Paul Cousins, Candidate for Dexter Village Council Trustee

General Information

Name : Paul Cousins
Also known as : Paul
Age : 74
Place of residence : 7648 Forest St., Dexter MI.

Education

College

Attended college : Yes
College : Bryan College
Degree : Bachelor of Science
Year of graduation : 1963

Grad school

University : Michigan State University, University of Michigan
Degree : Advanced courses in environmental education
Year of graduation :

Employment Information

Job titles held : Biology/ Environmental Education teacher; restaurant owner.
Employers : Dexter Community Schools (1963-1983); Restaurateur (1983-2001).

Political Information

Party affiliation : Independent
Running for a: Local office
Running for position: Trustee, Village of Dexter
Incumbent: Yes
First elected: 1992
Previous elective offices : Dexter Village Council

Other facts

Spouse: Pat Cousins

Children: Kevin, Dennis, Jonathan Cousins

Current public or community service:

I am a founding and current member of Dexter Rotary; Dexter Senior Center member; Dexter Historical Society member; vice-chairman and village council representative to the Huron River Watershed Council; member and village council representative to Village's Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee; village representative to Dexter Chamber of Commerce; member of Arts Alliance; on Board and Ex Committee of Ann Arbor Summer Fest; member of 5 Healthy Communities Group; member and representative to Gateways Initiative; and on three committees for Chelsea Community Hospital.

Why are you running for office?

I believe I am and can still be an effective council member and have some unfinished ideas to complete before I leave public service. Initiatives I championed previously, saving Gordon Hall, removal of Mill Creek Dam and development of the park, establishment of community garden, establishment of Arts,Culture and Heritage Committee. These all have played a role in making Dexter Village a great place to live.

What are three key issues that you're seeking to deal with if elected?

No. 1, a new fire hall. Safety and welfare for firefighters is paramount and space needs are obvious.

No. 2, a village hall. We presently rent all of our space and this limits our ability to function as a village.

No. 3, continue to improve our streets and infrastructure.

How do you plan to resolve those issues?

Have dialogue with the citizens of the village and make the case for the needs. Work within the constraints of the village resources to improve the needs of the village.