Candidate Q&A: White Lake Supervisor Candidate Matt Sprader

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 White Lake Supervisor candidate Matt Sprader. Sprader, a republican, will be facing off against fellow republican, and incumbent, Greg Baroni in the Aug. 7 primary election.

Patch: How long have you lived in White Lake?

Sprader: I have been a resident of White Lake for a total of 26 years.

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

Sprader: I am a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. I am a member at the VFW along with hosting numerous fundraisers for different charities as well as members of the community. I will be hosting a fundraiser for "Breast Cancer Awareness" on Thursday, August 2nd. Everyone is invited to attend.

Patch: What drew you to run for Supervisor?

Sprader: My decision to run for Supervisor was motivated by my personal experience as a business owner and a resident of the township. It is my belief that I have valuable "real-life" business experience and leadership skills that would benefit our residents.

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

Sprader: My personal and professional experiences are one-in-the-same. I have been self-employed since the age of 22. I have experienced success and faced extreme adversity in my businesses. Through this I have learned to make tough, yet fair, decisions for myself and my employees. I feel I have demonstrated common-sense and compassion in my years in business.

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

Sprader:  Of course operating under a balanced budget is important, but I feel the Township needs to actively address the impending deficits approaching in the sewer department and retiree healthcare. We must look for solutions to these issues while continuing to provide quality services to all our residents.

Patch: In recent years there has been discussion about contracting either police service or dispatch services with the county. Do you think the police department should be turned over to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department? Why or why not?

Sprader: We are privileged to maintain our police and fire departments along with their dispatch services within the Township. Difficult economic times have caused many of our neighboring communities to contract their services. It is my opinion that we should keep our services "in house" as long as we are financially able to do so. The citizens of White Lake have been generous in their support of public safety millages in the past. If our budgets can remain in check, I feel it is important to maintain service "in house".

Patch: What is your vision for White Lake 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?

Sprader: I would like to see White Lake continue to be the boating and recreational mecca we all enjoy. We are truly privileged to enjoy a community with so many recreational opportunities so close to home. I would like to see our local government actively seek out new business as well as become a resource for our existing small businesses to grow. I believe this will help build and stabilize our tax base as well as promote a feeling of community. It is my desire to return White Lake Township to a government "of the people, by the people and for the people".