Candidate Profile: Kurt Heise For Plymouth Township Supervisor

Kurt Heise, a Plymouth Township resident is running for Plymouth Township Supervisor.

Age: 54
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:Married with two adult daughters
Occupation:29 year Michigan Attorney, Township Supervisor
Previous elected experience:Wayne County Environment Director, State Representative, Township Supervisor, Huron-Clinton Metroparks Commissioner
Family members in government:My wife, Catherine Heise, serves as a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge
Campaign website: www.heise4us.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
We must make sure that Plymouth Township and the State of Michigan are positioned to succeed in a post-COVID environment. While we address the pandemic, we must also continue to be fiscally responsible, maintain competent and stable leadership, fully-fund our Police and Fire services, and promote and sustain economic development that will create jobs and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The role of Supervisor in Plymouth Township is not an honorary or part-time position but a full-time administrative job, similar to a City Manager. There is no room for on-the-job training or having others make decisions for you. In the last four years, I’ve helped turn Plymouth Township around with proven, real-world managerial experience, getting our finances back on track, changing the culture at Township Hall, and making public safety a priority again.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I’ve dedicated my life to public service, as a municipal attorney, administrator, teacher, and public official. I've served as the Mayor's Deputy in Dearborn Heights, the Director of the Wayne County Department of Environment, and a 3-term State Representative for Plymouth. I've also served as an Adjunct Professor at U of M Dearborn, Wayne State University, and Eastern Michigan University. I also serve currently on the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Board of Commissioners.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
We need to reopen the state based on real science and data - not politics - and in a collaborative manner between the Governor, Legislature, medical experts, local governments, and the business community.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
The number one job of local government is the protection of people, their property, and their civil rights, which is why I oppose defunding or ‘reimagining’ our police services. At the same time, Plymouth Township and all communities in Western Wayne County must embark on a new regional, unified police training and certification program that encompasses best practices and updated protocols that protect and respect everyone’s rights.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
I'm running for re-election to continue our remarkable Township Turnaround. I want to improve upon and sustain the progress we've made as a team - making sure our finances stay on track, that our police and fire protection remain the best, and to maintain our high quality of life in the Township.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Four years ago, Plymouth Township was a mess. I was taken off the ballot by the former Clerk and Supervisor and later won a historic write-in campaign. In the last four years our Township Board has turned the township around, and taxpayers can be proud of what we’ve accomplished. I would like the opportunity to finish our comeback and position Plymouth Township for a bright and successful future.