Washtenaw County Issues and Priorities
I have developed a strong sense of local and county issues because I have taken the time to meet with many residents of the 3rd District to find out what is most important to them.
While I have encountered a range of interests and concerns, as diverse as our District itself, there are several commonly recurring issues:
- public safety/patrol services,
- the quality and reliability of road services,
- fiscal responsibility and accountability,
- and the 3rd District’s need for a stronger voice in the affairs of the County.
Police Service Contracts
To many of the residents of our District, the issue of public safety, of affordable, cost-effective patrol and emergency services continues to be a very important issue. Everyone agrees that public safety services are important, and that each jurisdiction has the right to its fair share of such services. The fundamental difference of opinions is how we define “fair share.”
One of the strengths of our County is its diversity, but we must recognize that this diversity brings with it a broad range of public service needs and priorities. Many of the residents of my district do not believe that the needs and priorities of the smaller communities and more rural areas of the western portions of the County are being given the same consideration as the more urban portions of the County.
By their terms, the Police Service Contracts ("PSCs") will expire at the end of 2009. That means that one of the more important tasks before the County Commission in 2009 will be the structuring and negotiation of the new PSCs. Consequently, the need for the 3rd District to have a representative that will be strong, engaged and proactive participant is crucial.
The next representative will need to take a proactive approach. There is a need for a careful examination and assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the components that go into determining the Sheriff Department’s “fully-loaded costs of personnel”, the definition of the “core services” to be provided by the County, as well as the Sheriff’s departments “overtime methodology.” The contracting municipalities and townships should be given more control over the “overtime protocol” decisions and the staffing of “routine overtime” assignments.
Quality Road Services
An examination of the Washtenaw County Road Commission (“WCRC”) is a good corollary to the 3rd District’s concerns about adequate representation. Currently, all three (3) members of the WCRC Board live on the eastern side of the County. In addition to their concerns about geographic representation, many residents of the district are troubled by what they perceive as a lack of quality and reliability of the services that are being provided.
The Board of Commissioners ("BOC") exercises its oversight of the WCRC through its power to appoint the members of the WCRC Board. Currently, there are three members of the WCRC Board, but the BOC has the power to expand that number to five. Given the complexity of the issues facing the WCRC, it seems logical that an expansion of the WCRC Board from three to five, and the inclusion of a representative(s) from the western portion of the County would be logical first steps in addressing the needs of all residents of Washtenaw County.
Along with the need for a diverse group of individuals, I feel that the members of the WCRC Board should also include people that are willing to explore the benefits of non-motorized transit. I would like to see the BOC appoint people to the WCRC Board that will not only seek to provide a high level of quality in traditional road services, but who will also emphasize more non-motorized transportation options which facilitate the connection of the various County recreational areas and areas of natural interest. These projects are relatively inexpensive, require little in the way of ongoing maintenance and repair, and promote health and fitness, environmental appreciation and quality of life for the residents of our County.
Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Creativity
In addition to the need for transparency in the budgeting process, we need representatives that will use common sense approaches to fiscal responsibility and practical solutions for providing quality services in a period of declining tax revenues. The next two-year term of the BOC will be crucial. The tax revenues that will be available to the County are expected to decrease substantially in the near term. That means that the two-year budget for 2010-2011, determined by the BOC in 2009 will be extremely important and difficult.
The BOC will need to determine ways to continue to provide quality services in the face of diminishing resources. Cost containment and innovative budgeting will be essential in order to maintain quality public services in a period of increasing budgetary constraints. As a Commissioner I will bring years of business experience, a strong background in business and finance and an understanding of complex financial issues to get the job done right. Passivity in the process is not a viable option. The issues are complex, but we have time to make smart decisions.
Given these budgetary pressures, the need for the 3rd District to have stronger voice in the affairs of the County should be underscored as it relates to the PSCs. It will be very tempting for members of the BOC to turn to the structuring of the new PSCs as a convenient way to increase net revenues so as to fund competing non-mandated public services. I am confident that my 23 years as an attorney, negotiator and mediator will enable me to be an effective advocate for the interests of the 3rd District and for reaching an agreement that serves the best interests of all residents of the County.
Fostering Public and Private Partnerships In Developing a Successful and Sustainable Community Model
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
Energetic Representation, Effective Communication and Accountability.
We believe that each of the residents of the Third District has a right to expect high quality, cost-effective public services to be provided by their County government, and to be represented by effective, engaged elected officials who possess a long-term vision for the future prosperity of the County.
We feel strongly that the interests of the 3rd District need to be more vigorously represented. We have a right to expect high quality, cost-effective public services from our County government and the residents of the 3rd District are entitled to be represented by an effective, engaged elected official who possess a long-term vision for the future prosperity of the County.
The residents of the 3rd District deserve a representative to the BOC that is a leader and a strong voice for their interests. We have a right to expect that our Commissioner is an engaged participant in the debate and deliberations that take place before the Commission. We are entitled to a representative that is a proactive public servant, one that is prepared to offer substantive proposals for, and creative solutions to, the important issues and opportunities facing the communities and townships of the 3rd District in particular, and Washtenaw County as a whole.
In addition, it is reasonable for the residents of the 3rd District to expect that their Commissioner will be diligent in his or her efforts to maintain an open line of communication with, and to solicit the views of, the residents of the Third District, including those living in the western townships.
“I will be a proactive and engaged County Commissioner focused on finding solutions to the important and unresolved issues impacting the lives of the residents in the 3rd District.” Parkinson pledged. “I will make it a priority to establish and maintain open lines of communication with all townships and municipalities. Conscientious budgeting and departmental accountability are key responsibilities that I am well prepared and eager to tackle. As the Commissioner representing the 3rd District I will endeavor to provide a high standard of public service and fulfill the expectations of my constituents.”
