Jason Maciejewski is running for Washtenaw County Commissioner in District 1. This is his submission for WEMU's Soapbox Summer series.
The Chelsea/Dexter/Scio Township area is a hard working community where Washtenaw County residents come to enjoy the parks, trails, lakes, and vibrant community events. My name is Jason Maciejewski and I’m a Democrat running for County Commissioner in District 1, comprised of the Cities of Chelsea and Dexter, along with the townships of Scio, Dexter, Lyndon, Sylvan and Lima. I’m running to be a strong voice on the issues important to our community.
As a township trustee I have proven the ability to lead and find common ground in order to get things done. My focus was the opening of a voter approved fire sub-station to improve emergency response times – saving precious minutes in life-threatening situations. I’ve consistently supported a cooperative contract for deputy Sheriff patrols and addressed local road issues by using existing township general fund dollars.
I am a Department Director for an Area Agency on Aging, most recognized for the Meals-on-Wheels program, and hold a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan. My wife Molly and I live west of Dexter with our three kids and we are regular users of the Border-to-Border trail. One of my priorities will be to make sure the county is involved with improvements and enhancements to connect that heavily used trail to Chelsea and the Lakeland Trail to the north. Completion of this project would be recreational gem for all county residents.
I oppose fracking, oil drilling and gravel mining in our community and will promote land preservation efforts.
I have deep experience with developing budgets and program operations. My background managing innovative projects and hiring management level personnel gives me the experience to be a strong contributor in the search for a new County Administrator. The most important duty of the County Commission is to develop a budget and provide continual fiscal oversight. With 50% of the budget allocated to law enforcement, it is important the County Commission works with the Sheriff to identify and fund effective strategies. I will also fight to bring back a fair share of the County’s Hotel Accommodations Tax to the Chelsea/Dexter/Scio area.
In Scio Township we need a more aggressive well monitoring program to accurately track the movement of the 1,4 Dioxane plume. Effectively addressing this issue requires extensive cooperation between many entities and we must be careful to not lose or forfeit our local control.
I am proud to be endorsed by local community leaders like Paul Cousins, Dexter Councilman Jim Carson, and Chelsea City Councilwomen Jane Pacheco and Melissa Johnson.
The Dexter/Scio/Chelsea area is an important factor in the county’s overall quality of life equation. I want to be a leading voice for our community as your County Commissioner. I thank WEMU for the opportunity to introduce myself to you. Please feel free to email me at Jason4commissioner@gmail.com and visit my Facebook page at facebook.com/Jason4Washtenaw. The “4” in those addresses is the number – not the word spelled out. One of my kids said it was cooler to put the number in there. My name is Jason Maciejewski and I ask for your vote in the Democratic primary on August 2nd. Thank you.