Candidate Q&A: Highland Trustee Russ Tierney

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 Russ Tierney who is running to retain his seat in the Aug. 7 primary.

Patch: How long have you lived in Highland?

Tierney: I have lived in Highland for 25 years.

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

Tierney: I am currently a Highland Township Trustee (elected in 2004). I am also on the Highland Planning Commission and Sidewalk Committee.

Patch: What drew you to run for Trustee? 

Tierney: I felt the township board could benefit from someone with small business experience.

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

Tierney: I have been a Highland Township Trustee for 7½ years. I have been part of the board that has managed taxpayer monies in the most responsible way possible. We have had a balanced budget for all of these years as well as maintaining a healthy General Fund balance. My experience as a small business owner has enabled me to contribute to these budgetary decisions. A Highland Township resident for 25 years with 4 children in the Huron Valley Schools district gives me a valuable perspective for constituent’s desires. Listening to residents and business owners concerns and acting to help them is what I bring to the Highland Township board and will continue to do.

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

Tierney: Maintaining a balanced budget is always the top issue.

• The vacant Highland Middle School building and what is going to happen with this vacant property.
• Sidewalk improvements as well as pathway development we need to get these projects moving.
• The development of the Downtown Highland area. We need to work on improving the infrastructure in this area to make it more desirable for potential businesses.

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

Tierney: Board decision on how much the property is for sale and how much they will want for it. Once that has been determined I would like to see something that compliments the Highland Downtown Development area.

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?

Tierney: The vision most Highland Township residents have is one of a rural community which continues to exist. Many also would like to see Downtown Highland come to life. Pathways and sidewalks I believe will make the township easier and more pleasant to navigate. I embrace all these ideals.