John Witt: Fighting for Us!

Oakland Press Guest Opinion

2010-01-12T08:03:00.002-05:00

As you probably know, there will be a special election in Troy on February 23 to vote on a 29%,$40 million city tax increase. I wrote a Guest Opinion in yesterday's Oakland Press opposing this tax increase. It is critically important for Troy that we defeat this tax increase in February and I am proud to lead the fight in this effort. My Guest Opinion is below.

GUEST OPINION: Tax increase not needed to balance Troy budget

BY JOHN WITT

In these extremely difficult economic times, governmental entities must show leadership in dealing with fiscal challenges.

Some public entities, such as Oakland County, have showed strong leadership in enacting balanced budgets without tax increases or a reduction of core government services. However, the city of Troy has shown a blatant lack of leadership in addressing its budgetary challenges.

Instead of making the necessary changes to balance the city budget, the city has chosen to continue new, unnecessary spending while asking its residents for a 29 percent, $40 million tax increase.

To scare residents into supporting this tax increase, supporters have threatened that, without the millage, the library and other city facilities will close. However, when questioned, not a single member of the Troy City Council supported closing the library or other facilities. Thus, based on these responses, no city facilities will close, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Why would tax-increase supporters mislead residents? Perhaps, because they do not want residents to know what the tax increase will really be spent on. It will go to several unnecessary new projects. One of these is a multimillion dollar project to build and operate a transit center to nowhere, which will have no new service and no new connections.

Other unnecessary expenditures projects are “beautification” projects, such as the deconstruction of the Rochester Road and Big Beaver intersection to install fancy red pavement and an ostentatious fountain.

Officials also want to continue generous salaries and benefits for city employees. These high salaries start with the City Manager, John Szerlag. Szerlag, despite taking 6.5 weeks of vacation each year to run his consulting business, is paid more than $220,000 per year.

City employees also receive extremely generous health care and retirement benefits. Many workers receive pensions that are 87 percent higher than public school teachers and the average health care contribution by a city employee is only $85 per month. Unlike Oakland County, where County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has shown strong leadership by personally taking a 5 percent pay cut, the Troy administration has shown no leadership and made no sacrifices. Thus, it is not surprising that, while Oakland County has been able to enact real 5 percent pay cuts (not furlough days) for all employees, Troy has been unable to secure any true pay cuts from well-compensated employees.

These Oakland County pay cuts have allowed the county to balance its budget for the next three years with no tax increase, no layoffs, and no major service cuts. To address the city’s budget challenges and to adjust to the current economic reality, Troy also needs true pay cuts from its staff.

While Troy residents will hear much propaganda leading up to the February election, they should not be fooled. The tax increase is not needed to keep facilities open, but rather it will be used to continue unnecessary new spending and excessive salaries/benefits.

Vote “no” Feb. 23.

John Witt is an Oakland County businessman and Troy resident. He can be reached at wjohn@aol.com.

Kurt Hack for Mayor of Clawson

2009-10-25T23:02:00.003-04:00

Through my 2008 county commissioner campaign, I grew a deep affection for the people of Clawson. One of the things that frustrates me (and many other observers) is the failed leadership of the Clawson City Government. Simply put, the good people of Clawson deserve much better than a Mayor and City Council that thinks asking their overtaxed residents for even more money is the solution to nearly every fiscal problem. The Mayor and Council have taken very few steps to make any substantive changes to make city government more efficient or to challenge the failed status quo.

I am convinced that the most effective way to address this problem is to elect new city government leadership and that leadership starts this year with a new mayor. Former Mayor Pro Tem Kurt Hack understands that Clawson City Government must become more efficient and fiscally accountable. Unlike the current mayor, Kurt believes that the status quo (which has given Clawson one of the highest city tax rates in Oakland County) is not acceptable. He has innovative plans such as a a multi-year budgeting process to make sure Clawson government becomes more efficient and effective. Most importantly, Kurt knows that increasing taxes on Clawson residents is NOT the answer. For these reasons and more, I am proud to endorse Kurt Hack for Mayor of Clawson and urge Clawson residents to vote for a better future by voting for Kurt Hack on November 3.

Tietz/Johnson/Fleming for Troy City Council

2009-10-25T22:39:00.002-04:00

Troy Voters have a very important decision to make in the upcoming City Council Election on November 3. With the city facing important budget decisions, picking the right individuals to fill the three available council seats is especially important this year. In recent weeks, it has become clear that this election is a referendum on the 29% tax increase Mayor Schilling is pushing on Troy residents and businesses (please see previous post).

For those of us (myself included) who are oppose to this tax increase, the right choice in this election is clear. The only three Council Candidates who oppose this tax increase are Doug Tietz, Carmen Johnson, and Wade Fleming. Tietz, Johnson, and Fleming are strong conservative leaders who understand the importance of balancing the city budget without raising taxes, while protecting core city services of police protection, fire protection, and road maintenance. I am proud to endorse these three candidates. If you are a Troy resident, please join me in voting for Doug Tietz, Carmen Johnson, and Wade Fleming for City Council on November 3.

29% Tax Increase Proposed by Troy Mayor

2009-10-25T21:33:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, elected officials do things that make you question if they have any understanding of what is going on in the real world. One of those occurrences happened recently when Troy Mayor Louise Schilling proposed a 29% tax increase for Troy Residents and Businesses. With our city facing record foreclosures, double digit unemployment, and many business vacancies/closings, the mayor somehow thinks this is just the right time to hit us with a 29% tax increase.

While this proposed tax increase is wrongheaded and will be harmful to Troy, the worse part about this tax increase is that it is totally unnecessary. By making a dozen or so simple adjustments to the city budget, we will not only eliminate the projected budget deficit, but will actually have a budget surplus. $5.2 million of these adjustments simply include taking money from reserve funds for projects (transit center, civic center improvements, trails) that Troy simply cannot afford in the current economy.

