Developing A Successful and Sustainable County Community Model
As important as delivering high quality public services in the most cost-effective manner possible, is the need for Washtenaw County to continue its commitment to fostering public and private partnerships that seek to develop a successful and sustainable community model that benefits all residents of the county. Promoting Strong Economic Development Initiatives. Expansion of the County's Commitment to Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency Programs. It is imperative that all bodies of government undertake a serious commitment to strong energy and environmental policies. Policies and programs that not only seek take advantage of the potential cost savings afforded by improvements in sustainable energy efficiencies, but which also make a significant contribution to the reduction of our dependency on fossil fuels and high carbon energy sources. Washtenaw County has already taken many important first steps, but it is exciting to think about how much more we are capable of doing in this area. We have only begun to scratch the surface of the opportunities available in expanding our alternative energy and energy efficiency programs. The expansion of our commitment to renewable and alternative energy is also important to our long-term plans to provide for the economic prosperity of our County. There is no question in my mind that over the next decade, the majority of jobs and wealth will be created within the global energy sectors. We may not be able to make things as inexpensively as they can be made in other countries, but we are still the primary innovator in the world, we still have the best scientists, engineers and skilled labor. We must encourage partnerships among Washtenaw County's unique collection of public and private resources to take full advantage of the economic opportunities within this sector.
Currently, the majority of commuter trips made between the communities (outside of Ann Arbor) made within Washtenaw cannot be made by any means except automobile. The BOC needs to continue and expand its support of the work being done by groups like the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study and other organizations which are attempting to develop a comprehensive, long-term solution to the public transportation needs of all residents of Washtenaw County.
Just as we are committed to building successful communities within Washtenaw County that encourage the attraction to, and retention of young economic talent within our County, we in Washtenaw County must work hard to retain the social, economic and cultural resources and benefits that our Older Adults bring to our community. Washtenaw County’s experienced, dedicated and civic-minded Older Adults are some of its most important assets. We must cultivate an environment that promotes Aging in Place within our County and its communities. Together we can join in a collaborative effort to make Washtenaw County a quality place to live and age in place.
We have the assets and human resources to develop a community model that will be the envy of every county in the State of Michigan. A model that not only supports the programs which enhance the quality of life components within our County (safety, recreation, cultural opportunities, quality education, environmental planning, health and human services), but also
Within every crisis there is an opportunity. We are in the midst of a difficult economic period, called a “crisis” by some. The issues and opportunities that will confront the Board of Commissioners ("BOC") over the course of the next few years will have an important impact on future of the district and the County.
As important as the delivery of basic public services, is the need, now more than ever, for thoughtful, innovative and energetic leadership to ensure a promising and prosperous future for all residents of Washtenaw County. We have so much to be thankful for, and, in my opinion, so many reasons to be optimistic about the future of our county and its municipalities. These are difficult economic times for our country, and our region in particular, but I believe that out of all of the regions in the State of Michigan, Washtenaw County has the best chance of navigating the treacherous shoals of the current economic shoreline.
We possess tremendous assets upon which to build a bright future in Washtenaw County. We have a large pool of skilled talent, workers, engineers, scientists, researchers. In addition we have a well established foundation of research and development and infrastructure with which to incubate, support and enhance entrepreneurs and new technologies.
Washtenaw County must endeavor to utilize the assets afforded us by our local universities, enhance its collaboration with existing State and regional economic development organizations, continue and increase its support, both financial and otherwise, to promote the efforts of county and local economic development groups and make a serious commitment to, and investment in developing a comprehensive plan for entrepreneurial talent retention and attraction. Just as important as the BOC’s challenge to provide cost effective public services over the short-term, will be the BOC’s ability to take a long-term perspective and its willingness to make important investments in the future of Washtenaw County and its residents.
The challenge and the opportunity is to strategically identify the best, and most cost effective way, to exploit our existing economic assets, and to be prepared to make a significant investment in the transition to a vibrant knowledge-based economy which utilizes our abundant research and development resources to chart a course for the 21st century. In addition, we must take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that exist within our second and third-tier auto manufacturing and light manufacturing base in order to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are offered by the rapidly growing renewable and alternative energy sector.
The challenge and the opportunity is to strategically identify the best, and most cost effective way, to exploit our existing economic assets, and to be prepared to make a significant investment in the transition to a vibrant knowledge-based economy which utilizes our abundant research and development resources to chart a course for the 21st century. In addition, we must take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that exist within our second and third-tier auto manufacturing and light manufacturing base in order to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are offered by the rapidly growing renewable and alternative energy sector.
My experiences with The Climate Project have enabled me to meet and correspond with a number of the scientists, business innovators and policy leaders who are leaders the growing alternative energy sector. I believe that of the candidates in our district that I am uniquely equipped to make some important contributions to the expansion of the County’s commitment to alternative energy, conservation of resources and the development of low-carbon and energy efficient programs and solutions.
I am avid supporter of the County’s current collaborative effort with the City of Ann Arbor and The University of Michigan to study the feasibility of using wind energy. I am also excited about the economic opportunities that the expansion of the wind project could bring to the rural landowners and farmers within the 3rd District.
The prospect for farmers and owners of rural properties to lease land for the placement of wind turbines is just another resource that these landowners can cultivate, and has the potential to add substantially to the income stream generated by their land without any significant reductions in the existing sources of revenue. It is a tremendous opportunity for our district. In addition, if the landowners were interested, the County could make use of existing programs to purchase the development rights on the property to install wind turbines, thereby combining the positive outcomes of both promoting energy efficiencies and planned rural and farm property preservation.
Comprehensive Planning For Future County-Wide Public Transportation.
We must endeavor to establish viable options for public transit within the County. The issues can appear daunting and complex, and there are no easy solutions, but the county officials and administrators must work toward developing a comprehensive cost-effective program that could be delivered to the residents of Washtenaw County for their review and consideration. A well designed shared ride and transportation program would yield benefits to county residents in form of transportation cost savings (the total savings to residents in the form of reduced gasoline and maintenance expenses would be substantial), reduced traffic congestion, positive environmental impacts, including increased air quality, lowered pollutants from vehicle emissions and a reduction of greenhouse gases. Poor air quality contributes to respiratory problems, asthma in young children and overall health related costs throughout our county population.
A complete transit network would allow Washtenaw County residents to use a less polluting means of transportation to meet their basic needs. Other potential benefits include expanded economic vitality for all communities in Washtenaw County. An county-wide transportation system that would offer access to jobs, shopping, public services, as well as a larger employee pool for employers, all of which can serve to increase the attractiveness of Washtenaw County to potential employers. Such a comprehensive system would be an integral part of long-term vision for increasing the quality of life and economic prosperity of Washtenaw County residents. Any comprehensive transportation plan will need to include services designed for all residents, including, without limitation, the elderly and residents with disabilities.
Supporting Programs That Promote Quality Aging In Place.
In order to do this, we must be energetic in our dedication to developing and expanding affordable housing options, quality health care and services and programs that are well publicized and easily accessed by our Older Adults. It is a successful community that draws upon the resources and diversity of its population, including age diversity.
We must support the expansion of programs that promote an effective Aging in Place Community Model for Washtenaw County. In order to be effective, that model must:
