BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

Four open seats

Four-year term

DEMOCRAT

OSCAR GARNER JR.

Oscar Garner Jr. is a senior products manager who received his associate degree from Wayne County Community College and bachelor degree from University of Phoenix in business. He has been a Bloomfield Township precinct delegate.

Trustee responsibilities

My job as a trustee is to uphold the values of Bloomfield Township and the concerns and needs of township residents. I bring close to 30 years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This experience has taught me the value of setting aside differences, incorporating togetherness, and trusting in people. I believe this provides me with a comprehensive understanding of our township's needs and challenges.

Financial knowledge

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in finance. I have experience implementing procedures to improve financially challenged automotive facilities. In addition to maintaining project management budgets.

Upcoming issues

The main issues facing Bloomfield Township is to prevent water rate hikes, hiring qualified talent in public safety, do not raise taxes to keep housing affordable to keep Bloomfield Township as desirable location to raise families, and retire.

Township master plan/ordinances

Yes, I support the new strategic plan. The new strategic plan will present township leaders and residents with a vision for the future.

Business community

Meet with current township business owners to discuss their concerns and needs.

Validity of election resuls

Yes. I believe in Bloomfield Township and the efficiency and effectiveness of the election process through the clerk’s office.

Why vote for you

I'll work with diverse backgrounds to find innovative solutions to our shared challenges. I’ll prioritize responsible financial management for the benefit of the entire community. I'll promote practices that preserve our environment and support economic growth. I'll ensure open communication and address resident concerns promptly. I'll advocate for our community's needs and concerns in local government decisions.

ROMAN GRIGORIEV

Roman Grigoriev is a software developer with Atlas Copco. He has a degree in computer application technology from University of Michigan.

Trustee responsibilities

The role of the trustee includes creating and adopting ordnances, approving and monitoring the budget, zoning regulations, and ensuring that the township acts in the best interest of the people and complies with all local and state laws and regulations. When it comes to the question of personal views versus those of other residents, it is important to remember that we are all working for the common good and making the township a better place for every resident. In that key, whatever differences of opinion may arise, they can be resolved with a compromise, I believe that the two most important qualifications for the position are Critical Thinking and Personal Integrity. I believe myself to be in possession of both.

Financial knowledge

My background in Software Development is not financial, but the nature of my work requires me to carefully spot unintended consequences and other potential pitfalls. I am good at asking the “What if” questions as well as probing every decision for possible weaknesses.

Upcoming issues

I believe that the township will be facing two significant challenges: aging infrastructure that will require extensive upgrades and maintenance, coupled with a shrinking amount of available space for new housing developments, which will complicate efforts to accommodate growth and meet housing demands. The issue of property crime also needs to be addressed. In my opinion, involving the feedback and suggestions from the professionals in the field, be it DTE, the police department, etc. is a solid first step.

Township master plan/ordinances

The master plan is still in its preliminary stages, but so far its renewed focus on encouraging townhouses and multiple family residential areas is a step in the right direction. Having a plan that is reflective of the wishes of the residents is definitely preferable to not having one, as the plan would allow us to focus on what is important for the residents of the township, as well as keep ourselves accountable for achieving the milestones of the plan within the allotted time and budget. It will allow the public to gauge our success or failure based on specific metrics. The residents will also be able to get clear expectations of when the issues that are relevant to them are supposed to be addressed.

Business community

I would recommend establishing a Business Advisory Council that would include representatives from the local business community. The Council would be meet with the trustees on a regular basis to discuss issues, opportunities and initiatives.

Validity of election results

Yes, and yes. I believe that my affirmative answers are self-evident and do not require any further explanation. The very fact that in 2024 this is a valid question to ask is a sad commentary on the state of political discourse in the nation.

Why vote for you

With the primaries behind us, this becomes a question about my opponents across the partisan aisle. The role of a township trustee is largely non-partisan in its function, and I believe that regardless of who wins in November, the township residents will have a team of capable people looking out for all residents’ wellbeing. With that being said, it is important to acknowledge that many people vote along party lines, and therefore it is important to make sure that the people have the option to choose the candidate whose overall political compass is more closely aligned with the individual voter’s worldview. I am in this race to provide that very option for the Democratic leaning voters.

