Here is what he stands for and who he is. http://www.marksnay.com/
I believe that my varied work experience and current focus on technology and operations make me a logical choice to serve the citizens of Macomb County. These are areas where "good enough" and "worry about it later" are not an option. In my role I must solve the problem and achieve success or the business suffers. My departments must always be a step ahead as they are the infrastructure and foundation everything is built upon. I have a track record of cutting costs and improving efficiency by working smarter and not harder. Contrary to popular belief cost cutting doesn't always mean eliminating jobs . I will bring fresh ideas and the knowledge of what businesses need most to compete in this new economy.
We must get creative and examine what other communities have done, nothing can be off the table. We must evaluate and review what we do everyday to make the best use of our limited resources. I have found that a fresh set of eyes and an independent view is often needed to find the flaws in a process that appears to work well enough. The old way of doing things may no longer be the best or most cost effective. Change is coming and tough choices will have to be made, that is what leadership is all about. The right choice may not be popular but you must have the courage to make it and stand behind it.
We must get creative and examine what other communities have done, nothing can be off the table. We must evaluate and review what we do everyday to make the best use of our limited resources. I have found that a fresh set of eyes and an independent view is often needed to find the flaws in a process that appears to work well enough. The old way of doing things may no longer be the best or most cost effective. Change is coming and tough choices will have to be made, that is what leadership is all about. The right choice may not be popular but you must have the courage to make it and stand behind it.
We are all in the same boat so let's grab an oar and start pulling in the direction of success together.
Fiscal Reform:
Government must learn to live within it's means just like you and I. We pay enough taxes and you will not find me voting for any increases. When we run short we stop spending – what a novel concept?
Jobs:
We need all we can get and can't be selective with the choices we need union and non-union. Macomb must be considered a business friendly environment. Permits need to be processed in a timely manner and we cannot over regulate. Oversight is necessary and is the duty of government but it must be effective and measured.
Long Term Debt:
We must engage our labor unions in honest, realistic negotiations. We cannot continue to look at things a contract at a time and hope that everything will just work out in the end. We must project 10 - 20 years ahead and structure agreements we can all live with. The current system is unsustainable and if left unchecked could lead to draconian cuts or measures as drastic as bankruptcy or receivership. Don't laugh these are real discussions taking place all around the country. World example - Greece .
"Failure to prepare is preparing to fail."
"Failure to prepare is preparing to fail."
Monitor the new Charter:
We must be very diligent and keep things in check. I will work to ensure that the result is not larger government with increased spending, taxes and perks tagging along.
Low taxes / No new Taxes:
Know anyone that is asking to pay more taxes? Neither do I yet governments love to be sneaky like taxing business whenever they can. The pitch is that only business has to pay not the average Joe. Too bad that increased operating cost means prices go up and guess what you just had a tax increase. The politician looks good as they collect more revenue that is until customers go elsewhere and the business fails. Low taxes attract and high taxes repel this applies to homeowners as well. Who wants to move to a community with outrageous taxes? I'll tell you - NO ONE!
Regional Cooperation:
We need all our municipalities healthy and viable and real solutions are required. Simply transferring the tax burden from community to another solves nothing. The problems with illegal drugs within our county has increased crime and puts tremendous pressure on law enforcement. I believe the county must lead by example and encourage cooperation and collective efforts to solve critical issues like this.
Regional Cooperation:
We need all our municipalities healthy and viable and real solutions are required. Simply transferring the tax burden from community to another solves nothing. The problems with illegal drugs within our county has increased crime and puts tremendous pressure on law enforcement. I believe the county must lead by example and encourage cooperation and collective efforts to solve critical issues like this.
Safety / Schools / Services:
In addition to low taxes families looking to relocate want safe areas with good schools. They expect and deserve good services as well. Shouldn’t we be entitled to something more for our tax dollars?Roads:
Why are our streets and highways in a constant state of disrepair? I have been to several other cold weather states and all have better roads than we do. I for one would like to know why. Not only do we incur the maintenance expense there is the soft cost of lost revenue for businesses and the negative impact on those traveling these roads.
Waterways: