Anyone who’s been watching Rochester Hills City Council over the last decade has probably seen or heard about Dee Hilbert.
A founder of Citizens Voice/Rochester Hills, Hilbert has been keeping her eye on council. This year, she’s decided to run for an at-large seat.
“I have been actively involved in local issues for over 10 years, informing, listening and advocating for Rochester Hills’ residents,” she said. “I decided to run because there is a need for respective representation and open, honest dialogue. I have and always will truly care for my community.”
Hilbert, 53, works as a registered nurse at Beaumont Hospital Troy. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. A 21-year resident, she and her husband Kip have been married for 30 years and have three children.
Hilbert is a member of the Rochester Older Persons Commission, where she volunteers in the Adult Day Service program. She is also an Honor Flight-Michigan volunteer, past board member of the Quail Ridge Homeowners Association, the Rochester Community Schools Transportation Committee, City of Rochester Hills Leisure Activities, Bound Together after-school tutoring program, and was elected to the St. Philip’s vestry.
She lists her political affiliation as nonpartisan. “I am an at-large candidate in a non-partisan election as stipulated by the city charter,” she said. “Partisan politics is not in the best interest of the community and only serves someone else’s agenda and divides us.”
Her campaign Web site is www.deehilbert.com.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP PRIORITY, SHOULD YOU GET ELECTED?
“Improving communication with residents is my top priority. This will help rebuild lost trust and improve transparency. We will not be able to move forward and find the best solutions for the difficult times that lie ahead without better communication and the trust of the community.”
WITH CITY REVENUES FALLING, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FUNDING PRIORITIES? “Police, Fire and local roads are my top funding priorities. Safety is vital to our community and repairing local roads is crucial in helping to maintain home values.”
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?
“I do not support this strategy when there is much more that can be done to cut costs and increase efficiency. I feel we must totally evaluate every aspect of our budget, make cuts, combine resources, and come up with a long-term plan that will include maintaining police and other essential services at an acceptable level.”
UNDER INTENSE PRESSURE, THE 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?
“The council actually voted to ‘put on hold’ building two water reservoirs. The reality is, the less we use, the more Detroit will increase rates to maintain revenue. We need to investigate and support a regional water and sewer plan. Any plan presented regarding water and sewer must be honestly and openly discussed, evaluated and communicated to the community.”
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?
“Deer Management Advisory Committee has been set up to evaluate and present this data to the council and the community annually on this issue. I could not make any decision re: the deer issue without thorough examination of the facts. I could and never will support hunting in Rochester Hills.”
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?
“I support what the residents have stated repeatedly, don’t widen every road and maintain what we have. We must do a better job at the federal, state and local level on utilization and allocation of funds for roads and bridges. The Avon and Livernois bridges should have been a higher priority instead of water reservoirs last year.”
THE CITY’S GREEN SPACE MILLAGE WILL EXPIRE IN 2015. AT THIS POINT, DO YOU SUPPORT ASKING FOR A RENEWAL?
“A lot of natural green spaces have been permanently preserved, will add to our wildlife habitat and enhance our community with the voters’ support of the green space millage. I would need more information and input from the community before I could decide on supporting a renewal. With other serious funding issues ahead, I believe renewing this millage may be a low priority for the community.”
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF A COUNCIL PERSON?
“A council person’s role is to1) represent residents and business respectfully; 2) conduct the business of the community with transparency, thorough analysis and discussion of issues; 3) communicate to the community effectively, encourage participation and thoughtfully consider resident input.”
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?
“I have always been actively involved in the community. I have worked very hard to inform and engage the community through Citizens’ Voice (www.cvrh). I listened and advocated for residents on many issues and I wish to continue to do so as your elected representative.”
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
“Though there are difficult financial times ahead for our community, there is good news! The Oakland University/William Beaumont Hospital Medical School, the prospect of a Medical Main Street, Crittenton’s expansion and partnering with Wayne State and Rochester College opening a nursing program, Rochester Hills is poised to benefit in multiple ways. We must work together to ensure Rochester Hills and our government is maintained, efficient and fiscally viable in the years ahead. By doing so, we will be better poised to take advantage when the economy recovers.”
