Oakland County Commissioners Meeting Report

I attended my first Oakland County Commissioners Meeting since starting the Oakland Democratic Politics blog. It's simply amazing to watch the obstructionist Republican at play at the local level. My favorite obstructionist is my very own commissioner, Sue Ann Douglas. Commissoner Douglas has been on the commission for 15 years, which in my opinion, is 15 years too long. It's too bad she lives in a safe Republican commission seat. If the residents of Rochester and Rochester Hills knew how she voted and how much of an obstructionist Sue Ann is, they might even vote her out office.

Today was a good example. Helaine Zack (D) introduced a resolution to support legislation being introduced by State Senator Gilda Jacobs to allow counties to set up commissions to oversee any monies that Oakland county may allocate to the Detroit Zoo, should a millage for that purpose be adopted by the voters.

The vote was 18-4, with all four no votes coming from the Republican side of the aisle, including Sue Ann Douglas. It seems even most Republicans on the Commission recognize the value of the zoo to the community and the wisdom of Zack's resolution in support of Senator Jacobs legislation.

Sue Ann Douglas, Today's Worst Oakland County Commissioner in the World (OK, so I borrowed the idea from Keith Olbermann)

The Oakland Press coverage of the story

Eccentric: County commissioners plan re-election bids

County commissioners plan re-election bids
By Annette Kingsbury STAFF WRITER

Though the filing deadline is still a couple of months away, the four incumbent Oakland County commissioners who represent greater Rochester have all announced they are running for re-election. One of them is facing a challenge from within his own party.
Sue Ann Douglas, R-Rochester, who represents District 12, Michael Gingell, R-Orion Township, District 3, Tim Greimel, D-Rochester Hills, District 11, and Bob Gosselin, R-Troy, District 13, are all seeking re-election. Republican Frank Johnston of Rochester Hills has filed paperwork indicating he will run for Gosselin's seat. He could not be reached for comment.

Gingell, Greimel and Gosselin are all in their first term on the board of commissioners. Douglas is the current commission's longest-serving member.
All four incumbents said the county is facing tough financial challenges due to Michigan's difficult economy. But they all want to stick around to help solve the problem.
"I've been part of the team that has changed Oakland County government and I plan to be there to finish the job," Douglas said. "We have made Oakland the premier county in the nation by reforming the way we operate. ... I'd like to be there to help guide Oakland County through this difficult time and continue to reform Oakland County operations."
Gingell, whose district includes Oakland Township, said he will continue to work on government efficiency. Click here for the rest of the story.