Adam Kochenderfer moved to Rochester Hills a year ago after living in Rochester for five years, but his roots in the area go back to his great-grandparents. At the age of 31, he’s decided to run for the open District 2 seat on city council.
“Rochester Hills is a blessed community that tens of thousands have sought for its quality of life. I’m running to help ensure it stays that way,” he said. “I’ve witnessed Michigan’s economic storm first-hand as an attorney working with local governments, small businesses, and residents alike. That experience, coupled with my extensive community involvement, convinced me that we can’t afford for anyone to sit on the sidelines. I’m committed to bringing innovation to our challenges.”
Kochenderfer has served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles, including the Rochester Hills Green Space Advisory Board and Historic District Study Committee, the Rochester Rotary Club board of directors and the Crittenton Hospital Charitable Giving Committee.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Oakland University, where he was student body president and received the Alfred G. Wilson Award, which is awarded to the outstanding male graduate. He went on to earn a law degree cum laude from the University of Michigan, where he was an editor at the law review.
He is employed as an attorney. He identifies himself as a mainstream Republican and serves as a Republican precinct delegate and member of the executive committee of the county party. His campaign Web site can be found at www.adamforrochesterhills.com.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP PRIORITY, SHOULD YOU GET ELECTED?
“There’s a pride that comes with saying, ‘I’m from Rochester Hills,’ and I will do everything I can to strengthen it. My top priority is ensuring that our city is a model for best practices across the state. That means finding ways to responsibly maintain our roads, leveraging tax dollars to provide the most value, and maintaining our ‘AAA’ bond rating.”
WITH CITY REVENUES FALLING, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FUNDING PRIORITIES?
“I’ve talked with many residents, and it’s clear that roads is one of the top concerns. Our roads and bridges are a core government function, and play a key role in quality of life. Public safety is also a top priority; all the amenities in the world don’t make much difference if families don’t have adequate police/fire support. Falling revenue presents difficult choices, but we cannot sacrifice the safety of our residents.”
THE CITY REDUCED ITS POLICE FORCE BY THREE OFFICERS IN 2011 AND PLANS TO DROP ONE OFFICER IN 2012 AND AGAIN IN 2013. DO YOU SUPPORT THIS STRATEGY? IF YES, EXPLAIN. IF NOT, HOW WOULD YOU FUND THE COST OF MAINTAINING POLICE STAFFING?
“Any budget decisions related to public safety must be subjected to close scrutiny. This includes any proposed reductions in the police force. Any planned reductions must be contingent on steady or falling crime trends in the community. A spike in those trends requires city council to carefully examine their cause and determine whether the number of officers is adequate.”
UNDER INTENSE PRESSURE, COUNCIL RECENTLY BACKED OFF A PLAN TO BUILD A WATER RESERVOIR AS A WAY TO CONTAIN WATER COSTS. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD THE CITY DO ABOUT RISING WATER COSTS AND DEMAND FOR WATER?
“Water conservation efforts have been a strong success in the city, and we must continue to enforce watering ordinances and promote public awareness. However, projections show that conservation will only lessen rising water costs, not eliminate them. The suburbs recently acquired increased voting authority on the Detroit Water board; we must find ways to leverage that change by collaborating with our neighbors. Increased communication with fellow board members is key to preventing large cost hikes.”
IF THE CITY’S DEER POPULATION REBOUNDS AND CAR/DEER ACCIDENTS RISE BACK TO PREVIOUS LEVELS, WHAT (IF ANYTHING) SHOULD THE CITY DO ABOUT IT?
“I live in King’s Cove near Tienken, and have first-hand experience with deer and the property damage they can cause. One of the largest attractions of the city is its natural landscape, but the deer population has caused real dangers along our roadways. If deer accidents rise back to previous levels, we must reconvene the city’s deer committee immediately and conduct nationwide research that balances residents’ concerns.”
THE CURRENT RECESSION IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS. IN THE MEANTIME, WHAT SHOULD THE CITY DO ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE, SUCH AS ROADS AND BRIDGES?
“Although revenue is expected to decrease, we must maintain our roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in a responsible manner. In order to fund some of these projects without raising taxes, we will have to find new efficiencies. For example, we must collaborate with neighboring communities where it makes sense to reduce city expenses. It is also essential that we scrutinize every budget line item and justify every dollar spent to free funds for infrastructure maintenance.”
THE CITY’S GREEN SPACE MILLAGE WILL EXPIRE IN 2015. AT THIS POINT, DO YOU SUPPORT ASKING FOR A RENEWAL?
“I serve on the city’s Green Space Advisory Board, and am a strong proponent of preserving our green spaces. They help form the character of our city and are a significant draw for our residents. It is uncertain what the city’s finances will look like in four years when the millage expires, leaving all of us unable to predict whether renewal will be prudent, but I certainly hope it will be.”
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF A COUNCIL PERSON?
“A councilperson is the residents’ voice. There is a responsibility to gather as much information as possible, listen to a broad cross-section of the community, and make decisions that are in the best interests of the city. A key component is forging communication channels that give residents opportunities to express concerns. This, combined with the councilperson’s own due diligence, is the core of public service.”
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?
“I believe I would bring a unique combination of deep community involvement and broad business/legal experience to City Council. I’ve been involved in a wide variety of organizations across our community. Additionally, I’m an attorney who has significant experience addressing city government and even drafting local ordinances. I’ve helped numerous clients find efficiencies, increase jobs, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. I hope to bring those skills to city council.”