Candidate Q&A: Highland Treasurer Candidate Judy Cooper

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 Treasurer candidate Judy Cooper who is running for the open seat in the Aug. 7 primary.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

Cooper: I have lived in Highland for 42 years.

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

Cooper: Highland Beautification Commission – Co-Chair; Highland Hills Homeowners – Treasurer; Milford
Presbyterian Church – Health Ministries Board & Choir.

Patch: What drew you to run for Treasurer?

Cooper: Highland’s Treasurer, Judy Kiley is retiring. We’ve worked well together for 10 years. Running for Highland Township Treasurer seemed to be a natural progression. I would like to continue serving the citizens of Highland Township as their Treasurer and am committed to preserving and improving Highland’s quality of life.

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

Cooper: I’ve been Highland’s Deputy Treasurer for 10 years and previously was White Lake’s Deputy Treasurer for 8 years. I have Public Treasurer Certifications at both national (through the Association of Public Treasurers US & Canada) and state (Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association) levels. My background also includes bank management and investment experience, as well as involvement in various volunteer board situations.

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

Cooper: The first issue is bringing continuity and stability to the Highland Township staff and board. Highland is losing at least 30% of their staff to retirement; the township board will also lose at least 3 of the 7 board members. I work well with the citizens, employees, township board, bank contacts and auditors. My knowledge and customer service/communication skills serve Highland well. We need to be sure the Township has effective employees that will work together to address everyday issues in a positive manner.

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

Cooper: Highland Middle School has lots of opportunities to become a community anchor in Highland. Highland’s Adult Activity Center, as well as Milford High school, already utilizes the gym for a walking group and other recreational activities. DDA, in conjunction with Oakland County has some new tools available to encourage and educate prospective business owners through business start-up and beyond. As a result of the bad economy, empty buildings create real bargains in the commercial real estate market. Hopefully, as the economy turns around people will start thinking in a “possibility mode” and looking toward a brighter future. Working together with Highland Township, the DDA, Huron Valley Schools, developers and property owners could bring projects together to revitalize our area and make our township a source of pride.

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?

Cooper: In 10 years Highland should be in a continuing economic turnaround. We will have an increased revenue stream resulting in adequate funding for our public safety needs and maintenance of existing properties, at the same time retaining our balanced budget and fund balance. If so, the township board will begin to have expendable income to direct towards parks, pathways and other improvement projects that will bring our community together and improve our quality of life in Highland, and at the same time retain the semi-rural atmosphere we enjoy. I would love to be a part of that kind of turnaround and growth.