VALERIE SAYLES MURRAY

Valerie Sayles Murray is currently completing her first term as a trustee on the board of trustees. She also sits on the Bloomfield Township Election Commission and Preservation Bloomfield. Murray, who has a degree from Michigan State University, is also a founding member of Fems for Democracy, and is a volunteer with Oakland County Adopt-A-Highway and Michigan Animal Rescue League.

Trustee responsibilities

The job of trustee is to attend and vote at every Board of Trustees meeting. At board meetings, we all sit as equal in our vote to pass or not proceed with issues on the agenda. A board packet is sent, and we ”study up” and carefully review the current agenda issues. It is to be prepared for every meeting and vote responsibly. The trustee role is to also represent the voice or issues of the residents, it is not for or about my personal issues. I respond to calls, emails, and sometimes go out to see a proposed issue or meet with a homeowner at their property. As a homeowner in the township since 1985, I have served on my subdivision board many times, including being our road paving chair, taking our dirt roads through the paving process. I learned so much about working with the township and the county in that process, and over the years pulling personal permits for our own home, and other contact with the township. It is a privilege to serve the residents and I take this responsibility seriously and appreciate the trust they have put in me when I was elected to serve.

Financial knowledge

My degree in Advertising was more of a business focused degree, studying Economics, Statistics, Marketing, and Communication, all which contribute to a greater understanding of budgeting, finances and communicating with residents and fellow board members in a professional manner. I worked for 10 years in the field of Advertising as a Media Buyer/Planner, and Operations Manager for an ad firm in Bloomfield Hills. In a smaller company, we wore many hats, so I was responsible for spending our clients ad dollars in the best interest of their individual goals, and reviewing performance. In addition, I oversaw office operations, client billing, accounts receivable and payables, working closely with, and reported monthly financial records to our CPA. In 1988, as the chair for our subdivision SAD (Special Assessment District), I carried petitions to every household, whether they were in approval or opposition to the paving. I felt it was critical to give every homeowner an opportunity to ask questions, seek information, no matter which side of the issue they were on. My road paving county contact at our public hearing commended my thoroughness and was pleased that no one showed up in opposition.

Upcoming issues

Our current board, and hopefully the newly elected board, needs to work together cooperatively, for the best outcome for residents. We have demonstrated a more professional, cooperative board to the public. In 2020, the board was not as resident friendly, nor transparent to questions of policy, finance, budgets. I feel we have come a long way. That being said, there is always room for improvement and changes. We work cooperatively and respectfully as a board, discussing any disagreements professionally, hoping to reach the best end result. We are currently implementing updates on water collection information, enabling us to institute monthly billing versus quarterly. This will give residents who may incur a leak or other issue faster information to head off a costly bill. We also are always trying to keep water/sewer rates in check, and monthly billing will enable us to move toward more use based rates, in an effort to be more fair and equitable for all. Unfortunately, water itself and sewer costs are pass-through, and we do not control them, so much is fixed. We are currently working on a new five-year Strategic Plan, to give us well planned out focus to lead us into the future.

Township master plan/ordinances

We are currently working with, and have hired Berry Dunn to assist us in creating a five-year Strategic Plan. This process has held many meetings collecting data and opinions from the public, school students, business, staff and the board. There hasn’t been an active Strategic Plan in roughly 10 years. This is important to give the board the correct, up to date focus on where we are at, and where we need to go in the next five years. Having documented feedback and direction will help us to make the best plans and decisions for the overall success of the township. We took several proposals before hiring Berry Dunn, based on them being very competitive in their rate, but also making many in person visits and community outreach research. They had the right background to help in municipal planning, also critical to the success of the overall plan. I feel this process is very helpful and needed for good governance. While we could have opted to create our own Strategic Plan, by utilizing a quality, experienced firm, we have taken expert direction and research, which will provide a more objective plan, and not weighing on personal opinions too heavily.

