Politics & Government

Candidate Q&A: Highland Trustee Candidate Charles Dittmar

Charles Dittmar (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 Charles Dittmar who is running for the open seat in the Aug. 7 primary.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

Dittmar: I've lived in Highland for 25 1/2 years

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

Dittmar:

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  • 8 years as Trustee-Huron Valley School Board
  • Advisor-Post #28 Fire Explorers (Highland Twp)


Patch: What drew you to run for Trustee? 

Dittmar: The desire to focus my community service in bettering the Township I am running because I believe I have the experience and knowledge base to serve the community well.  

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

Dittmar: Serving 8 years as an elected trustee of the Huron Valley School District, evaluating operational and budgetary issues to successfully help manage the District to keep it financially sound and provide the best opportunity for student success. As my HVS Board tenure shows, I approach decisions on a factual basis evaluating the information and options provided, and do my own research to gain a better understanding of the issues at hand. In my professional life, I develop creative solutions to environmental issues for clients to keep them in compliance, and keep up to date with federal, state and local laws. I also work with clients and municipalities in property redevelopment. I am a good listener and independent thinker. I believe these attributes and experiences suit me well to serve as a Township Trustee. 

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

Dittmar: The most important issue facing Highland is improving the climate for business and regain the overall feeling of community. This may sound like two things, but they are really so interconnected they cannot be separated. As a Trustee I would work with the Supervisor and the rest of the Township Board to ensure that Township government helps businesses navigate the process of “setting up shop” to support getting themselves up and running. Township board members should also be actively engaged in promoting Highland to show business they are supported and help attract new businesses. Township government should be the biggest cheerleader for the community. I will help build our sense of community by working to create unique social gathering events, and work to partner with our neighboring communities to help each other grow. 

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

Dittmar: I would use my experience in property redevelopment to work with the Supervisor, Township Board, and School Board/District administration to develop a creative offer that includes little to no cash outlay, and keeps this building and property for community use. HMS has been, and must continue to be a key community asset. The remaining vacant buildings in Highland need to be part of a revitalization plan that can be started in the DDA district and expanded out. The Township should take an active role in helping to market these locations, and as stated in the answer to the previous question, improve the business climate in the community.

Patch: What is your vision for Highland, 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? 

Dittmar: My vision is that we have: developed a strong small business core in Highland Station; created more gathering places; maintained our rural character; and, have created excitement about being a citizen of Highland Township, with well attended community events and a high level of community engagement. Township government needs to set the positive tone and make the plans for revitalization of the community now. What isn't planned, is not done, and we need to begin coming together as a community to enhance the place we live, work, and play. 


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