Bob Paul - Mayor of Huntington Woods

11/22/2023

Congratulations to the newly sworn in Commissioners and Mayor in Huntington Woods!

12/17/2018

Personally, I feel this program is needed not only in Huntington Woods but in every community across Michigan and America. Most of the City Commision has been supportive since day one and we will continue to encourage diverse programming for our residents.

A self-described conservative city commissioner in Huntington Woods wants to end a children's story hour hosted by drag queens

11/04/2015

Thank you to the citizens of Huntington Woods for your support at the voting booths yesterday. I feel very honored to be elected your next Mayor and will do my best to represent all of the community. If I was fortunate enough to find you at home as I walked the city it was a pleasure hearing your comments and being able to answer your questions. To my fiends and family; a special thanks for all you did to help me with this campaign from liturature drops, yard signs, friend to friend cards and phone calls to working the polls - I couldn't have done it without you.

Thanks! Bob

11/03/2015

Countdown to Election Day - “Top Ten List” - #1
Why should you vote today?
"Huntington Woods is a great city, and we're great because so many people can and do participate. That greatness is at risk when significant numbers don't participate as they could."

The standard answers:
The only way democracy works is if citizens, young and old, are active participants.

One vote really does make a difference.

If you don't vote you really have no right to complain about government decisions you don't like (no matter how much they actually suck).

It’s your public duty.

In the end: you should vote because you can.

Quite simply, voting is a tremendous gift. Exercise you right as a citizen in the greatest country in the world and let your voice be heard.

Today is the day, get out the vote and please consider:
Bob Paul for your next MAYOR

11/02/2015

Countdown to Election Day - “Top Ten List” - #2
Why do I want to be Mayor?
“It will be my great honor to serve the people of Huntington Woods as your next Mayor and I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 3 to represent you.” – Bob Paul

I have told this story a few times; we moved into Huntington Woods 29 years ago because we loved the look of the tree lined neighborhood and older homes. We had no idea we had just moved into the most wonderful community in Michigan, and quite possibly, the United States. When attending the New Residents reception our first year in the Woods, we learned of many ways to become involved in our new city. I joined the Men’s Club, Char joined the Women’s League and we both participated in numerous Recreation programs. As we meet more and more people and formed new friendships, we quickly realized there was a lot more to Huntington Woods than trees and homes. Fast forward 29 years later, we have formed friendships that extend past our roots here in Huntington Woods - to the grandparents, parents, siblings, children and friends of our Huntington Woods friends. The people we have met here became lifelong friends that have shaped and influenced our lives for the rest of our days. To give a little bit back by way of community service, as an elected official, has been my pleasure. Anything that I can do to help promote our great city is the least we can do to repay the many blessings we have received by being residents of Huntington Woods.

Running for Mayor after serving on the City Commission for 19 years seems like the logical next step. I am ready to serve as your Mayor. I have had the opportunity to watch Mayor Ron Gillham lead this city and work with him for 19 years on the City Commission. I understand intimately how our city government works since I have served on nearly every City Board and Commission and I have first-hand experience and knowledge of the workings of each City department. I have been preparing to be mayor for 19 years, not the last 12 months. I am ready to lead Huntington Woods! Working together with the City Commission, Administration and City Residents we can strive to grow, improve and make our city better everyday

I am proud to always have run a positive campaign and this year is no different. I have talked about my record, my involvement and my vision for the future. A few times during this campaign it has been necessary to correct some misinformation presented as “facts”. I apologize if it was interpreted as negative, it was not meant to be. Some residents have told me stories of comments made about my beliefs and plans by my opponent or his supporters that just weren’t true. I trust the residents have seen me perform my duties with the highest degree of integrity and respect and will make their decision based on my past performance and not self serving campaign rhetoric.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 3.

Thank you, Bob

11/01/2015

Countdown to Election Day
“Top Ten List”
Focusing on the list of things you should know about Bob Paul.
#3
Why vote for Jeff Jenks, Louise Wibbelman and Joe Rozell?

I have served with Jeff Jenks for the last 16 years on the City Commission and his contributions to our city and his decision process at the Commission level have proved invaluable. His network of resources that he has developed through involvement with SEMCOG (South East Michigan Council of Governments), MML (Michigan Municipal League) and NLC (National League of Cities) have brought many great programs and ideas to Huntington Woods.

Louise Wibbelman is currently serving as Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals and has previously served the city with research efforts during the Save Rackham campaign.

Joe Rozell is also currently on the Zoning Board of Appeals and previously served on the Planning Commission. As an Oakland County Department Director he has daily contact with many county officials that will offer opportunities to more communication and strengthen our working relationships.

