Candidate Profile: Anthony J. Long, Birmingham Commissioner

BIRMINGHAM, MI — There are three open seats for Birmingham Commissioner in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Anthony J. Long is running for Birmingham Commissioner. Here's how he filled out his profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

54

Position Sought

Birmingham Commissioner

Party Affiliation

None

Family

Son - Evan Long - 18; Son Tyler Long - 14

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Albion College - BA - Economics and Management - 1989
Michigan State University Law School - Juris Doctorate - 1994

Occupation

Attorney and Firm General Counsel - 26 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.voteanthonylong.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have lived in Birmingham for 26 years and raised my family here. During that time, I have supported the schools and youth sports at all levels and worked with the City Commission to improve my neighborhood. I believe the foregoing record shows that I am committed to Birmingham. I have been an attorney with a national law firm based in Metro Detroit for 26 years. My client’s pay me to handle their legal issues, negotiate on their behalf, and solve their problems. I have recently been made General Counsel for the firm, which means that I am the attorney who the other 160+ attorneys in my firm go to when they need legal help or advice. In short, I am the advocate’s advocate. I would like to use my expertise and skills to advocate for the residents of Birmingham.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Infrastructure improvement implementation is a top priority. Birmingham needs to update its sewer and storm water systems. There are 26 miles of unimproved streets that need upgrading with cement and curbs. Birmingham needs to start this upgrading process to prevent these issues from continuing to worsen. Also, finding a permanent location for Birmingham’s NEXT Senior Citizen Center is equally as important. We need a separate, dedicated building in Birmingham for older adults, just like other neighboring municipalities

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have been an attorney with a national law firm based in Metro Detroit for 26 years. I thoroughly understand the intricacies of our neighborhoods and business community. As an attorney, my clients trust me to dissect complex issues, negotiate on their behalf, and find fair solutions. I plan to use my expertise and skills to advocate for the residents of this great city. I believe in listening more and talking less. Respecting all stakeholders, conducting due diligence, and collaborating to find practical solutions.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I believe that we can do more to address infrastructure issues that are leading to sewer backups and basement flooding. We can also improve services and activities for older adults so that they have the resources they need and want. We can work together to develop sensible and effective solutions for our parking, traffic, and pedestrian safety challenges which would put residents and public interests first. I believe we can have governance that is more transparent, responsive, accountable, and respectful.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think that the current Commissioners have performed really well in responding to the Coronavirus. I would like to see outdoor dining continue to be an option through 2022, and if elected, I would like to have a role in ensuring that occurs.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1. Address unimproved streets, sewers and basement flooding.
2. Solve the parking challenges downtown.
3. 2040 Plan revisions and implementation that takes into account and incorporates the views and needs of the residents of Birmingham.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In 2015, I spearheaded a petition drive with residents and worked with the Birmingham City Commission to implement the paving of Cummings Street located in the St. James area of Birmingham. The street was one of the last unimproved roadways in that square mile area and had pooling water and large potholes throughout. The result was a vast improvement to the area, property values and safety of the residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen More, Talk Less.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like to use my expertise and skills to advocate for the residents of Birmingham. I believe in listening more and talking less. Respecting all stakeholders, conducting due diligence, and collaborating to find practical solutions. I believe that our quality of life and community prosperity depend on strong neighborhoods, excellent schools, great services, robust community organizations, services for our older adults and a thriving downtown. We can work together for a better Birmingham that puts neighborhoods first while remaining a welcoming place for those who work and play here.

That’s why I’m asking for your support on November 2nd.

I’m ready to work for you, and I’d be honored if you’d give me your vote.