michigan's venues that athletic director Dave Brandon would like to renovate. Melanie ......
Get the Ann Arbor RSS Feed
AnnArbor.com