Business community

Bloomfield Township is roughly 94 percent residential, so that is clearly a major focus. Our business community is also very important, providing many services that enhance living in the township. We need a good balance between giving support for our businesses, while keeping in mind we are resident based. I feel carefully monitoring our ordinances and policies to make the best overall decisions for both. One of the desires that has come forward working on the Strategic Plan is that residents would like a more vibrant restaurant scene. We do not have a specific “downtown” area in the township, but that is also one of the more desirable things that we are less heavily developed. We also work with the school district, another important element.

Validity of election results

Yes, I accept the results of the 2020 election. Our election processes are safe and residents should be assured we take keeping their voting ability and results of high importance. In 2023, I was appointed to the Township Election Commission. This position has provided me even more information as to how our elections are carefully monitored and kept secure. We hold two meetings, open to the public, prior to each election. At these meetings we test the voting tabulation equipment, run test ballots and verify results are exactly what was input into the system. If anyone has any questions or wants to attend these meetings we welcome your attendance.

Why vote for you

I am a long-time, dedicated resident in the township. Serving on my subdivision board going back to the 1980’s alongside former Supervisor David Payne. Knowing Dave was part of my inspiration to get involved, along with wanting to keep our township the wonderful place we have lived in for several decades. I ran for this position in 2020 as I felt we had gotten off course, not focusing enough on the needs of the residents, and not spending in a balanced, transparent manner. I ran as an advocate for the residents, but I duly support businesses activity as well. I am not in this position as a stepping stone to a higher position, I love being a trustee, and want to continue to serve the residents. I have learned so much in my almost four years on this board, so I can hit the ground running, being more effective with the previous term experience. My business-skewed degree, business experience, subdivision board positions, volunteerism, and 20 years in technology support for both Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills Schools has provided me a good balance of business based and people based experience.

REPUBLICAN

MARK ANTAKLI

Mark Antakli is a consultant with an undergraduate mechanical engineering degree and an MBA from University of Michigan. He has been a precinct delegate from 2020-2024.

Trustee responsibilities

Mark Antakli believes the role of the trustee is to be a representative of the people's interests and concerns as it pertains to all decisions made by township management. He believes the residents elect trustees to hold the township accountable, both financially and ethically, to do what is right and proper on behalf of all residents, and taxpayers. No one interest group should have sway over township decisions. The decisions are made during board of trustee and township committee meetings. Oversight is provided for activities such as budgets, ordinances, tax appropriations, elections, land use and fee structures such as water and sewer fees. Too often government has a “because we can” approach to its decision-making process. This was evident during the Truth-In-Taxation agenda item at the March 25, 2024, trustee meeting. Although social security payments increased 3.2 percent, and seniors make up more than 20 percent of township residents, the board of trustees voted to increase property tax valuations by more than 3.2 percent just because they could. During the public comment, Mark Antakli advocated reducing the tax increase and the financial burden on residents.

Financial knowledge

Mark Antakli has an MBA with a Finance Concentration and a BS in Mechanical Engineering. The following examples highlight what Mark Antakli will bring to the table. During the spring of 2023, Antakli advocated lowering water and sewer rates. Antakli’s financial analysis was valid, considering the $6,264,167.93 water and sewer gross income presented in the April 24, 2024, board of trustee packet. Antakli’s post can be found on the Better Bloomfield Township Facebook page. To be sure, the audited financials will not be available until the end of September 2024 and will adjust for depreciation and capital improvement. During Public Comment on May 13, 2024, Mark Antakli inquired about the investment income on the $9.825 million of assets in the Equipment and Replacement Fund. Did the treasurer invest the funds? Where was the investment income allocated? Mark Antakli has advocated for Public Safety’s Healthcare Retirement Trust Assets. When public safety liabilities and assets were placed in a separate sub-account the township board never addressed how investment income was allocated to public safety retirees. The split occurred in May of 2021. According to the township’s website, the township generated investment income of more than $2.4 million during the period considered. Yet none of the investment income was allocated to public safety retirees. Why? A presentation was made to the board of trustees in the August 28, 2023, board of trustee meeting.

