(Watch the full announcement video at the end of the article)
Team Barnett Announcement
Mayor Bryan Barnett and his team sent a message to friends, family and supporters earlier this week. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Mayor of Rochester Hills, and this April I will celebrate 8 years representing the residents and businesses of this community. During this time, Rochester Hills has become one of the most successful and recognized cities in Oakland County, and a leader in innovation, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility,” said Barnett in an email, “I am proud of the role that I have played in making Rochester Hills the preeminent place to live, work and raise a family. Using my proven conservative leadership, I am excited to consider a new opportunity that will allow me to make an even greater impact for our community.”
EEI Global CEO Derek Gentile welcomes Team Barnett for the Big Announcement – photo by Michael Dwyer
The email invited those friends, family and supporters to a live announcement. EEI Global hosted the announcement Tuesday afternoon at their location in Rochester Hills. Derek Gentile, President and CEO, of EEI Global introduced the announcement and welcomed everyone.
Mike Rogers Not Running Again
Currently, U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers (R) holds the Eighth District seat and recently announced he would not be seeking another term. Before the weekend started, Bryan Barnett had planned on running again for mayor of Rochester Hills as a write-in candidate in 2015. Several phone calls with colleagues over the weekend, discussions with family, and prayer led to his announcement to run for congress.
The first hurdle will be the Republican Primary on August 5, 2014 and then the race continues with the general election on November 4, 2014. The Rochester Hills Mayor is “overwhelmed by the support” he has been given and is “excited about this move,” said Barnett.
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, and Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett gather for Barnett’s announcement to run in the U.S. Representative race in District 8
Prepared for the Challenge
Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson, said this is a “good opportunity” for Barnett and “he has the talent.” It really boils down to the “team behind you,” said Patterson.
At the time of the announcement, the campaign was less than 100 hours old. “This decision starts with what got me into politics in the first place, and that is family. The reason I love being mayor of Rochester Hills and love public service is because I feel like I have an impact in creating the environment that my boys are growing up in,” said Mayor Bryan Barnett.
Regarding being Mayor, “I’m very, very proud of the work we’ve done in the city of Rochester Hills,” said Barnett. His “first priority … is the importance of job creation.” In regards to the Eighth District, “It’s about a lot of small businesses working hard to make ends meet – working hard to keep people employed,” said Barnett.
Judy Barnett-Langford, the Mayor’s mother, is on track to getting everyone to sign the petition for Bryan to run – photo by Michael Dwyer
Thanking Supporters
Mayor Barnett thanked his family, friends and supporters in the room during his announcement, which included:
Oakland County Executive, L.Brooks Patterson
Orion Township Supervisor, Chris Barnett
State Representative Brad Jacbosen
Supervisor Pat Kittle, Independence Township
Supervisor Bruce Pearson, Addison Township
Supervisor Bill Dunn, Oxford Township
Mike Gingell, Oakland County Chairman Board of Commissioners
Dan Kelly, Oakland Community College Chairman Board of Trustees
“My promise to you … is to be 100 percent committed to this campaign,” said Barnett, “I’m excited to take what I’ve done in Rochester Hills and now take it to an even larger area.”
Watch the Full Announcement VIDEO below …
About Michael Dwyer
Rochester Media… I’m extremely disappointed that you have chosen to be nothing more than a brag rag for Mayor Barnett. You have now posted two stories on Barnett, and zero news reports on the other candidates including hometown Rochester Mike Bishop who has a roughly 30% name recognition to Barnett’s 5%; within the Republican Party in the 8th congressional district.
Rochester Media… I would strongly suggest you pull both Barnett stories and re post a fair and balanced news story about the 8th congressional district… or is it true the job of the Rochester Media is just to suck-up to Barnett!
Coverage of political races has only just begun. With months to go before the primaries, look for other candidates to be profiled along the way. As an current in-office candidate representing a majority of our readership, Mayor Barnett was an obvious place to start to cover this particular race.
Rochester Media in the past has stayed clear of hot button political issue in the area … glad to see that might be changing! I look forward to see you prove my comments false.
Michael … P.S. you can’t get more local than Mike Bishop, I look forward to you posting a repost of an article of his announcement for the 8th congressional district.
Mike Rogers officially endorses Mike Bishop