Candidate Profile: David Harrell For Oakland County Commissioner

David Harrell, a Troy resident is running for Oakland County Commissioner District 20.

Age: 57
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:Wife Barbara
Occupation:Business owner for 11 years
Previous elected experience:Appointed to the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority board.
Family members in government:No
Campaign website: https://harrell2020.com/

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing our county is the loss of fiscal responsibility since 2018. Under the leadership of L. Brooks Patterson as Executive and a Republican majority in the County Commission we had the best run county in the country. That changed in 2018 with the Democrats winning a slim 11 to 10 majority on the commission and with the tragic death of Executive Patterson. The best run county suddenly became a Democrat's dream of a spending spree with no checks and balances. All the fiscal restraint that gave us a AAA bond rating was over and we are now facing higher taxes to maintain the profligate spending. If elected, I will be the vote that gets us back to fiscal responsibility and I will fight for taxpayers to get the services they need without the higher taxes.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a regular taxpayer not a politician. I have been a leader in business and in many political clubs in this area and I don't spend money that I don't have. I will take these qualities into the commission and fight for taxpayers instead of fighting for special interest groups that will provide campaign funding.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I managed large vehicle programs in the automotive industry in my 30 years in engineering and program management which shows my leadership and organizational skills. I also received 12 patents which demonstrates my creativity. When I started my first business in 2009 I learned how to build something from nothing and my entire life I have been known as a problem solver.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
End the emergency powers of the Governor and let businesses get back to business!

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
There is no country in the world that has better justice both racially and in every other aspect. Our police have already instituted many reforms and they continue to make changes as needed. If there is any injustice in Oakland County, I will be the first to offer solutions and make things right.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Freedom is under assault in America. We need to support and defend our Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am very concerned that we are losing our identity as Americans. Our history is being re-written, our motives are misrepresented and our media has turned into a destructive force that promotes fear, hate and lies. Please join me in fighting against these trends and be a proud American.