Upcoming issues

The township has large recurring costs that will end in the next 10 to 15 years, for example, the pension bond debt, the healthcare retirement trust contributions, the pension benefit contributions, and campus debt. What happens when a large recurring cost ends? Should the township reduce tax millages, keep collecting the full millage, and spend the additional revenue or fees? Mark Antakli believes the township should start planning to eliminate the second general fund millage to coincide with the final pension bond debt payment. The pension bond debt payment is over $5 million per year, the last payment is due May 2033. Antakli believes separating recurring costs and capital improvements during the annual budget process would validate how much the tax millages can be reduced and provide insight into an appropriate time frame.

Township master plan/ordinances

Mark Antakli believes the public comments made during the Bloomfield Village Road SAD hearings highlight the importance of a good strategic plan. By coordinating the timing of road replacements, sidewalk replacements, and water and sewer replacements, the township can reduce expenses and assessments for residents and businesses. Antakli would like the strategic plan to include a water storage system. This would allow the township to purchase water at night at wholesale rates. The water can then be released during the daytime when the cost of water is higher. This would help reduce water and sewer rates for township residents and businesses. For a water storage system, would it be appropriate to lease property from the Bloomfield Hills Schools to preserve the baseball, soccer, and lacrosse fields at Fox Hill School? The lease payment would help cover the expenses to maintain the playing fields for the children in the community. Is this the right time to consider this project with all the construction currently taking place at Square Lake Road and the I-75 interchange? With a good strategic plan, it becomes easier to answer these questions.

Business community

Mark Antakli believes providing good governance to everyone will result in better outcomes for businesses and residents. Good governance includes consistently applying ordinances, utilizing long-term plans to stabilize the impact of capital expenditures, identifying opportunities to reduce expenses and lower taxes, and identifying opportunities to lower fee structures such as water and sewer.

Validity of election results

Election integrity is a bipartisan issue. Bloomfield Township is fortunate to have such wonderful election volunteers supporting election integrity in Bloomfield Township and throughout the local community. Mark Antakli has received Six Sigma Black Belt Training and views elections as a process with opportunities for continuous improvement. Antakli views elections by answering the following questions: 1) Was the election process fair? 2) Was the election process transparent? 3) Was the chain of custody preserved throughout the election process? When the answer is “NO,” it becomes the clerk’s responsibility to improve the process and remove the concerns in the election process. When transparency is high throughout the election process, it builds confidence regarding election outcomes.

Why vote for you

Mark Antakli grew up in West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills and was fortunate to attend Brother Rice High School.In 2018 Mark returned to his Michigan roots and settled in Bloomfield Township with his wife and three children. Mark Antakli believes the township is overcharging residents on water and fees by about 10 percent. The incumbents have supported the high water and sewer rates resulting in a $15 million increase in fund reserves from March 31, 2020, through March 31, 2023. Over the past four years, Mark Antakli has actively and consistently voiced concerns during township board of trustee and financial sustainability meetings. The incumbents have not been able to explain why Antakli is wrong. Antakli has created a group on Next Door to engage the community. The group is called “Bloomfield Township Trustee Meeting Topics”.

NEAL BARNETT

Neal Barnett is attorney/managing partner at Sills, Charboneau & Barnett, PC. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University's Honor College, a master's in clinical psychology from Oakland University, and his law degree from Wayne State University. He has served on the township's board of trustees since 2004, and is also on the township's planning commission, election commission, financial sustainability committee, and served on the township's zoning board.

Trustee responsibilities

The role of a trustee is to represent the concerns of the residents to the board. The role of a trustee is also to provide a check and balance on the non-trustee board members. It is not a rubber stamp position. Personal views are important as are the views of the residents. Trustees should provide a balance between the two. I am the most qualified candidate for the trustee position. I have over 20 years experience as a trustee on the Bloomfield Township Board. In addition, I have the most in-depth background as a Planning Commisioner for over 19 years, a member of the Financial Sustainability Committee, Election Committee and former member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Financial knowledge

As an attorney with over 35 years of experience in asset protection and retirement plans,

I bring a significant financial acumen to the board. I have worked on the township’s budgets, special assessment districts, investments and retirement assets during my 20 years on the board and as a member of the Financial Sustainability Committee.