To hear more about this common sense plan to balance the city budget without raising taxes, please see my presentation at last Monday's City Council meeting at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2387627 (My speech begins at 10:40 into the video). This meeting featured many excellent comments from Troy residents outraged that Mayor Schilling is pushing a 29% tax increase. As you can see from the crowd reaction to my speech, many people appreciated my common sense approach to balance the city budget. Obviously, the mayor was not one of them, but it is about time she hears about the damage that her tax increase proposal will do to the city of Troy.

Oakland Press Guest Opinion on $227K Troy Double Dip

2009-08-01T11:09:00.005-04:00

In today's Oakland Press, I wrote a Guest Opinion about the Troy City Council's handling of the city manager selection and contract approval process. The City Council acted unprofessionally and in bad faith by selecting John Szerlag, who did not even apply for the posistion, as permanent city manager position.

This was not the council's most irresponsible action, however. Unbelievably, the Council cheated Troy taxpayers by allowing Szerlag to "double dip" on their dime. Szerlag has been receiving a yearly pension of nearly $75,000 from a previous stint working for the City of Troy. Even though common sense, good government practices, and the intent of city pension ordinances would dictate that Szerlag's pension benefit be suspended while he was re-employed, the City Council unbelievably allowed Szerlag to continue to receive his pension benefit while working full-time as City Manager.

Under the approved contract, Szerlag's annual compensation will be more than $227,000 per year. Especially in these tough economic times, it is an outrage that the City Council would approve such an irresponsible contract. Since the City Council has clearly abdicated its duty to serve the best interests of residents, residents must take action into their own hands. I look forward to working with and on behalf of my fellow Troy residents to overturn this shameful $227K double dip.

My Guest Opinion is below.

GUEST OPINION: Troy council made several mistakes in hiring manager

By JOHN WITT

We all know about the tough times we face in Michigan. With our state’s unemployment rate at 15.2 percent and foreclosures at record levels, Michigan families are being forced to cut back and make sacrifices.

Hence, Michigan residents expect their governments to do the same.

However, the Troy City Council recently took an action that defied common sense, cheated taxpayers and showed no regard for the economic conditions we are facing. It approved the city manager’s employment contract.

In March, the council initiated a search for a new city manager. Council spent 15 weeks telling everyone that they would pick their new city manager through a process that cost over $20,000, and they even selected and interviewed five finalists. However, at the last moment, during the July 9 meeting, this process was scuttled and Acting City Manager John Szerlag, who did not even apply for the permanent position, was appointed city manager.

This seemed to have been pre-planned outside of public view, as Mayor Louise Schilling had Szerlag’s résumés ready to distribute when his name came up for discussion. This action by the Council, opposed only by Mayor Pro Tem Martin Howrylak, was unprofessional, embarrassing and in bad faith. It showed a clear lack of integrity and sincerity by the council.

However, the behavior got even more irresponsible on July 20. Because Szerlag had previously worked for Troy for nearly 20 years, he is collecting a $75,000-per-year city pension. Now that he was returning to the city in a full-time capacity, common sense and good government practices dictate that his pension benefit be suspended during his time of re-employment.

Even the Troy city attorney, in a July 16 memo to City Council, explicitly stated that Szerlag’s pension benefit must be suspended. However, the City Council found an apparent loophole in the pension ordinances that allows Szerlag to continue to receive his pension benefit.

Even putting aside whether a loophole exists, the pension ordinances clearly are intended to prevent this type of double dipping. This is consistent with almost every corporation and most municipalities.

The council, except for Howrylak, obviously had no problem making a sham of city pension ordinances. Under the approved contract, Szerlag’s annual compensation will be more than $227,000 per year. He will likely make even more as the council is allowing him to run a government consulting business while employed as city manager.

This brings us to three important questions: In these tough economic times, should Troy be paying this outlandish type of compensation to a city employee? Is the council properly representing its residents by allowing an employee to circumvent city ordinances to take an additional $75,000 from taxpayers? Should the council allow double dipping on the taxpayers’ dime?

Common sense would answer “no” to all three questions.

Major Victory for Clawson Taxpayers

2009-05-06T14:48:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, Clawson taxpayers won a major victory when residents rejected a 21.4%, $3.1 million school tax increase (please see article below). This was despite the Clawson School District, under its tax and spend leadership, using their bully pulpit, taxpayer funded resources, and petty personal attacks to fight for this large tax increase. As often is the case in Clawson, however, taxpayers are not yet safe from this tax increase. The School Board has already discussed putting this same tax increase on the ballot again, despite the fact that the voters have now twice rejected this tax increase. These tax and spend liberals refuse to respect the voters' will.

Please be assured that I will continue to stand up for you by fighting against tax increases in our community. I was proud to work with Clawson Taxpayer and all its great members to help defeat the School Tax Increase and I look forward to working with them and residents throughout Clawson in future pro-taxpayer efforts. The real credit for defeating this tax increase, though, goes to Clawson Residents. They had the wisdom to say Enough is Enough! Hopefully, the Clawson School Board and the School Administration finally got the message.

Voters reject CPS sinking fund
By Jeremy Carroll
C & G Staff Writer

CLAWSON — For the second time since 2007, voters in Clawson rejected a proposal from Clawson Public Schools to establish a new sinking fund to make repairs and upgrades to facilities.

Voters rejected the proposal May 5, 977-1,248, according to unofficial results.

CPS asked voters for a 1.5 mill tax increase for five years for the sinking fund. It would have raised approximately $620,000 annually, or $3.1 million over the life of the tax increase. If it had passed, the average taxpayer would have paid an additional $93 per year.

Board of Education President Mike Bosnic said he wasn’t sure what the district’s next step would be, as many of the projects they hoped for were safety related.

“We have a fund balance, but it’s not the best fiscal policy to tap into the fund balance to do bricks and mortar projects,” he said. “That proposal was as bare bones as we could get.”

A 3 mill sinking fund for 10 years was passed in 1996 and expired in 2006 without renewal. Voters rejected a proposed 1.95 mill sinking fund millage in 2007.

