Politics & Government

Five Questions: Todd Stearn, Candidate - Oakland County Commission 14th District

We asked the Democrat from Beverly Hills to talk about his strengths, his priorities and a book that has influenced him.

1. If you're elected, what will be your top priority during your term?

My number one priority will be keeping jobs in Oakland County and attracting new businesses in growing industries.  This is important because Oakland County lost over 175,000 jobs from 2000 to 2009.  I plan on improving public / private cooperation, leveraging County funds to increase access to small business loans and supporting a “Buy Oakland First” program.

2. What concern about county government do you hear most often from local residents?

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County residents seem to be dismayed by the level of partisan bickering that often makes it difficult to get anything meaningful done.  Instead of arguing about what we cannot agree on, we should be focusing on making decisions that benefit our residents including economic growth and development, protecting property values and providing efficient, quality services.

3. What one personal quality will make you a good commissioner? 

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In a word, ‘leadership.”  As the President and a member of the Beverly Hills Village Council, I cut spending by over $1 million dollars and balanced the budget while maintaining quality services.  This took enormous leadership skills, teamwork, creativity and the cooperation of many other elected officials and employees who had their own ideas. 

4. What strategies would you propose to your party's leadership for working with lawmakers of the opposing party? 

I think elected officials need to start listening to each other more and compromising where they can.  There are often 2 or more ways to accomplish the same goals.  By listening and compromising we should be able to make decisions that benefit the residents of Oakland County.

5. Tell us about a book that has had a powerful influence on your life. 

My favorite and most influential book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  Atticus Finch has the integrity and honesty to do what is right even in the face of danger to himself and his family.  He is a true American hero.


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