Upcoming issues

Bloomfield Township is primarily a bedroom community with aging infrastructure and long term financial liabilities. I have always advocated upgrading and investing in our water system and below ground infrastructure. In addition, we have made significant progress on our financial long term liabilities and that must continue. We must improve the services we provide our residents. We can do better, whether clearing the ice and snow, reducing crime, providing waste management services, providing building inspections in a timely manner or repairing damaged safety paths faster. We are a service provider. Historically we were known for providing exemplary services to our residents. In addition, we should appoint a sub-committee of board members and department heads to develop a more independent and professional Human Resource Department for Bloomfield Township.

Township master plan/ordinances

I am extremely familiar with our master plan and zoning ordinances. I am the only candidate who has been on the Bloomfield Township Zoning Board, worked on our current strategic plan and current master plan. It is important that we review and update our current strategic plan and master plan. The plans need to reflect the current values and objectives of the residents.

Business community

We utilize many of our retail, financial and business constituency via their participation in the Financial Sustainability Committee. I often meet informally with many of our retail, financial and business constituency to better understand their concerns and how we as a township can provide the services they need.

Validity election results

I accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan and will accept the results of the 2024 primary and general election. There is no legitimate evidence that the 2020 presidential election results in Michigan should not be accepted. The non-believers have been destructive and attempted to destroy the Michigan Republican party by turning it into a clown show. As a member of the Election Commission, I am familiar with all of the strong security measures that the state has implemented.

Why vote for you

I am the most qualified candidate. I have been a trustee on the Bloomfield Township Board for over 20 years. I provide the institutional knowledge and understanding of Bloomfield Township that the other candidates lack. I have a strong financial background. I am non-political and look out for the best interests of our residents. I believe in providing exemplary services to our residents. I have a strong understanding of all of the issues that are presented to the board. Bloomfield Township will have many issues that we need to address. The residents deserve to have someone represent them who understands the history and culture of Bloomfield Township and who will strive to continue to make it better.

MALISSA BOSSARDET

Malissa Bossardet is a customer success manager for Wedgewood Pharmacy/Blue Rabbit Inc. She has a degree from Indiana University in theater. From 2016-2020, Bossardet was an executive committee member with the Oakland County Republican Party and has been an elected Republican precinct delegate.

Trustee responsibilities

Township trustees serve on the board in a purely legislative role, as opposed to the legislative/ministerial roles assigned to the full-time members. Trustees are both policy makers and the guardians of the taxpayers’ money. As the four trustees serve as the elected majority on our township board, they must act as fiscal watchdogs of the how money is budgeted and spent. Trustees vote on all ordinances and many land use questions. It is not the job of the trustees to involve themselves in the day-to-day operation of the township. While it is important to represent the residents as an elected trustee, voters understand that each candidate standing for election hold certain beliefs. This understanding has served as the basis of our representative democracy for nearly 250 years. It is not possible to precisely ascertain the personal views of every resident, so keeping open lines of communication with them as an elected official is vital. I have worked for many years in animal healthcare and understand the needs of my clients, especially how economic conditions impact their ability to deliver services while remaining profitable. This understanding, along with my project management background, make me qualified to serve as trustee.

Financial knowledge

I have an extensive business background which provides me with an understanding of the fundamentals of budgets and finance. Trustees must vote to hire an accounting firm each year to provide a comprehensive audit of the townships’ finances. I am familiar with municipal audits and can determine when certain red flags appear in an audit report. It is of the utmost importance that trustees hire a reliable accounting firm to provide the peoples’ elected representatives with a professional and accurate reporting of our books.The investments made by the township are largely dependent upon the township treasurer, with oversight by the entire membership of the board. It is crucial that retirement funds remain adequately funded to prevent shortfalls needing to be paid for by the taxpayers. Special assessment districts are a particularly sensitive matter. While a certain percentage of property owners in the district may trigger the creation of a district, there are occasions when other property owners may be vehemently opposed to the project being funded and being forced to pay for something they do not agree to as being needed. As a trustee, I will carefully weigh all sides before voting to approve such a district.

