Politics & Government

Candidate Q&A: Highland Supervisor Candidate Catherine Kristian

Catherine Kristian (R-Highland) is running for Highland Township Supervisor in the August election.

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 Supervisor candidate Catherine Kristian who is running for the open seat in the Aug. 7 primary.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

Kristian: I have lived in Highland for 17 years.

Find out what's happening in White Lake-Highlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

Kristian: I am currently chairperson and director of two non-profit groups in northern Oakland County that primarily focuses on education and family.

Find out what's happening in White Lake-Highlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: What drew you to run for Supervisor?

Kristian: I was drawn to seek the position of Highland Township Supervisor after discovering that our current supervisor was retiring. I understand the requirements of a supervisor and I know I qualify for this position. I applied wanting to make a difference right here in my community. I was seeking to join a conservative group that works with candidates, and current elected officials to help them uphold their values and commitments to the voter. They, also, inform the public about bills, committee activities, and other happenings at our state capital. I feel very strongly that citizens have an ability to be a part of what happens in their local government, and that their local government should work for them. What better way to be actively involved in our local government than through the position of Highland Township Supervisor.

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

Kristian: I believe I have ample professional experience that qualifies me for the position of supervisor. I have worked in two major Michigan corporations for over 12 years in the building and facilities department (at the GM Tech Center and at Comerica Bank). Both positions involved a great deal of project management which has given me thorough experience in planning, research, design, development, budgeting, personnel management, bidding, and professionalism. I have, also, partnered with my husband in managing our small business in energy efficiency (heat/cooling design and programming). I have excellent leadership skills and believe in the teamwork concept. On a personal level I practice good moral responsibility. I am honest, hard-working, and dedicated.

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

Kristian: One of the most important issues facing Highland is that there will be several new faces on the Highland Board of Trustees. This means that a positive working relationship needs to be established so that all elected officials will work together in the best interest of our township. It will be important to be a good listener, have a respect for everyone on the team, and strive to work toward the goals of our township (balanced budget, financial responsibility, municipal services, improvements, etc). In creating a smooth transition through this issue, we can tackle the other issues such as tax revenue, establishing a business friendly community, seeking help to upgrade our community, and more.

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

Kristian:  The vacant buildings in our community are a concern to everyone who lives in Highland. Those buildings represent businesses that establish additional tax revenue for our township, and give our residents local opportunities to buy goods and utilize services close to home. It is important to have a business friendly environment at the township hall and to support our local businesses. It will be important to work with the other groups, in the area, that help promote business and draw them to our community. One of the biggest disappointments to our township is the loss of Highland Middle School. Education is so important to the welfare of our community and so is the school building. It will be important to encourage a positive relationship with the Huron Valley Board of Education. Having a good form of communication, between the township and the board of education, will allow for future decisions to be based on what is best for the Highland community. The existing vacant building will hopefully be sold and utilized by an entity that will bring back some stimulation to our area.

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?

Kristian: A vision of Highland in 10 to 20 years would be to see empty buildings blooming with business, most of the pathway plan completed, a downtown area that has character and creates a sense of pride, a healthy budget that allows us to continue to improve the community, and the continuation of maintaining the integrity of Highland Township (a small town feel, with a family-friendly atmosphere that is safe, clean, and a desirable
place to live). In order to realize this vision, we need to keep a balanced budget and be fiscally responsible throughout each year. The master pathway plan has been approved. So, now we have an avenue for the community to begin to put this plan into action. The HDDA needs to implement its downtown improvement plan. The township hall and the board of trustees need to continuously work together for the good of our township and for its future.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from White Lake-Highland