A 22-year Rochester Hills resident, Mark Tisdel became interested earlier this year in running for public office.
“In January of this year, I had a meeting with a state legislator with whom I’d developed an acquaintance over the years,” he said. “I asked about running for political office. I was advised to contact anyone I knew on the Rochester Hills City Council to see about being appointed to a commission / committee. Eventually, I sat down with Vern 
Pixley. When Vern decided not to seek re-election, I was approached by several members of our community and encouraged to run.”
A registered Republican, Tisdel, 55, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism at Drake University. He is vice president and founding board member of Lancet Indemnity RRG and a licensed insurance agent specializing in medical liability. He has been a fundraiser for local and national charities such as Angels’ Place, Rochester Area Neighborhood House, Sweet Dreamzzz, Teen Life Line and the Center for Interfaith Action Against World Poverty.
His campaign Web site is www.marktisdel.com.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP PRIORITY, SHOULD YOU GET ELECTED?
“My top priority, if elected, will be managing the city through–what I believe–will be very challenging financial times ahead. US demographics paint a very troubling picture for an economy that is 70% consumption driven. This will result in reduced tax receipts for all levels of government.”
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’m interested in learning more about how the city has decided upon the right number of subcontracted sheriff’s deputies. A simple per capita ratio seems hardly sufficient; the city’s population is growing while the number of deputies has been reduced. The “police” millage (about 1.2 mills) is expiring in 2013. Since any replacement will have to be approved by the voters, I believe the city must provide a clear and concise explanation of how many deputies are required, how that number was reached, the annual cost, and how many mills are required to fund that expense.”
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?
“Purchasing water from a single vendor limits the buyer’s options. I believe it has proven to be very difficult to enforce water restrictions and rules in a city this size; too many households, not enough enforcement personnel. The city must state the needs and present a best-available option before the problem is so large that everyone recognizes it exists. Once a problem is so big that everyone can see it no “best-available option” may exist.”
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?
“Like any nuisance, the city should identify who owns the property where deer causing property damage (deer / car collisions, landscape damage, etc.) are living. The owners of that property should be held responsible for managing the deer population causing property damage to others.”
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?
“This question goes back to my ‘top priority, if elected:’ US demographics indicate that the recession–or economic stagnation–will persist for several more years. The city and its residents will need to agree upon the hard realities of doing more with less. Simply maintaining–plowing, striping, filling potholes, dust control, etc.–local roads cannot go on forever. A new source of funding for local roads will have to be approved by voters. I’d like to see an assessment system that is not connected to property values since they may continue to fall thus reducing the stated receipts necessary for capital improvements.”
THE CITY’S GREEN SPACE MILLAGE WILL EXPIRE IN 2015. AT THIS POINT, DO YOU SUPPORT ASKING FOR A RENEWAL?
“I think by 2015 many residents may see green space as a luxury and not a priority for limited and static, if not falling, tax revenues. Having purchased the green space land it seems irresponsible to not provide for required maintenance. That said, I’m guessing any green space tax in the year 2015 will be difficult to get passed.”
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF A COUNCIL PERSON?
“The role of a city council member is very clearly defined in the oath of office: uphold and defend the city charter, Michigan and US constitutions. It is the city council’s obligation to serve the community within the confines of the founding documents identified in the oath of office.”
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?
“I believe my personal and business experiences make me the best candidate for Rochester Hills City Council, at large. I’ve successfully raised a family in this community (adult children grown and gone). My wife and I have started our own businesses from zero. We’ve lived through the hard times, the regulatory compliance challenges, and consequences of our decisions. I am a founding executive and board member of an insurance company–starting from zero. These experiences, plus taking personal time to volunteer for my church’s music ministry, give me a managerial maturity and humanity unique among this field of candidates.”
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
“My biggest surprise–and disappointment–in my campaign experience, to date, is the number of high quality, respected community leaders that have told me there is ‘no way’ they would ever run for public office. Apparently, there is a small but vocal minority that is unable to respectfully disagree. It’s too bad. This city is missing out on the considerable talents of quality men and women that may have chosen to serve in a more civil atmosphere.”
