Politics & Government

Planning Commission Chair Seeks Spot on Farmington Hills Council

Third generation resident Christopher McRae makes his second bid for a council seat.

Farmington Hills city council candidate Christopher McRae is no stranger city hall. 

McRae served on city council from 1999 to 2003, on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2005-2007, and is the current Planning Commission chair.

"It's important to learn the process of how things need to happen," he said. "Planning is more about the long-term vision. If you're going to lead, you have to not only have the vision, but convey that vision."

McRae and his wife, Maureen, have two children, Megan, 17, and Kiera, 14.  

Why he decided to run
"This is about providing my experience and history with the city as a policy director. I've seen a lot of change, and most of it has been good. I want to make sure this continues to be a solid community for my children to come back to." 

Community connections
McRae is a third generation resident who remembers when Farmington Hills was Farmington Township. His family still owns the property his grandparents settled on when they came to the U.S. after World War I. McRae, like his mother, is a Farmington High School graduate. 

Employment
McRae works for commercial lighting company Gasser Bush Associates in Livonia, as manager of the lighting controls division. His group deals with control systems, daylight harvesting, energy efficiency, LED technology, as well as theatrical lighting. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1989, with a BSE in Engineering Physics/Electro-Optics. 

Campaign information
No website yet. 

Editor's note: This is article is one in a series of profiles and issues-based articles featuring candidates in this year's Farmington Hills city council race. 


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