You’ll hear the current all-Republican commissioners talk all day about balancing the county budget. What they don’t tell you, however, is that almost every other municipality in Michigan has done the same thing. It’s nothing extraordinary that our county has a balanced budget. In fact, it’s required by state law. All municipalities have made difficult cuts to balance the budget. Muskegon Heights did it. Genesee County did it. Grand Rapids did it. Washtenaw County did it. Ingham County did it (and the Ingham County Board of Commissioners is currently focusing on the 2012 budget instead of wasting time lauding its required achievement). The list goes on.
The current County Commission points to the dollars and cents as the bottom line for our county. Dane thinks a little differently. First, Dane doesn’t see a balanced budget as a landmark accomplishment – he views it as an expected outcome of a County Commission. As a contract negotiator for teachers, Dane is familiar with making concessions and working with others.
Fillmore County Park, gifted land to be used as a recreation area for county residents. Current Commissioners lease the land as a source of revenue. Dane will develop the land for its intended use - outdoor enjoyment for our county families.
Second, Dane views our County as more than a dollar figure. Dane knows the success and continued growth of Livingston County resides in the people here. That’s why Dane will be an advocate for parks and recreation. He knows that parks and outdoor recreation improve quality of life and attract business and residents.
