Next year road commission representation will take on a new look.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted on June 15 to change how the five county road commissioners are installed.
Currently, the road commissioners are appointed for six year terms by the nine county commissioners. However, starting in 2016 the road commissioners, who provide the organizational direction and policy guidance for the road commission will be elected positions.
‘The biggest reason for the change is accountability,? said County Commissioner Mark Young, who represents the 5th District which includes Atlas Township. ‘Right now the six year terms are very long and many times there’s not enough of a response to citizens? needs. I’m not saying they are doing a bad job but there needs to be more accountability.?
Next year two of the five commissioners seats, which expire in 2016, will be on the November ballot for Genesee County voters. Then one in 2018 and two seats in 2020. $50,000 per year, where is that pay coming from? If there are five seats to be elected, that’s $250,000. The county needs to spend that money on roads.?
The other problem is equal representation through the county, added Kautman-Jones.
‘There needs to some districts set up so the elected road commissioners have an area of the county they are responsible to,? she said.
‘But right now that’s not possible due to state laws. We need to change that in Lansing. As it stands now nothing is going to stop five road commissioners coming from Flint or some other community. Contract Rep. Joe Graves in Lansing and let him know what you think.?

However, like the current system, there are no divisions within the county for road commission jurisdiction. Candidates will represent the entire county.
‘It’s always about politics,? said Young. ‘Right now there are three commissioners from Flint Township, one from Flushing and one from Argentine. They will be elected at large from anywhere in the county. There will be compensation for the elected positions, but the amount has not been established by the county.?
Currently the road commissioners make $6,000 per year.
Shirley Kautman-Jones, Atlas Township Supervisor, is skeptical of the change.
‘We are all in favor of better representation, but I’m really concerned what this is going to cost,? she said. ‘Who would spend anything on an election that pays only $6,000 per year? Then if they raise the pay to