Candidate Q&A: White Lake Trustee Candidate Patti Page

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 Trustee candidate Patti Page. Page, a republican, will be facing off against several other candidates in the August primary election.

Patch: How long have you lived in White Lake?

Page: I have lived in White Lake for 35 years

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

Page:

• Member of Fraternal Order of Eagles
• Bisons member of VFW
• Past Member of Kiwanis of West Bloomfield/Orchard Lake/Keego Harbor

Patch: What drew you to run for Trustee?

Page: I would like the opinions and concerns of the residents to heard and acknowledged.

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

Page: I am a property owner and resident in White Lake for 35 years. I worked for West Bloomfield Police Department for 40 years. I have no personal agendas, just would like to be a voice for the residents.

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

 Page: The township budget. Officials must keep in mind that there are “necessities” and items that could be considered “luxuries.” Residents have had to cut back and the Township should do the same. I would like to explore scheduling ideas and the purchasing process. If we are able to trim back in several small areas, they would add up to assist in the final budget. The Township is operating on a skeleton crew now. We cannot afford to cut anymore employees.

Patch: In recent years there has been discussion about contracting either police services 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?

Page: We need to keep our own Police and Fire Services. We need to renew the current millages. However, our residents and senior citizens can’t afford anymore additional millages, at this time. We do not want to tax anymore of our residents out their homes. In my experience, I believe that we need our own personal Police Services, including Dispatch. These people know the Township and can respond to our needs much more efficiently. 

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?

Page: I disagree with the direction of the current Township Board with regards to the township expansion, policies, ordinances and Master Plan. Small business fuels the economy. Policies and ordinances and new areas of commercial development need to be explored to allow for small businesses in areas other than the expensive M-59 Corridor. Government needs to LEAD, not follow the big business shadows. I will bring honesty and common sense to the table and instill integrity back into the community.