A 30-year Rochester Hills resident, Howard Elandt is a psychologist as well as a residential planner/developer.
He’s founder and director of the nonprofit Community Life Skill Center and a graduate-level instructor at Wayne State University’s College of Social Work. He is a psychologist for the Macomb Intermediate School district and an examiner for Macomb County’s Probate Court-Mental Division.
Elandt earned an Ed. S degree magna cum laude from the University of Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Wayne State University with a double major in pre-med and pre-law.
In an earlier interview with Rochester Media, Elandt said he’s a Tea Party activist. He’s also a Republican precinct delegate.
“Since becoming precinct delegate, I have been looking for opportunities to get more involved within the community,” he said.
His campaign Web site is www.howardelandt-rochesterhills.org
WHAT’S YOUR TOP PRIORITY, SHOULD YOU GET ELECTED?
“To give the residents of Rochester Hills the best government for their money.”
WITH CITY REVENUES FALLING, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FUNDING PRIORITIES?
“To assure the services that we expect from our local government are provided efficiently, while maintaining the highest possible standard.”
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 believe a proper balance between law enforcement and safety should be the objective. A larger police force, in and of itself does not guarantee a higher level of safety. To protect the size of law enforcement too far into the future, blindly, is irresponsible.”
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?
“In order to avoid the rising water costs dictated to us from outside municipalities, we need to continue to investigate alternate methods.”
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?
“If the residents determine the deer population has become a problem, the city council should pursue an acceptable solution at that time.”
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?
“Because of the current recession and the state of our economy, the budget needs to be carefully evaluated and prioritized accordingly. Based on what I am hearing directly from talking with the residents, I agree more emphasis needs to be placed on the priority of the infrastructure, including roads and bridges.”
THE CITY’S GREEN SPACE MILLAGE WILL EXPIRE IN 2015. AT THIS POINT, DO YOU SUPPORT ASKING FOR A RENEWAL?
“I would support giving the residents the option to renew should that be what the people want and decide at that time.”
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF A COUNCIL PERSON?
“I believe the role of a council person is a representative and voice of the people.”
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?
“Because I am self-funded, and not obligated to any special interests or political groups, I can represent the best interests of the residents of Rochester Hills.”