Upcoming issues

The delivery of basic township services tops my list. The ice storms earlier this year created rutted road conditions for days on major east-west roads such as Quarton. The township did nothing to resolve this, placing blame everywhere else. Bloomfield Township residents observed bare pavement east of Adams Road entering the city of Troy while our roads bordered on being impassible. If I am elected trustee, I will help develop an action plan to prevent such conditions from persisting for days. We need to demand better from all service as we pay for much of our own road services other townships rely upon the Road Commission to service. We must demand accountability when the services are not provided.

I support efforts to strengthen our police protection. High-tech gangs have targeted Bloomfield Township for frightening home invasions. We must work with multijurisdictional task forces to combat these gangs, while providing our own police department with the resources to make sure we are protected.

Township master plan/ordinances

A responsible municipality frequently updates their master plan. A hopelessly out of date plan paints a legal target on our backs if rezonings and land use approvals are challenged in court. A comprehensive and contemporary master plan helps to strengthen our legal position should those being turned down for a noxious use decides to litigate. This measure of prevention is much cheaper the long run and simply makes sense in a community claiming to be among the elite in Michigan.

Business community

Bloomfield Township is primarily a “bedroom community” with retail and office corridors. While businesses must pay taxes at a rate usually higher than residential properties, they are frequently underrepresented at township hall. As a trustee, I would work with the business community, including business and trade organizations, to better provide for their needs. We need to be mindful that in this post-Covid world, the need for traditional retail and office space has changed. While there may never be a need for as much of these uses going forward, we can work to attract premium users to serve our high end community.

Validity of election results

While I’m unsure how this question is particularly relevant in a race for township trustee, I do accept the presidential elections results in Michigan. I have often served as an election worker for the township clerk, both at the polls and the absentee counting boards. I am very familiar with the multiple safeguards providing for ballot security. As someone who served as an election worker on the day of the November 2020 election, I saw with my own eyes that the process with conducted with the utmost of professionalism and integrity.

Why vote for you

While three of my primary opponents are all long-term residents of Bloomfield Township and well-known Republicans, candidate Margo Cargill registered to vote and filed for office on April 23, 2024. She claims residence in a home with no record of her, yet she has extensive records indicating she resides in the state of New York. As an actual homeowner, taxpayer and established voter in this community, I believe that I am better suited to serve its taxpayers than a completely unknown candidate having registered to vote and run for office on the last day to file. I have previously been elected as a Republican precinct delegate, served as a delegate to the state Republican convention. I have also run for office in Bloomfield Township. I have often served as an election day worker for multiple township elections. I have been a Republican activist concerned about the disturbing lack of value for money township taxpayers receive.

CHRISTOPHER M. KOLINSKI

Christopher Kolinski is a Northville Township firefighter/paramedic who is completing his first year as a township trustee after being appointed in September 2023 to complete Michael Schostak's term after he became treasurer. He is the former chair of the Bloomfield Township Board of Review and is a former member of the financial sustainability committee. He is former treasurer of the IAFF Local 3961Union Executive Committee. Kolinski has a degree in finance from Oakland University.

Trustee responsibilities

As a Bloomfield Township Trustee, I am dedicated to serving the community by overseeing administrative and financial affairs. As a trustee, I believe the focus areas include budgeting, land use, infrastructure, public safety, community development and collaboration with local governments. While I am elected based on my personal views, I prioritize the needs and concerns of the majority of my constituents, putting aside personal views. I am committed to listening to their voices and making decisions that benefit the community as a whole. My qualifications for this role are rooted in my diverse experiences, including those as chair of the Board of Review, where I developed expertise in assessments and property valuations. I also served on the Financial Sustainability Committee, ensuring wise pension investments. My background in public safety enables me to advocate for our fire and police departments, ensuring necessary resources for world-class service. Additionally, my experience in data analytics and process improvement will help streamline township operations for greater efficiency. My construction and property development experience will also serve me well in addressing property-related issues that arise at the board level. All these unique and diverse experiences will to make me an excellent trustee.