Bosnic said he felt the failure of the millage was a result of the poor economy.

“Back in 1996, you had the same community pass a similar proposal that was four times larger than the one on the ballot yesterday,” he said.

While the district listed projects for the proposal, the district was not bound to complete those specific projects.

Also in the election, incumbent Board of Education Trustees Scott Rieck and Kevin Turner cruised to re-election. Turner received 1,305 votes and Rieck received 1,206 votes.

The two were challenged by write-in candidates Jeffery Schachinger and his son, Darren Schachinger. The results showed a total of 84 write-in votes, many of which were spoiled and not counted. It wasn’t immediately clear how many votes Jeffery and Darren Schachinger actually received.

During the day, John Witt, a Troy resident who volunteers with the group Clawson Taxpayers, was standing outside of a polling location at Kenwood Elementary School with a sign asking voters to reject the tax increase.

“Through my county commission campaign, I grew an affection for the people of Clawson,” Witt said. “Obviously, I think they are already overtaxed.”

He called the CPS proposal ridiculous.

“The voters rejected basically the same tax increase two years ago, and they are saying they don’t respect the voters’ will,” Witt said.

Tax Day Protest

2009-04-15T23:33:00.007-04:00

Today, I was proud to join with over 2,000 freedom loving Americans in front of Troy City Hall to protest out of control tax and spend policies at the national, state, and local levels. I hope that tax and spend liberals, such as the entire Clawson School Board who are trying to force a 21.4% tax increase on residents to fund their big spending appetite, heard the message loud and clear. People are fed up with being overtaxed and are demanding that politicians stop taking so much of their hard earned money to satisfy their never ending craving for increased spending.

This grassroots event was a wonderful display of Americans taking a stand against outrageous big government policies. Thank you to everyone who participated today and I promise you that I will continue to stand up for taxpayers in our community by leading the fight against out of control spending and destructive tax increases.

Clawson Tax Increases

2009-04-05T23:11:00.005-04:00

Dear Clawson Residents,

I would like to inform you about another important election coming up in Clawson. On May 5, Clawson residents will vote on two tax increases. One tax increase is a 21.4% school tax increase and the other is a 50% library tax increase. I am urging you to vote NO on both of these tax increases for several reasons.

First and foremost, with people losing their jobs, families losing their homes, and seniors losing their savings, already overtaxed Clawson residents simply cannot afford more tax increases. With regard to the 21.4% school tax increase, the behavior of the school board, under its tax and spend leadership, is simply unacceptable. They are putting on the ballot the same tax increase that Clawson residents rejected two years ago. That the school board refuses to accept the will of Clawson residents is disturbing, as is the fact that the school board has made no attempt to make any changes or sacrifices, but rather believes that the taxpayers should fund their big spending appetite through a $3.1 million tax increase.

Concerning the 50% library tax increase, it is unbelievable to me that the city government thinks that Clawson residents do not pay enough in taxes. After all, Clawson residents already pay over twice as much in city taxes as residents in other nearby cities. Clawson residents are paying almost $1 million more each year in city taxes than state law authorizes. However, the tax and spend forces of the city still think you should pay more. They have tried to force five tax increases on you since 2006 and seem to have an unending craving to take more of your money.

On May 5 or on your absentee ballot, you can stand up for yourself and your neighbors by voting NO on both tax increases. Concerned residents such as you are the only ones who can put a stop to this tax and spend power grab. Please join me in opposing the 21.4% school tax increase and the 50% library tax increase.

Warmest personal regards,
John Witt

Thank You

2008-08-06T23:00:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,
I would like to thank all my supporters throughout the 19th District for all they have done throughout this campaign. Even though we were not victorious yesterday, I am very proud of the campaign we ran. We ran an honest and forthright campaign based on strong conservative principles and effective solutions to deal with the major issues facing Oakland County Government. I am honored that 1,363 residents of the 19th District gave me their vote. While this campaign for county commissioner has ended, I hope that our message of always putting the residents and taxpayers first will not be forgotten.
Warmest Personal Regards,
John Witt

Please Vote Tommorow

2008-08-04T22:18:00.004-04:00

Dear Voters,
I would greatly appreciate your vote in the primary tomorrow (August 5). I expect a very close race and every vote will make a difference. Thus, in addition to your vote, if you could ask family and friends to vote for me as well, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you to everyone for their help and support throughout this campaign. With your support, I am very optimistic about our chances of success tomorrow.
Sincerely,
John

Oakland Press Article

2008-08-01T21:19:00.003-04:00

The Oakland Press has a good online article discussing the race for 19th District Oakland County Commissioner. You can read the article at: http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/073108/pol_20080730402.shtml

Press Release on League of Women Voters Forum

2008-07-23T08:54:00.003-04:00

Below is my press release on the July 17 League of Women Voters- Troy Area candidate forum. As mentioned in the press release, the forum can be viewed on Comcast Channel 52 and WOW Channel 18 on Thursday, July 24 at 3pm and Friday, July 25 at 1pm. I encourage residents to tune in to watch this informative event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2008

Witt Comments on League of Women Voters Candidate Forum

The John Witt for County Commissioner Campaign issued the following press release:

John Witt, along with seven other County Commissioner candidates, participated last week in a candidate forum sponsored by League of Women Voters- Troy Area. Witt was the only candidate from the 19th District participating in the forum. The forum can be viewed on Comcast Channel 52 and WOW channel 18 on Thursday, July 24 at 3pm and Friday, July 25 at 1pm. John Witt had the following to say about the forum:

“I greatly enjoyed the League of Women Voter’s Forum as it was an excellent opportunity to hear county commissioner candidates share their visions and platforms. I particularly liked answering questions from the audience and addressing the concerns of these residents. I thank League of Women Voters Troy Area for hosting this forum and thank the other seven candidates for participating.”

