Patch Candidate Profile: Michael Fournier For Royal Oak Mayor

ROYAL OAK, MI — Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier is running for re-election in next month's November election.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name

Michael Fournier

Campaign Website

www.fournierformayor.com

Office sought

Royal Oak Mayor

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Occupation

Business Development

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Mayor 2016-present; City Commissioner 2011-2016

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Public safety will always remain our number one priority. A safe community preserves our home values and tax base which allows us to invest in the things that elevate our quality of life (parks, seniors, infrastructure, etc).

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience and a proven track record. I have broad support from our community, including trusted leaders, police officers, firefighters, and people from all political persuasions. I believe in the integrity of our elections and respect our election workers. I honor the rule of law and respectful decorum at city meetings. I choose to lead with a values based plan and positive vision. I reject divisive politics and seek out ways to bring us together.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

• Keep Royal Oak one of the SAFEST cities in America:
• Attract/retain the best police, EMS, and fire professionals
• Increase social workers and mental health professionals in law enforcement
• Support Royal Oak's vibrant and beautiful neighborhoods
• Maintain investments in our parks and older adult initiatives
• Protect the character of each neighborhood
• Confront the housing crisis while protecting home values
• Upgrade our critical infrastructure
• Continue fixing our roads
• Replace lead lines and update water infrastructure

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Royal Oak is one of the safest cities in America. We are one of the most desirable places to live and locate a business because of things like: Low crime rates. Amazing parks including Normandy Oaks and Centennial Commons. Highly rated senior services. Strong financial management (ratings and awards). Investment in a third ambulance to further shrink response times. Development of class A office space to keep our economy stable. Families are staying in Royal Oak! Our sustainability and climate action plan. Our human rights commission. A master plan that attracts desired development along commercial corridors and protects the character of our neighborhoods. The unprecedented tree plantings and tree protection ordinances. The significant investments in our 50+ parks. There is so much we can be proud of as Royal Oakers because we work together!

Why should voters trust you?

I have the experience to help us navigate uncertain times and the track record to back it up. My fellow residents know that I never pander or make ill informed promises to get a vote - I respect our voters. I’m proud to have a broad collation of supporters including our police officers and firefighters as well as almost every respected leader in our city. At the core, I lead with our shared values and bring every voice to the table. I never take the convenient path of caving to a few highly vocal people and instead I always side with the often less boisterous majority. Trust is earned, even when we disagree.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

For the next two years - 1) execution of our plan to keep the very best police, fire, and EMS personnel. 2) complete our work on roads and critical infrastructure 3) acceleration our aging in place plan so older adults will thrive 4) confront the housing crisis head on so our kids can call Royal Oak home as adults

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Every tax dollar is precious. A majority of our tax dollars are spent on police, fire, and EMS. We need to make sure that our roads and infrastructure are well maintained. Royal Oakers enjoy a high quality of life because we invest in our parks, seniors, and essential programs. We have a balanced budget every year with a healthy rainy day fund. We enjoy a AA bond rating with a strong credit standing. We continue to increase our tax base and relentlessly pursue grants and partnerships to minimize our tax burden. We are regarded as one of the best places to live while our tax rate is just below the median of all other cities around us! We will continue to give Royal Oakers the best bang for their buck!

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

We have worked really hard over the years to get our crime rate low. I’m proud to be endorsed by both our police officers and firefighters. In fact, we are now one of the safest places in America! We need to continue to invest in embedding social workers and mental health professionals into law enforcement as it has proven to help people and lower calls for service.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

The world has been changing around us. Royal Oak has been the leader in Michigan by attracting world class office space and small businesses to offer amenities and employment opportunities for our residents. New residential developments along our commercial corridors has opened up more options for older adults, young people, and those who work hard every day. This has increased our tax base and protected our home values. Royal Oak is constantly ranked as one of the best places for families to live in America.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

How we attract the right housing for older adults and younger people who want to place their roots in our community. Implementation of our master plan to protect the character of our vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Having a community discussion on how to counter misinformation being spread by a few people to get us all using the right facts.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

With uncertain times ahead, we must elect trusted and experienced leaders to protect everything we love about Royal Oak. I’m eager to serve another term so we can finish the work we started together!