Three people are on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot vying to fill the Monroe County Board of Commissioners’ vacant District 2 seat.
While Mark Brant tries to get the seat back, Republicans Dale Biniecki, Dwayne Dobbs, and Democrat Danielle Hoover are throwing their hats into the race. The Monroe News spoke with each of them about what they would bring to the board of commissioners if they were elected.
The Monroe News sent questions to each candidate. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
These are Hoover’s answers:
What previous experience has best prepared you for this role?
I am writing as myself only. I am not representing Washtenaw County, the MI Board of Social Work, or any other person, group, or organization that I am affiliated with. All views here are my own. City of Milan, Monroe Co. resident, 13+ years. Washtenaw Co. CMH (county gov’t), 12+ years. MI Board of Social Work member, 5 years, vice chair, since 2023. NASW MI member. Monroe Co. NAACP member. MI Democratic Party member. AFSCME 3052 member/steward, delegate to Huron Valley Area Labor Federation, also recording secretary there. Both kids go to Milan Area Schools K-present. Gold Star Family Member. Also, this is my fourth time running for this.
What motivated you to run for county commissioner?
As the late, great, rest in power Congressman John Lewis said, “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” I’m here to do what Congressman Lewis said. I was assigned this mountain to show someone it can be moved, and I need to be in this elected capacity to do that.
What do you see as the county’s top three priorities over the next four years?
Mental health, unions, veterans. I have been a licensed social worker since 2011, so mental health is something I’m very passionate about. I have been a dues paying AFSCME member since 2013; first in local 2733 as a supports coordinator, then moved to local 3052 when I became a supervisor in 2022. Veterans always have a special place in my heart because one of my brothers was one. My brother Spc. Levi Hoover was killed in action in Iraq April 7, 2007. After that, it kind of became, be all the things you love most about the person who is gone. That’s why veterans are special to me, and I would be so honored to do work in this area in an elected capacity.
What’s your stance on zoning reform and affordable housing development?
Per endhomelessness.org/, “the number of hours the average minimum-wage worker in the U.S must work (2.4 full time jobs) to afford a one-bedroom rental home at the fair market rent,” is 95. That’s not right. Housing costs are not congruent with what minimum-wage workers currently earn. Affordable housing should be accessible and available to those who need it.
How will you keep residents informed about decisions that affect them?
As a social worker, a large part of my job is to engage with people. I’d be able to carry those skills forward to talk with anybody, anytime, anywhere, at a mutually convenient time. For example, if elected, I’d like to go on ride alongs with public utilities such as trash removal services. Not just in District 2, I’d like to try that across the county.
What steps will you take to avoid conflicts of interest in office?
As a licensed social worker, I am required to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and other applicable laws and policies. I also serve as the vice chair of the MI Board of Social Work. Having a code of ethics that I am required to follow is something that separates me from other candidates, currently and most recently.
Why should residents vote for you?
I am appropriately qualified, I have relevant, applicable experience working in government and a state board, and am committed to appropriately filling that seat. District 2 could use some clean up, and I’m ready. You know what they say about Hoovers, they really clean up.
— Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County Commissioner election Q&A: Hoover
Reporting by Connor Veenstra, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