All of us approach decision making in a similar manner: fact finding, listening to administration, residents and other commissioners in order to make choices that are good for the community of Huntington Woods as a whole.
We are not one issue candidates looking to impose our opinion on the entire community.

10/31/2015

Countdown to Election Day
“Top Ten List”
Focusing on the list of things you should know about Bob Paul.
#4
Leadership, what is it and do I have it?

Our Mayor is our leader; he/she represents the community to many organizations within and outside the city. He/she leads the Commission, builds consensus and certainly exhibits integrity and truth in the process. I know that I have demonstrated those qualities during my 19 years on the City Commission and during this campaign.

During this campaign I have talked about myself, my experience and my service to the community. I have given my opinion on problems facing the City of Huntington Woods and proudly spoken about the many successes and highlights of the community. They are not all my accomplishments but rather a combination of elected officials, administrative staff and involved residents. Huntington Woods is a true success story and I am a firm believer that staying on the course, with the occasional course correction, is in the best interest of the entire community. The awards Huntington Woods has received are not just happenstance; they are results of excellent leadership supported by the fine citizens of our city.

It has been said that the challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but nut not a bully; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. I wrote in a Commissioner’s Corner earlier this year that my style of representation was appropriately described by the Key Note Speaker, Stephen Henderson (Pulitzer Prize winner and Editorial Page Editor of the Detroit Free Press) at the Tri Community Coalition leadership breakfast last November, he described leadership as: “Quiet and unassuming, or in other words, not attention seeking.”

As your Mayor, I will continue to challenge myself to be the best leader I can be, always willing to learn from our mistakes, make the necessary corrections and move forward for the benefit of the community.

We cannot ask for a better example of leadership than our retiring mayor. I would like to thank Ron Gillham for his 37+ years, the last 34+ as our Mayor, of incredible public service. He is an excellent role model for anyone looking to serve their community in an elected role.

10/30/2015

Countdown to Election Day
“Top Ten List”
Focusing on the list of things you should know about Bob Paul.
#5
What do Andy Meisner, Gilda Jacobs, Ellen Cogen Lipton, Robert Wittenberg, Helaine Zack and Ron Gillham have in common?
They are all endorsing Bob Paul! Will you join them and the rest of the respected residents listed to vote for Bob on November 3?

Ron Gillham, Mayor • Andy Meisner, County Treasurer •
Gilda Jacobs, Former State Senator • Ellen Cogen Lipton, Former State Representative • Robert Wittenberg, State Representative • Helaine Zack, County Commissioner • Jeff Jenks, City Commissioner • Jules Olsman, City Commissioner • MaryJo Israel, School Board President

Helaine Zack said: “Bob is a wonderful public servant. He couldn’t be more dedicated to serving our community. We need Bob’s humble, thoughtful and steadfast leadership.”