“I was disappointed that I was the only candidate from the 19th District who attended the forum. I wish both of my opponents would have attended, as this would have given 19th District voters an opportunity to hear answers from each of us and would have allowed them to compare our responses. While the 19th District incumbent, Democrat Tim Burns, at least was courteous by responding to the League of Women Voters’ questionnaire and informing them that he was unable to attend, my Republican primary opponent, Mike Bosnic, simply refused to respond to the questionnaire or to inform the League of his unwillingness to attend the forum. Unless he had a valid reason to not attend this forum, which was designed to educate the voters about the candidates who will appear on the August 5 ballot, Mr. Bosnic’s absence was an act of extreme arrogance and disrespect. The voters of the 19th District would have benefited from a lively public discussion between John Witt and Mike Bosnic on the major issues facing Oakland County. Unfortunately, the voters never got the chance to witness this discussion. Rather, they only got to hear John Witt’s vision and platform, while Mike Bosnic apparently refused to express his."

Troy Eccentric Article

2008-07-18T22:46:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, the Troy Eccentric had an article about their joint interview of myself and my primary opponent, Mike Bosnic. I would like to correct two statements from the article. First, the article should state I pledge to control spending( the article mistakenly indicates that I said the contrary). Close observers of this campaign know I am the budget hawk in this race and the candidate most committed to fighting excessive and wasteful spending. Also, the article indicates the Clawson School District Sinking Fund Millage was retired( Mike Bosnic somehow claims this is a tax cut). What Bosnic does not want to tell you is that he and his fellow board members wanted to extend the sinking fund millage, but the Clawson voters rejected this extension in May 2007. Furthermore, the Bosnic led school board is now sending out surveys to Clawson residents asking if they would be willing to reinstate the millage. To think that Mike Bosnic uses this example to call himself a "tax cutter" is astounding.
The full article is below:

July 17, 2008

Opponent questions Clawson board president

By Steve Kowalski
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

If 39-year-old Mike Bosnic wins the District 19 seat on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the Republican resident of Clawson promises to remain on the school board in that city, serving as its president.

Bosnic's opponent in the Tuesday, Aug. 5 primary, Troy resident John Witt, questions whether the school board seat will be a distraction.

"It's commendable that (Bosnic) plans to fill two elected positions, but there are going to be votes he may have to recuse himself from," said Witt, who turns 22 on Aug. 9.

Witt graduated in January 2008 with a political science degree from Saint Louis University in Missouri. He said he plans on spending between $12,000 and $17,000 in his attempt to win the seat currently occupied by Tim Burns (D-Clawson), who has no primary opponent.

Bosnic, who lost bids for the House of Representatives in 2004 and 2006, said he plans on "spending whatever it takes to win." He is a business owner and attorney.

Holding two elected positions would be a challenge he'd welcome, he said.

"I pledge to finish out my term on the school board," he said. "It's an issue I hope to have to deal with."

Bosnic has endorsements from Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and state Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy). He announced his candidacy at the home of state Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy). Bosnic lost to Knollenberg in the 2006 primary race in the 41st House District.

"All the hatchets were buried, this is a new day," he said of his new political ally, Knollenberg.

Each Republican candidate said they would favor a drop in the $33,000 per year salary for commissioners and the elimination of "perks." Commissioners should not have the county pay for their club memberships and gas mileage, they said.

"Perks are complete luxuries and many commissioners use memberships to organizations as political tools to promote their own election," said Witt, who is backed by Troy Mayor pro-tem Martin Howrylak.

"We need to be good stewards, set good examples," Bosnic said.

Neither candidate supports public financing for a new county jail. To ease overcrowding, Bosnic said he'd support more drug courts in the district as an alternative to sending non-violent offenders to jail. Witt said he's in favor of drug courts but also in placing more non-violent criminals on tethers at the court's discretion.

Bosnic said under his watch Clawson School District has dropped its millage rate 3.5 mills, including a 2.67 mill sinking fund, which was retired.

Witt said the sinking fund millage shouldn't be considered a tax cut. He added that he is the only candidate who will not vote to raise the county property tax millage rate.

"People are already overtaxed and we have to look at making cuts," Witt said.

Bosnic said that is a misrepresentation of him, because he, too, pledges not to support a county property tax millage rate. Bosnic also said he would not support fee hikes on services, "(the county) has got to live within its means."

Bosnic said a balanced budget and serving constituents needs are his top priorities.

"You have to be a team player, work with other (commissioners), know who to trust, who not to trust," he said. "Regionalization across the aisle is not good."

Witt promises not to control spending and said he is not committed to special interests. He said recruiting companies in the Emerging Sectors program "to stay here long term" is key to economic growth.

Neither liked the financial numbers proposed by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano to involve Oakland County in the expansion of Detroit's Cobo Hall.

"The cost is way too high," Witt said.

"Oakland County cannot let itself get rushed into a bad deal," Bosnic said

July 17 League of Women Voters Forum

2008-07-12T11:51:00.002-04:00

The League of Women Voters-Troy is hosting a candidate forum for the 4 County Commissioner Districts that cover Troy ( including the 19th District) on Thursday, July 17 at 6:30pm at the Community Media Network headquarters, at 1230 Souter Boulevard in Troy. Most of the forum will consist of questions from the audience. This forum will be a great chance for residents to hear the platforms and positions of the candidates running for County Commissioner. I am certainly looking forward to a informative dialogue on the issues facing Oakland County and hope that you can attend.

