The position of Drain Commissioner has evolved and responsibilities have grown since I have taken office.  In addition to construction, operation and maintenance of the County’s drainage and storm water management systems, I am responsible for Federally mandated water quality improvement programs.  I have consistently met new challenges; my office has been a recognized leader across Michigan. We have received State awards for storm water projects, and are winners of “Leadership in County Government” awards as well.

Some of my recent accomplishments include:

NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION

I am working to restore our natural resources and protect them for the future. I have:

·          Implemented stewardship programs like Community Partners for Clean Streams, RiverSafe Homes, and the Residential Rain Garden Program, which have become State and National models

·          Developed a Watershed Plan for the Middle Huron River that will guide protection and restoration efforts and is a prerequisite to receipt of State and Federal Grants

·          Completed creek and watershed restoration projects, like the new Mary Beth Doyle Wetland Preserve in Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township, the Paint Creek Pond in Ypsilanti Township, and work in the Allen Creekshed is currently underway.

·          Instituted programs to eliminate and prevent pollution in county drains and waterways

·          Adopted requirements for low impact, natural approaches to storm water management in new developments, to protect our water resources as the county grows

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

In these challenging economic times, my track record of sound budget management and cost-effective service delivery is crucial. My accomplishments include:

·          100% of drain projects completed within budget

·          Managing a multi-million dollar County budget that is consistently on target

·          Securing almost $6 million in grants and low interest loans in the last 5 years

·          Reducing maintenance costs and saving citizens’ dollars by Instituting Michigan’s first professional training program for Drain Field Staff, certified by the U.S. Department of Labor

·          Expanding in-house drain maintenance capabilities---for better service and cost savings

OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Serving the customers of Washtenaw County is a top priority.  My accomplishments include:

·          Drain locations have been verified with GPS (global positioning system) technology, enabling better customer response

·          County drain maps are now digitized and mapped electronically on a GIS (geographic information system) data base that is accessible to the public through Washtenaw County’s website MapWashtenaw or DrainMaps

·          We operate the County Map Store, making all GIS information easily available to the public

·          I survey our customers to find out if they are satisfied with our work. Response results consistently average 4.5 out of 5 for both quality and timeliness
 

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