As a former CPA with 23 years of experience in public service, I have a servant heart with an understanding of the importance of fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. I enjoy spending time with my wife of 33 years, daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren. I was born and grew up in Kalamazoo and graduated from Portage Northern and Western Michigan University. Throughout my life I have
always enjoyed a healthy and active lifestyle (basketball, swimming, golf, running and walking). Starting from a young age, I have had a passion for not only serving my community but also staying informed with the past and current events. I am a former CPA, CAE, owned my own business, and worked in two associations. Along with my work record, I have a total of 23 years of experience in public service which includes serving on the Portage City Council (7 years), as a State Representative (4 years), as a State Senator (8 years) and as a County Commissioner (4 years). I have a servant heart with an understanding of the importance of fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. I am running to:
• Bring service and accountability to the Commission rather than politics and political pandering.
• Restore fiscal responsibility to the County and eliminate the following:
o Paying volunteers $25 stipend per meeting -
$45,000 budgeted
o Paying part-time employees health insurance
(including County Commissioners) - $106,000
budgeted
o Excessive Commissioner’s out of state travel
- $30,000 budgeted
o County ID program - $50,000 budgeted
• Demand and hold accountable the Sheriff's department (discovered fraud) cost of $30,000
• Support efforts of managing and/or preventing floods throughout the County
Emphasize "best practices" in governance like the board is responsible for policy with staff managing daily operations and together they establish the budget. We must develop an environment of listening and respecting each other when addressing every issue. We cannot have what an independent consultant hired by this Commission stated in their report, "Decisions appear to be made as well as avoided, for political reasons as opposed to overall County welfare or effective Board leadership practice." I sincerely thank you for your consideration to support my efforts for Kalamazoo County Commission this November 3. In Service,
Dale Shugars