Campaign Update

2008-06-25T22:47:00.004-04:00

Here is an update on the progress of my campaign:
- My 1st mailing went out this week and laid out in detail my vision for dealing with the major issues facing Oakland County. I already have received great praise from district residents on this piece.
- I am now starting my second wave of door-to-door and look forward to seeing many familiar faces(from my 1st wave)and many new faces as well. I greatly enjoy meeting the voters of my district and have found them to be very friendly, intelligent and interested in making our great County even better.
- I recently received the endorsement of two well-respected and accomplished Troy and Clawson leaders. Troy Mayor Pro Tem Martin Howrylak, a strong budget hawk and tax fighter, has endorsed my candidacy. I thank Martin very much for his support. Former Clawson Mayor Pro Tem Kurt Hack also has endorsed my candidacy. Kurt did excellent work on the Clawson City Council(he served through 2007) in making city government more efficient and making Clawson more business friendly. I thank Kurt very much for his support. I would like to add your name to my growing list of supporters. Please email me(john@johnwitt08.com) if you would like to publicly express your support.
- Next week, I will be actively participating in the Clawson 4th of July festivities. First, I will be walking in the Clawson 4th of July Parade on the morning of July 4. It would be great to have you join me and my campaign team at this event. Please contact me if you would like to participate or would like more information. Please see the previous blog post for all the details. In addition to the parade, I will be attending the 4th of July Festival at Clawson's City Park on July 3 and 4. If you are attending, I would certainly enjoy you stopping by my booth to chat.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about the campaign or if you would like to assist in any way.

Clawson 4th of July Parade

2008-06-24T09:23:00.002-04:00

My campaign will be walking in the Clawson 4th of July parade. Please contact me if you would like to walk with us in this parade, which celebrates our great country. It has been great meeting so many wonderful residents as I have gone door to door throughout the district and I would certainly enjoy you joining us on July 4 for this exciting and entertaining event . Below are the details on the parade:

WHAT: The John Witt for County Commissioner Campaign walks in the Clawson 4th of July Parade

WHERE: Please meet at Clawson Center ( SE Corner of 14 mile and Crooks) in Clawson

WHEN: July 4. Please meet at 8:30am

CONTACT: Please contact John Witt if you would like to participate or would like more information. Phone: 248-229-8801 or Email: john@johnwitt08.com

Royal Oak Review Article

2008-06-04T09:45:00.004-04:00

The Royal Oak Review, which is mailed to every households in Clawson, published an article today discussing my campaign. It sounds like my primary opponent, Mike Bosnic, is very confident of an easy primary victory. He certainly is going to be surprised on August 5 when he learns that you are not entitled to residents' votes, but rather must earn them. My dedication to earning the trust and support of 19th District voters is best evidenced by the fact that I have already personally visited over 3,000 homes in the district. This much has become abundantly clear in the Republican Primary: one candidate (myself) is working hard to earn the nomination while the other candidate (Bosnic) simply expects to be given the nomination, with minimal work and effort. I believe the votes of 19th District residents must be earned and will simply not be given away. If this is the case, then I am the clear choice on August 5.

The Royal Oak Review article is below:

County Commissioner, District 19: Tim Burns, D-Clawson, is seeking re-election to the county commission in the 19th district, which covers all of Clawson, southeastern Troy and a small portion of Royal Oak.

Burns, 35, an attorney with the Better Business Bureau, said he puts people before politics.

"One thing I'm proud of (in the last two years) is, you saw all the turmoil at the state level over the budget and we were able to protect all the important services that the county provides without raising taxes," he said.

Burns said voters would likely hear the argument that Democrats will be out to raise taxes, but that that's not true.

"I know from managing my own household budget that you have to live within your means," he said.

Attempting to unseat Burns are Mike Bosnic, R-Clawson, and John Witt, R-Troy.

Bosnic, the current president of the Clawson Public Schools Board of Education, said he thinks he is a suitable replacement for Burns.

"I think I've got the experience in local government in cutting taxes and making government more streamlined," he said, referring to a reduction in taxes since he has been on the CPS board. "My concern is with the amount of foreclosures, there is going to be a pressure to raise taxes."

Bosnic said he would take a hard line on spending and criticized Burns' support for a new Cobo Hall and putting the Detroit Zoo tax on the August primary ballot.

Although Bosnic is facing Witt in the primary, he said he is focusing his attention on the general election.

"He's (Witt) a good kid from a good family, but I don't think he has the experience or record on the issues," Bosnic said.

Witt, a 21-year-old recent graduate of Saint Louis University, said his focus is on spending and taxation issues.

"I think it's really important to have a fiscally conservative county government," Witt said. "I think I can be a very strong fiscally conservative voice for the 19th district."

He said he knows Bosnic is a tough primary opponent, but said he thinks he is beatable.

"I think I take a stronger stance on fiscal issues like spending and taxation," he said.

Clawson Memorial Day Parade

2008-05-19T12:08:00.003-04:00

My campaign will be walking in the Clawson Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day (May 26).Please contact me if you would like to walk with me in this parade, which honors the men and women who have died fighting for our freedom. Here are the details on the parade:

WHAT: The John Witt for County Commissioner Campaign walks in the Clawson Memorial Day Parade

WHERE: Please meet at the Clawson American Legion Post at 655 S. Main Street (Livernois) in Clawson

WHEN: Monday, May 26(Memorial Day). Please meet at the Post around 9:30am

CONTACT: Please contact John Witt if you would like to participate or would like more information. Phone: 248-229-8801 or Email: john@johnwitt08.com

Follow Up on Filing Deadline Press Release

2008-05-15T15:40:00.004-04:00

I have been asked to further elaborate on some aspects of my filing deadline press release( please see 5/13 blog post for the full press release). Here are more specifics about the part of the press release that discusses Mike Bosnic's brochures and website:

On Bosnic's brochures, he claims that he has been endorsed by Troy Mayor Pro Tem Martin Howrylak and City Councilman David Eisenbacher. These brochures were being distributed in my precinct (Troy 17) on 4/20. When I inquired of Howrylak and Eisenbacher on 4/21 about this, they both stated they had not endorsed Bosnic. In fact, Eisenbacher stated that he had not spoken with Bosnic since 2007. I posted on my campaign blog on 4/23 about this misleading and inaccurate information appearing on Bosnic brochures.