Rick & Cathy Abbot * Marilyn & Paul Lessem
Alex & Rose Adah * Ellsworth & Janet Levine
Steve & Andrea Aiello * Lisa Levy
Jeff & Judy Aisen * Mark & Susan Lichterman
Carl & Denise Akey * Fred & Pia Lindholm
Gregg & Laura Archambault * Lanny Lipson
Erin Archambault * Marc & Ellen Cogen Lipton
Allie Archambault * Bruce & Leslie Lister
Bev Auger * Jef & Patty Mallett
Mike Banas * Art & Alice Marotti
Chuck & Linda Batcheller * John McManus
Steve Behrmann * Mitch & Marcia Meisner
Brian & Judy Bell * Andy Meisner
Rob & Sherry Berman * Mike & Julie Montgomery
Millicent Berry * Mary Murphy
Milton & Vivian Berry * Melanie Myers
Jim & Carla Bibert * John & Roni Nantais
Rosemary Blasé * Sharon Nowak
Barry & Ellen Blauer * Charlene Nutton
Robert & Cathy Boyd * Jules & Barbara Olsman
Jeff & Diane Broski * Rob Onesko
Sue Brown * Scott & Shondell Patterson
Linda Bruder * Caroline Patterson
Bill & Julie Buccalo * Charlotte Paul
Donna Buckley * Arnie Portner
Jeremy & Alex Burstein * Mark Puchalski
Dennis & Julia Carlesso * Tim & Joy Reade
Doug & Beth Carne * Ann Reifferscheid
Chuck & Amy Chandler * Rita Richey
Ed & Amy Church * Cheryl Riskin
Joe & Sue Ciaravino * Dominique Rondot
Aaron & Katina Cloutier * Bernie & Carolyn Rondot
Ron & Renee Coden * Zach Rondot
Howard & Nancy Collens * Ben Rondot
Phil & Mary Colletti * Helen Ross
Harvey Colombo * Joe Rozell
Alex Cooper * Linda Rubel
Mike Corbin * Judy Rubin
Glenn & Carol Cross * Dagney Rude
Andy & Megan Curoe * Gerald Salczynski
Doug & Tina Deeds * Glenn & Karen Saltsman
Rick Dimanin * John & Irma Sampson
Jonathan Disbrow * Guy & Gina Saperstein
Tom Dolnicek * Dan & Karla Scanlan
Alan & Mary Dona * Ellen Schackel
Jay & Karen Dubrinsky * Mike Schmidt
Jim & Lori Dwan * Jay Schwartz
J.J. Dwan * Scott & Joann Serr
Jenna Dwan * Sean & Laura Shannon
Ron Elkus * Mark & Susan Sherbow
Dave & Michelle Enerson * Martha Shrode
Mel & Elaine Erdos * Charles & Sarah Hartman Silow
Teviah Estrin * Joe & Paula Silver
Ben & A.J. Falik * Marjorie Simon
Joseph Falik * Joe Sloan
Jon Falk * Howard & Joanie Slusky
Corey Faulkner * Wally Smith
John Faulkner * Gerry & Ann Sniderman
Mark Fink * Scott & Cheryl Somers
Irv & Barbara Fishman * Jim & Tammy Speir
Todd & Bonnie Flood * Todd & Andrea Sperl
Theresa Fraley * Rob Spurgeon
Sante & Liz Fratarcangeli * Jon Sriro
Howard & Cathy Fridson * Adrienne Stamell
Ben & Annie Friedman * Mike & Janice Steingold
Lisa Giesecke * Tricia Stewart
Ron & Shirley Gillham * Peg Stewart
Greg Gillham * Carl & Lynne Sullivan
Andrew & Barbara Glassberg * Mike & Molly Tripp
Dr. Michelle Glazer * Stephen & Laura Trudeau
Peter Gluklick * Dale & Louise Tucker
Judy Goldsmith * Don & Jan Turner
Joel & Stine Grand * Greg & Alice Umstead
Bruce & Mary Ann Grauf * Marc Vanderburg
Marjorie Grossman * Al Vezza
Kris Guccione * Tom Vogtmann
Carlos & Bridget Guerra * Gary & Linda Voight
Jon & Barbara Haber * Geisbert Volkers
Paul Harris * Gary & Sue Wachler
Dorris Hassig * David Wachler
Deborah Hecht * Drew & Lori Wachler
Irving & Claudia Hershman * Barry & Ann Waldman
Barbara Hoegh * David & Barbara Wallace
Betty Hoernschemeyer * Judy Walsh
Brian & Anne Howard * Kim Watts
Harry & Lynne Howes * Freya Weberman
Dan Inloes * Matt & Karen Weiner
Marc & MaryJo Israel * Tim Welsh
John & Gilda Jacobs * Richard White
Jeff & LynLyn Jenks * Barbara Berger White
Nigel & Nancy Jervis * Chris Wibbelman
David & Jeanne Jeup * Louise Wibbelman
Rick Kagen * John & Pat Wierzbicki
Bob & Yona Kahn * Allan & Barbara Willett
Melissa Kaplanestrin * Molly Wittenberg
Rick & Lisa Keinbring * Robert Wittenberg
Beth Kreihbel * Brian & Susan Witus
Marc & Elizabeth Kruman * Connie Wolberg
Scott & Paula Kube * Garth & Juliana Wooten
Jeff & Joanne Leider * Tim & Nicky Yanke
Pamela Leonard * Andy & Helaine Zack
Rich & Lori Leonard * Craig Zucker

10/29/2015

Countdown to Election Day
“Top Ten List”
Focusing on the list of things you should know about Bob Paul.
#6
I hear you and here is what I will do for you!

Here are the top questions asked of me as I have walked door-to-door and my thoughts and plans to address them.

1. The flood and the city sewer system. The August 11, 2014 flood was truly a 300 year storm that was devastating to Huntington Woods and many of our neighboring communities. We are still waiting for the final report from the County that hopefully will have some regional recommendations to address the system. The smaller pop-up floods that a few of our residents have experienced since August 11 are very concerning. Earlier this year the Commission authorized a complete cleaning and televising of the sewer system at a cost in excess of $900,000. This process will be completed by mid to late 2016 and with the final report in hand will enable complete cost and repair prioritization schedules to be prepared. I hope that with these repairs and a regional plan to address the entire system, Huntington Woods residents can rest assured their basements are not flooding every time we get a heavy rain.