Financial knowledge

As a seasoned professional with experience in financial accounting, data analytics, and process improvement, I leveraged my expertise gained at Ernst & Young to drive efficiency and accuracy. In my role as chairman of the Board of Review, I honed my skills in assessment and valuation processes. Additionally, I contributed to the Financial Sustainability Committee, where I collaborated with experts to develop investment recommendations for the township's pension assets. Currently, I serve on the Retiree Healthcare Trustee Committee, providing strategic guidance on investments for the township's healthcare trust. I am confident that my diverse experience and skills will enable me to continue to serve as a trusted asset to the board of Bloomfield Township.

Upcoming issues

I have identified two key challenges facing Bloomfield Township: staying competitive in the current labor market and investing in our infrastructure. Historically, our township has been a sought-after destination for top public sector professionals in our region. However, due to various factors, we have lost our competitive edge in the labor market over the past few years. To address this issue, I intend to collaborate with our unions to negotiate fair and competitive contracts that ensure the township's financial stability and enable us to continue providing exceptional services to our residents by attracting exceptional people. I will work closely with our administration to develop innovative solutions to this issue. Additionally, I believe it is essential to invest in our infrastructure. Our police station, fire stations, water/sewer infrastructure, and township hall all require significant investments to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. Moreover, these investments are crucial for attracting top talent to our township. We have already initiated a needs assessment for our fire stations and police station, which will guide our planning and decision making. With several bond expirations approaching in the coming years, I propose exploring the use of bonds to finance the necessary investments in our community.

Township master plan/ordinances

I have a working knowledge of our township's master plan and zoning ordinances. I strongly advocate for a new strategic plan and a new master plan that takes into account the current needs and priorities of our township and its residents. The current master plan, which was last updated in 2007 with an amendment in 2017, is no longer relevant to the current economic landscape and challenges we face today. As our community has evolved, so too have our needs, and it is essential that we develop a new master plan that reflects these changes. A new plan, created by community input and collaboration, will provide a clear vision for our township's future and help us achieve our goals. I am proud to support the development of a new strategic plan and master plan for our township.

Business community

By fostering ongoing, active discussions with our business community, we can create a collaborative partnership that exceeds expectations. By actively listening to the needs, struggles and aspirations of our business leaders, we can work together to drive meaningful and relevant changes that benefit everyone involved. As a board, it is essential that we continue to meet with our business leaders, engage with the community, and ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed. To achieve this, we can take a proactive approach by attending chamber of commerce events, speaking at conferences hosted by local organizations, and seeking out opportunities to connect with business leaders. It is crucial that we prioritize accessibility and focus on listening, ensuring that our efforts are tailored to the unique needs and goals of our business community.

Validity of election results

I acknowledge the integrity of the 2020 presidential election results in Michigan and accept the outcome. I am committed to upholding the democratic process, and I will have faith in the voting process and the dedication of our state's clerks to ensure the integrity of future elections. In 2024, I will accept the results of both the primary and general elections, trusting that these public servants will prioritize the will of the voter above all else, as they are sworn to do.

Why vote for you

As a candidate for Bloomfield Township, I believe my extensive work experience makes me the ideal choice for the voters. With my experience as a financial consultant at Ernst and Young, I honed my skills in data analytics and process improvement, which will serve me well in addressing the complex issues that the board faces. My experience in public safety is particularly relevant, given its significant impact on our township's budget and residents' interests. I have also developed expertise in labor relations and union contracts, having negotiated them in the past. With multiple contracts set to expire in 2025/2026, I am confident that my knowledge will be a valuable asset to the board. Additionally, my background in property development and construction will aid in making informed decisions on these critical issues within our township. I firmly believe that my diverse experience makes me the best candidate for the primary election, and I encourage voters to select me for the board.