On Bosnic's website, he claims he has been endorsed by 3 newspapers(Oakland Press, Detroit Free Press, and Clawson Mirror). However, listing these 3 papers is extremely misleading because he was endorsed in the past for state Representative by these papers. He has NOT been endorsed for county commissioner by any of these papers as they have not yet endorsed in County Commissioner races. Bosnic also claims he has been endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan (met criteria) and Troy Police Officers. Once again, he is referring to Right to Life's endorsement in his previous campaigns, NOT this year's campaign as they have not yet endorsed for the County Commissioner race. On the Troy Police Officers, he seems to be referring to an endorsement by the Troy Police Officers Association (TPOA) in a past campaign. He has NOT been endorsed by the TPOA in this campaign (as they do not usually endorse in County Commissioner races) Note: I realize he does not say the Association on his website and would technically not being untruthful if he had 2 individual officers endorse him, but his website clearly misleads people into thinking he has been endorsed by Troy Police Officers as a group.

Filing Deadline Press Release

2008-05-13T22:06:00.003-04:00

CONTACT: John Witt
Phone: (248) 229-8801
Email: john@johnwitt08.com
Website: www.johnwitt08.com
Blog: www.johnwitt.blogspot.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008

Witt Looks Forward to Republican Primary Campaign
The John Witt for County Commissioner Campaign issued the following press release:
The filing deadline for the August 5 Primary was at 4pm today. In the Oakland County 19th Commissioner District, John Witt of Troy and Mike Bosnic of Clawson filed as Republicans. John Witt had the following to say about the Republican primary campaign:

“I look forward to a spirited and cleanly run primary campaign against Mike Bosnic. I expect this campaign to be run on the major issues facing Oakland County and our respective plans for dealing with these issues. I believe that this primary campaign will serve the residents of the 19th District well by bringing focus and attention to the major issues facing Oakland County Government. The most pressing issue facing the County government is clearly the budgetary issue and the corresponding concern of property tax rates. In this primary campaign, I will demonstrate to voters how I am the candidate who is most committed to fiscal conservatism and the interests of taxpayers. I have already demonstrated this commitment by my pledges to limiting any spending increases to no more than inflation and to not vote to increase the county property tax millage rate. More recently, my campaign demonstrated this commitment by collecting nearly 400 petition signatures for a taxpayer protection charter amendment in my home city of Troy. With the other organizers of this petition drive, I filed these petition signatures with the Troy City Clerk this morning. If 19th District voters want a county commissioner who is dedicated to controlling spending and low taxes, I believe I am the clear choice, not only for the August primary, but for the November general election as well”.

“I sincerely hope Mr. Bosnic will run a campaign based on the facts and the issues, as I have been doing since January. During the past four months, the actions of the Bosnic campaign and some Bosnic supporters have been inappropriate to say the least. From the use of intimidation and threats by Bosnic supporters to try to force me out of the race (apparently Bosnic thinks he should not have to deal with a primary opponent) to half-truths and misleading and false statements on his brochures and website, the tactics of the Bosnic campaign have been disappointing. I would hope Mr. Bosnic will now commit to an honest and forthright campaign debated on substantive issues, not on attempts to mislead voters. This is certainly the type of campaign I plan on running. And, I hope, on August 5, the voters of the 19th District will choose John Witt as their Republican nominee for county commissioner”.

Burns's attempt at political payback

2008-05-10T23:39:00.007-04:00

At last Thursday's Board of Commissioners meeting, which I attended, Commissioner Burns tried to deliver some political payback against Commissioners Robert Gosselin and David Potts. Burns sponsored a commemorative Flag Week/ Flag Day resolution, which was seconded by Potts. Both Potts and Gosselin had signed on to support the resolution. However, in an apparent attempt to punish Potts and Gosselin for their April press release commemorating Burns's refusal to vote( please see 4/19 blog posting), Burns had Potts's and Gosselin's names omitted from the list of supporters when he had the final draft of the resolution printed. Potts called attention to this blatant exclusion and Burns stumbled to explain his actions/ motives. Potts and Gosselin did have their names re-added to the resolution before its passage.

I can see why Commissioner Burns is so concerned about publicity about his refusal to vote. Once 19th District voters realize that Burns would not stand up for their interests, when faced with the conflicting interests of his liberal special interest allies, they will be none too happy. They will learn what many already know: Tim Burns is more concerned about keeping on good terms with the special interests who fund his campaign than looking out for his constituents.

Bosnic Already Misleading Voters

2008-04-23T22:44:00.002-04:00

Brochures for my Republican primary opponent, Mike Bosnic, began to be distributed to 19th District voters this past weekend by a campaign worker (apparently not by Mike himself). On the brochure, Bosnic lists several endorsements. All of those on that list who have actually endorsed Bosnic decided to endorse him well before I even discussed with them my interest in running for the 19th District seat. The problem is that two people listed have not actually endorsed Bosnic for this seat. When I inquired this week of Troy Mayor Pro Tem Martin Howrylak and Troy Councilman David Eisenbacher about Bosnic listing their names under endorsements, they both indicated that they had not endorsed Bosnic. In fact, Councilman Eisenbacher stated that he had not even spoken with Mike Bosnic in 2008. That’s right, Mike Bosnic is distributing brochures with false and misleading information. I know Bosnic believes he can win this primary on endorsements and fundraising alone (a belief that is evident by his apparent greater interest in working on a County Prosecutor Campaign than meeting with the voters of the 19th District to discuss the County Commissioner campaign), but he can at least be honest with voters in his literature. We need a County Commissioner who will tell the truth to voters, not one who will mislead them for political gain.

Commemorating Burns's refusal to vote

2008-04-19T21:29:00.004-04:00

Earlier this month, Republican Commissioners Robert Gosselin and Dave Potts issued a press release commemorating the one year anniversary of Tim Burns hiding in the bathroom in order to avoid voting. On April 5, 2007, the Board of Commissioners was considering a bill requesting that the Michigan State Legislature not increase taxes of any kind, and especially not increase utility taxes. Tim Burns, facing a conflict between representing the interests of taxpayers and the priorities of his liberal special interest allies, took the pathetic way out and refused to vote at all (even though he had been present for a roll call just minutes earlier). It has been confirmed by several witnesses that Burns was hiding in the bathroom so he did not have to vote on this resolution.