2. Historic District expansion. The Historic District Commission asked for permission to study enlarging the Historic District by 800 homes earlier this year. The City Commission did not authorize this study but instead asked for administration to reduce the size of the study and to look at the proposed area and report back with the potential percentage of contributing assets. The City Commission then asked for Administration to prepare a presentation about Historic Districts, including surveying our current historic district, and specifically invite the current district as well as the entire community to a town hall style presentation. My gut feeling is that there isn’t a high enough percentage of contributing assets in any potential expanded area nor the interest by the community, but I don’t like to make any final decisions before having all the information.

3. Our Planning Commission has a reputation of being tough and unfriendly. The Planning Commission has a tough job to perform. They are fellow residents trying to do the best they can for the community. From time to time we have an occasional member who offers too much of his/her personal opinion rather than relying on the ordinances in place. We continue to work on that through the interview process as appointments are made. The Planning Ordinances have been developed over a long period of time with the help of many residents and planning professionals in an attempt to keep the character of our city similar to what it is today. It is a challenge to balance the individual property rights with what is best for your neighbor and the entire community but we feel that our ordinances allow for people to add the needed bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and large kitchen & living areas to make their homes livable and desirable while still respecting their neighbors with setbacks from the property line and maximum lot coverage percentages.

4. The Tree Ordinance. The tree ordinance came from a city survey conducted 6 or 7 years ago where an overwhelming number of residents asked for a tree protection ordinance. A committee was formed from members of the Tree Advisory Board, the Planning Commission and interested residents. After many drafts, two public hearings held by the Planning Commission and the BART Board it came to the City Commission with unanimous recommendation for acceptance. The City Commission had a healthy debate on the ordinance and passed it with an understanding that it would need tweaked as time went forward. Following the adoption of the ordinance many residents expressed concern and a moratorium was issued. Following a staff presentation of the ordinance at the next commission meeting residents still expressed many concerns. The commission rescinded the new ordinance and asked for volunteers from the public to work with administration on what parts of the ordinance should be considered. No action has been taken since. My statement at the League of Women Voter’s forum was this ordinance was a mistake and is a dead issue.

10/28/2015

Countdown to Election Day
“Top Ten List”
Focusing on the list of things you should know about Bob Paul.
#7
What goals do I have for Huntington Woods in the next 10 years?

Short term:
1. Continued improvement in communication with our residents. We have come a long way in a short time but there is still room for improvement. The new city website, the weekly e-mail blast, NIXLE system for Public Safety notifications and the recently rolled out phone alert system are all great improvements in the last year.
2. Sewer line cleaning and televising will be completed in 2016 with a complete report on the condition of the system. The information in this report will be used to prioritize system repairs/replacement so that residents do NOT have concerns about basements flooding every time we have a rain storm.

Long term:
1. Our Planners are currently in the process of studying what possibilities we have for senior housing. Whether this is re-zoning an area for cluster homes/condominiums, redevelopment of the City Hall/Public Safety/DPW properties or an idea that we have not even thought of, it is an important issue for those residents that would like to stay in Huntington Woods but can longer navigate the steps, bathrooms or bedrooms in their current home.
2. Investigate the sharing of DPW equipment and buildings with neighboring communities to bring win-win solutions to both communities.

10/28/2015

Countdown to Election Day
“Top Ten List”
Focusing on the list of things you should know about Bob Paul.
#8
What do I believe are the top three issues facing HW in the near future?

1. The budget is always going to be number one. We must diligently work to balance the budgetary needs of our aging infrastructure including roads, water mains, sewers and buildings while at the same time maintaining excellent city services and public safety as well as recreation and library programs.

2. Retiree pensions are only 55% funded. The approach we adopted to resolve this problem in the long term (closing as many defined benefit programs to existing employees and to all new employees) has resulted in the number of active employees contributing to the system to be half that of retired employees. We understood this would cause an underfunded pension liability in the short term, but long term will be to the benefit of our grandchildren (future citizens of Huntington Woods). An upcoming change in Accounting Standards to be phased in over the next few years will require this liability to be reported on our city financial statements. We need to address this issue in order to maintain our AA+ bond rating.

3. As a way to create budgetary savings we must continue to explore creative ways to work with neighboring communities to supply equal or better services thru a combined effort. Whether this is through sharing equipment, facilities (such as the Library contract with Pleasant Ridge) or support staff (such as we do with Berkley for our Public Safety dispatch).

My accounting degree, business ownership and 19 years of city commission experience give me the background necessary to take on these issues. I have always been able to approach each issue with an open mind and help to build consensus with administration and other elected officials to develop a reasonable solution to issues.