Name: Beth Nuccio
Age: 52
Municipality of residence: Brandon Twp.
Party Affiliation: Republican
Education: Master of arts, Central Michigan University; bachelor of science, Ferris State University
Occupation: Director of career services, Baker College of Auburn Hills
Government-related experience: Brandon Board of Education trustee- 15 years, currently president
Why are you running for county commissioner? We need elected officials that will listen and represent the people they serve, ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and fight government inefficiencies. My proven record of public service demonstrates my ability to listen, learn and represent the people I serve.
What is your plan to help improve Michigan’s economic condition (i.e. attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones)? Oakland County must provide a business friendly environment, so that business can create jobs. Incentives, lower taxes, incubators, technology services and education are important components of this environment. I support continued investment in economic growth sectors and providing an attractive environment for business.
Where do you stand on the issue of tax increases versus spending cuts? Which do you favor in order to deal with the county’s budget problems and why? Taxpayers cannot afford any more taxes. The county needs to continually look at restructuring the way it does business. Offering retirement incentives, limiting capital purchases, competitive bidding of contracts, hiring freezes and technology enhancements are efforts I support.
As a county commissioner, what would you do specifically to assist or improve the individual communities within District #1? As commissioner I will fight for our tax dollars being spent on services that we use. I support a waste management plan that incorporates conservation, recycling and composting- not landfills. I support the efforts of the local municipalities and will provide a strong voice for the residents of District #1.
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Name: Kenneth J. Quisenberry
Age: 51?
Residence: Ortonville
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: Brandon High School / Oakland University / Oakland Police Academy
Occupation: Owner, Capital Investigations Inc. Ortonville; retired lieutenant, Oakland County Sheriff Dept.
Government-related experience: President, Village of Ortonville (current), Brandon School Board, 25 years, Oakland County employee
Why are you running for county commissioner? Being born and raised in North Oakland County has led me to a long and rewarding career in law enforcement, serving the communities where I live. I now serve as president, Village of Ortonville. My past experience will bring insight, knowledge, and a unique personality to the board of commissioners.?
What is your plan to help improve Michigan’s economic condition (i.e. attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones)? I am a local small business owner. I understand that any type of tax increase is unacceptable. We can be more efficient in delivering government services, and also spend our tax money locally.
Where do you stand on the issue of tax increases versus spending cuts? Which do you favor in order to deal with the county’s budget problems and why? This one is simple. I am fiscally conservative, which means that expenditures can never exceed revenues. I oppose any type of tax increase. As village president, we had three years of balanced budgets, and an unprecedented budget surplus. My ideas have worked here, and will work at the county level.
As a county commissioner, what would you do specifically to assist or improve the individual communities within District #1? Communities of north Oakland pay taxes to the county, and should expect improved infrastructure and delivery of services (roads, public safety, support services). This takes a strong commitment, and focused effort. I believe north Oakland County has long been an extraordinary blend of quaint small town life and rural splendor.