This occurrence is just the most egregious of many examples where Tim Burns has refused to stand up for taxpayers, when faced with the conflicting interests of his liberal allies. We elect our representatives to vote on issues, even when the votes are tough decisions for representatives. Of course, on this resolution which opposed tax increases, the vote would not be difficult for me, as I would enthusiastically support the bill. As a county commissioner, I will always put taxpayers first in all my votes. Unlike Tim Burns, I am committed to representing the interests of taxpayers and I will never back down from my commitment to protect your tax dollars.

The Gosselin/Potts press release is below.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/4/08
Contact: Dave Potts
(248) 258-1438
Commissioners Issue Statement Commemorating "Pottygate"
"This gives new meaning to lack of intestinal fortitude"
(Clawson and Royal Oak) - Today, County Commissioner Dave Potts and County Commissioner Robert Gosselin issued a joint statement commemorating the first anniversary of "Pottygate," the day Commissioner David Woodward and Commissioner Tim Burns ran out of a commission meeting to avoid voting on a public resolution.
On April 5, 2007 just as the County Commission was scheduled to vote on resolution #07089, 'Protecting the people of the State of Michigan from Increased Utility Taxes' Commissioner Tim Burns (D-Clawson) and Commissioner David Woodward (D-Royal) both scurried from the Commissioners' Auditorium to hide in the bathroom to avoid voting,".
Numerous witnesses can collaborate these facts.
"Pottygate" is an unfortunate example of Tim Burns and David Woodward playing politics instead of voting on the issues. Real leaders don't run to the potty and hide whenever there is a tough vote. Whether they would have voted yes or no on the issue isn't as important as the fact that they ran into the bathroom to hide," said County Commissioner Robert Gosselin.
"As County Commissioners we are elected to vote on all issues. Their refusal to vote on this contentious issue reflects the most cynical of political motivations. Burns and Woodward running to the bathroom gives new meaning to the saying: 'lack of intestinal fortitude," said Commissioner David Potts.
"I never thought I would need to advise my colleagues about bathroom habits but my advice to Woodward and Burns is to just hold it till after you vote," said Commissioner David Potts.
Commissioner Potts will be available throughout the day for any additional comments. You may reach Dave Potts at: 248-258-1438
###

Troy Eccentric Articles

2008-04-17T08:46:00.003-04:00

Today's Troy Eccentric has two articles (and a picture) which discuss my campaign. Both articles have good insights into my campaign against Democrat Tim Burns. The links to the two articles are below.

Incumbent, college grad file in commission's 19th District
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/NEWS22/804170499/1039/NEWs22

Election season under way in Troy
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/NEWS22/804170495/1039/NEWs22

Economic Development Platform to be released next week

2008-03-26T22:20:00.003-04:00

Please check my campaign website (http://www.johnwitt08.com) next week for the unveiling of my 19th District economic development platform.

Here are a few highlights of that platform:

- Utilize Oakland County's Emerging Sectors Program to bring high tech jobs to the district, including a concerted effort to make Big Beaver Road the "high tech corridor of Michigan".
- Help Clawson join Main Street Oakland, a County program which provides important tax incentives and tax credits for downtown construction projects.
- Streamline/eliminate burdensome regulations that hamper economic development efforts.

New Email Address

2008-03-09T23:59:00.003-04:00

My new campaign email address is john@johnwitt08.com . Please send all campaign related emails to this new address.

Campaign Website launched

2008-03-06T20:01:00.002-05:00

Today, I launched my campaign website at www.johnwitt08.com
This website includes detailed information about my campaign.

Press Release on Troy Property Tax Charter Amendment

2008-02-28T23:12:00.002-05:00

The John Witt for County Commissioner Campaign issued the following press release:
Today, Troy residents turned in a petition with more than 2,000 signatures in support of a city charter amendment. The language for the charter amendment is as follows: The council shall not increase the millage rate imposed pursuant to Section 9.16 of this charter above a current rate actually imposed, levied, and collected unless the increased rate shall be first approved by a majority of the City electors voting on the question. Troy’s current millage rate is 9.28 mills. The vote on this amendment likely will come during the August 5 primary election. John Witt had the following to say about the filed charter amendment:

“I strongly support this charter amendment and urge my fellow Troy residents to join me in empowering the taxpayers to weigh in on any proposed tax rate increases. This amendment is a reasonable and practical check on any potential desire of city government to increase tax rates. Especially in these difficult economic times, the voters of Troy should have the opportunity to reject tax increases that they see as unnecessary and unwise. Under this amendment, the City will have to present to voters a compelling need in order to raise their taxes. This amendment both protects and empowers taxpayers. Any action that protects and empowers taxpayers must be actively pursued and that is why I am proud to give this charter amendment my full support. While one way Troy voters can protect their tax dollars is by voting for this amendment, they can also protect their tax dollars by electing a strong fiscal conservative to the 19th District Oakland County Commission seat. I am proud to be the candidate in this county commissioner race who is most dedicated to fiscal conservatism and who is most dedicated to protecting the tax dollars of Oakland County residents. I have already demonstrated that dedication by pledging to 19th District residents that I will never vote for a general county budget that increases at a rate higher than inflation and that I will never vote to increase Oakland County’s property tax millage rate. Unlike the current 19th District county commissioner, who supports liberal tax and spend leadership, and who thinks voting to ban trans-fats in restaurants is more important than voting to oppose tax increases, I understand that protecting and representing 19th District taxpayers will be my most important duty as County Commissioner. This is a duty from which I will never back down and to which I will never waver in my commitment”.

John Witt, the only Troy candidate in the 19th District County Commissioner race, has previously worked for Congressman Joe Knollenberg and the Keith Butler for United States Senate Campaign. He looks forward to bringing stronger, more fiscally responsible and taxpayer-focused representation to the 19th District.

