Candidate Q&A: Highland Clerk Mary McDonell

To kick off election coverage, White Lake-Highland Patch has sent out a survey to candidates running for office in White Lake and Highland. The following is the Q&A response from Highland Clerk Mary McDonell who is running to retain her seat as clerk in the August election.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

McDonell: I’ve lived in Highland for 27 years.

Patch: What community and civic organizations are you currently involved in?

McDonell:

• Chair, Highland Township Park Committee
• Member, Huron Valley Optimist Club
• Member, Highland Conservancy
• Treasurer, Oakland County Chapter of Michigan Townships Association
• Member, Oakland County Clerks’ Association, previous President, Treasurer, Vice Pres.
• Member, Oakland County Clerks’ committee to Write Election Training Manual
• Member, International Association of Municipal Clerks
• Prior Chair, Highland Senior Center Advisory Committee
• Volunteer for Milford Memories, Highland Egg Hunt, Lego first competition, Highland Beautification Commission, and several other organizations.
• Served on Boards of Christmas In April, Parent Councils for Highland Elementary, Highland Middle and Milford High Schools, Rangers 4-H Club, Milford H.S. Band Parents.

Patch: What drew you to run for Clerk?

McDonell: I was drawn to this position through my involvement in the community. I began as the recording secretary for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals where my interest in community planning began. I then served as the bookkeeper in the Township’s office and learned how the local government worked. I ran as Clerk in 2000 to serve in a larger capacity than my bookkeeping position and bring the residents' wishes (gleaned from the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings) to the Board. 

Patch: What personal and professional experiences make you qualified to hold that position?

McDonell: My professional experiences include the twelve years I’ve served as Highland’s Clerk. During that time I have been a member of the Board who has maintained a balanced conservative budget; I’ve run flawless elections, and brought technology to the clerk’s office and election process. I have sought better ways to run the township by completing the Township Governance Academy through MTA as well as other professional development courses. I’ve earned my Master Certified Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and served on the boards of several professional organizations.

Patch: What is the most important issue facing the township and what do you intend to do about it during your term in office?

McDonell: The most important issue facing the township is the economy and its effect on our property values and businesses. I will continue to be fiscally responsible by maintaining a balanced conservative budget while protecting the health, safety and welfare of residents. I will also continue to seek out grants for township enhancements. 

Patch: How do you plan to address the vacant buildings in Highland including the former Highland Middle School building?

McDonell: The Township is in constant communication with Oakland County’s economic development department to market vacant buildings in the Township. We strive to provide ordinances that are easy to understand and comply with so that entrepreneurs are attracted to Highland. The Board will soon discuss the former middle school with the Huron Valley School Board to determine what options are available.

Patch: What is your vision for Highland Township, where do you see the township in 10 or even 20 years, and what does the township need to do now to realize that vision?

McDonell: I see Highland as a green oasis where people come home to relax. Years from now my vision for the Township would include 100% housing occupancy and 100% business occupancy connected by attractive pathways. The parks would have new playground equipment and would be full of families enjoying themselves. We can work towards this vision by partnering with other government agencies that offer assistance – both for homeowners and businesses, encouraging the DDA’s efforts to attract new businesses and providing a safe, healthy environment for our citizens.