Politics & Government

Candidate Q&A: Highland Trustee Candidate Brian Howe

Brian Howe (R-Highland) is running for Highland Township Trustee in the Aug. 7 primary 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 trustee candidate Brian Howe who is running for the open seat in the Aug. 7 primary.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

Howe: I have lived in Highland for 12 years and the Huron Valley area for 36 years.

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Patch: What drew you to run for Trustee?

Howe: I decided to run for the Trustee position because I realize how important our local government is and the role that it plays in our lives.  As a Trustee I can help our citizens by being their link to the government. 

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

Howe: I have always been someone that likes to interact with people and I feel that my communication skills will be a great asset to the citizens of Highland Township. The role of the Trustee is to be an ombudsman and work with the people to help solve their problems and find answers to their questions. I will be that person that will assist the people in finding those answers. As a high school government teacher for over 24 years, I know how the government works and I will bring that knowledge to the position. 

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

Howe:

  1. Being a business friendly township.
  2. Being a community friendly township.
  3. Being a constituent friendly township.

I think that all of these issues go together as a pressing concern. It is time that the local government works to be the best advocate for these three areas. I will do what is needed to be that leader and advocate for my constituents.

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

Howe: We need to work to fill the vacant buildings with new suitable businesses. It is our job to attract new businesses and work with them to get established so they can provide goods to our community and allow our citizens another opportunity to buy local. In regard to Highland Middle School, I am not sure what needs to be done the building. When elected, I will work with the Highland Township Board to come up with a solution that is in the best interest of our township.

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?

Howe: It is important for the Highland Township Government to have a vision for our future and not just be thinking about what is happening at the current time. My goal in 10 years is that Highland Township is a business and community friendly place that we all can be proud of and be excited to be a part of. To achieve that goal we need to work to make sure that we get there by making decisions now that will have a positive effect for those that will call Highland Township their home in the future.


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