Troy Times Letter to the Editor

2008-02-21T12:14:00.002-05:00

I recently submitted a letter to the editor of the Troy Times regarding Tim Burns's suggestion that many current inmates in the Oakland County jail should not have been incarcerated and are merely taking up space. In the January 31, 2008 edition of the Troy Times, Burns is quoted as saying ""We often see people with violations who are not a danger to society taking up space (in the jail),". Needless to say, I found this statement to be irresponsible. Thus, I wrote the following letter to the editor:
To the Editor
Oakland County Commissioner Tim Burns’s comment, in the 1/31 article (“Committee explores possibility of new county jail”), that a significant percentage of Oakland County prisoners are being unnecessarily incarcerated is irresponsible. Mr. Burns essentially is telling Oakland County judges and prosecutors that they are being too tough on crime. Perhaps Mr. Burns will enlighten us with his proposal as to which prisoners specifically should be released. It would certainly be interesting for Mr. Burns to identify these prisoners, who he claims are “not a danger to society” and are merely taking up space.
John Witt
19th District Oakland County Commissioner Candidate
4774 Seasons Drive Troy, MI 48098
248-229-8801

Mirror Newspaper Article

2008-02-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

The Mirror (a weekly newspaper that serves Clawson) had an article (along with a picture) about my campaign announcement. The article is below:

Article published Feb 3, 2008
Candidate files for county commission
John Witt of Troy has filed as a Republican candidate for Oakland County Commissioner for the 19th District, which includes the city of Clawson.
The seat is currently held by Democrat Tim Burns.
Witt graduated from Saint Louis University in January 2008. He was an intern in the district office of Congressman Joe Knollenberg and a campaign assistant for Keith Butler for U.S. Senate.
In a prepared statement, he said, "While I may not be the establishment's choice for the Republican nomination, I will work hard to become the people's choice. Instead of relying on the support of political insiders who reside outside the 19th District, I look forward to earning the support of Troy and Clawson voters. I will earn this support by always putting the 19th District first."

Campaign Announcement Press Release

2008-01-28T16:09:00.002-05:00

CONTACT: John Witt
Phone: (248) 229-8801
E-mail:wjohn@aol.com
Blog: http://www.johnwitt.blogspot.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WITT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER
The John Witt for County Commissioner Campaign issued the following press release:
Today, John Witt filed his candidacy for County Commissioner for the 19th District as a Republican candidate. Witt had the following to say about his campaign:

“I am running for County Commissioner because I will be a strong representative of the 19th District and provide a much needed fresh perspective on the Board of Commissioners. I am proud to be the candidate in this race most dedicated to fiscal conservatism and most dedicated to protecting the tax dollars of Oakland County residents. Today, I am demonstrating that very dedication by pledging to 19th District residents that I will never vote for a general county budget that increases at a rate higher than inflation and I will never vote to increase Oakland County’s property tax millage rate. I also will work to make the Board of Commissioners more open and accessible to residents by pushing for the full Board meetings to take place in the evening and for these meetings to be televised. Furthermore, I will advocate for meeting minutes to be available in both hard copy and electronic form within three working days after a meeting. I will be a strong voice for the concerns of my constituents in Troy and Clawson. While I may not be the establishment’s choice for the Republican nomination, I will work hard to become the people’s choice. Instead of relying on the support of political insiders who reside outside the 19th District, I look forward to earning the support of Troy and Clawson voters. I will earn this support by always putting the 19th District first.”

John Witt, an eight-year resident of Troy, has previously worked for Congressman Joe Knollenberg and the Keith Butler for United States Senate Campaign. He looks forward to using his fresh perspective to bring stronger, more fiscally responsible and resident-focused representation to the 19th District.

About John Witt:

Education: B.A., summa cum laude, Saint Louis University, January 2008.
Graduate of Brother Rice High School, May 2004.

Political Intern in District Office of Congressman Joe Knollenberg.
Background: Campaign Assistant for Keith Butler for United States Senate.
Member, Troy-Clawson Republican Forum.
Member, Oakland County and Michigan Republican Party.

My email address

2008-01-25T19:09:00.000-05:00

I apologize for not including my email address in my previous post. For the time being, please reach me at WJOHN@AOL.COM. I will have a new email address once my campaign website is in operation and I will post that address on this blog.

Campaign starts Monday

2008-01-25T17:58:00.000-05:00

On Monday 1/28, I will be filing to run as a Republican candidate for the 19th district Oakland County Commissioner seat. I enter this race because I believe the residents of the 19th district need a strong fiscal conservative as their commissioner. As the 19th district County Commissioner, I will never vote for a general county budget that increases at a rate higher than inflation and I will never vote for a property tax increase.

Given the tremendous economic difficulties facing many 19th district families, the last thing Oakland County needs is a property tax increase. In fact, we should be striving for lower property taxes as the true engine of Oakland County’s growth is personal and business spending, not government spending. As County Commissioner, I will always remember that every dollar taken from individuals is a dollar that could have been used for personal spending that would likely help fuel economic growth. Thus, the Board of Commissioners must be very judicious with how they spend taxpayers' money and must realize that money in the pockets of Oakland County residents and businesses is much more productive than money in the coffers of Oakland County Government.

In this campaign, I will also call for making the Board of Commissioners more open and transparent. Changes I endorse to achieve this objective include televised nighttime meetings and a more prompt availability of meeting minutes, in both hard copy and electronic form. These changes will hold commissioners more accountable to their constituents and make it easier for residents to keep up to date on the Board's activities while better facilitating resident participation. I will have more information about my campaign posted on this blog soon. I also will be launching my official campaign website in the next couple of weeks. Please check back for updates. And, as will be the case throughout my campaign, I will sincerely always value public input from Oakland County residents, especially those who live in the 19th district. Please share any concerns or comments you may have by either commenting on my blog posts or directly emailing me.