OAKLAND COUNTY TREASURER

Four-year term

DEMOCRAT

ROBERT WITTENBERG

Robert Wittenbert is completing his first four-year term as the county treasurer following serving as a state representative from 2015-2020. He has a bachelor of science degree in business management from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is the treasurer of the Tri-Community Coalition.

Role of treasurer

In the role of county treasurer, I serve as the banker for county government in charge of delinquent tax collections, disbursement of funds, and the investment of surplus money. The treasurer is the manager of county debt and a guardian of taxpayer dollars. Throughout my first term, I have been a compassionate and responsible steward of resources. Some accomplishments I’ve achieved as treasurer include: I implemented a robust tax foreclosure prevention effort, resulting in the lowest number of property tax foreclosures ever in Oakland County; I established the first-ever Oakland County Land Bank Authority to help with housing and economic development; I updated the county investment policy for the first time in 20 years; I worked with my colleagues to maintain the county’s coveted AAA Bond rating.

Treasurer’s role beyond Oakland County

As a former three-term state representative, this is an area where I am very well positioned. I still have close relationships with numerous legislators and legislative leaders, as well as with the governor. I am active within the legislative committee for the Michigan Association of County Treasurers. We work closely with legislators as bills are being deliberated in Lansing that will impact county treasurers.

Investment outlook

Oakland County is one of only two counties in the state that operate a Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) on behalf of the local communities in the county. We are guided by Public Act 20, which prescribes what we can and cannot invest in. We are cautious in what we invest in, but also seek yield while ensuring the safety of taxpayer dollars. I am proud to say that we updated our investment policy for the first time in 20 years during my term to allow more opportunity to earn interest while also safeguarding funds. Our strategy consists of safety first, followed by ensuring we have the liquidity to pay our bills, and finally, yield. Our interest income has steadily risen as interest rates have gone up, and we ladder out our investments to make sure we are earning the most we can both short term and for years to come.

Performance of investments

Over the last couple of years, our investment income has more than doubled. As I am a firm believer in transparency, all our investments are posted and updated monthly on our website.

Proposed new programs

I would like to pursue a homeowners relief fund. Similar to programs at the state like Step Forward and MIHAF, I would like to start a homeowner tax relief program through a public/private partnership. Funds would aid people struggling to stay in their homes due to property taxes. I am also working on a downpayment assistance program for first-time home buyers in Oakland County. Overall, my goal is to help recruit new residents to Oakland County while ensuring existing residents can continue to thrive in our county.

Validity of voting returns

By all metrics, the 2020 election was the most secure election ever, and this was agreed upon by elections experts on both sides of the aisle. I accepted the results of the 2020 election, and I will accept the results of this year’s election.

REPUBLICAN

BARB PALLOTTA

Barb Pallotta did not return her questionnaire or bio form, responding that the questionnaire was not something she could answer.