Candidate Profile: Melanie Macey, Royal Oak Commissioner

ROYAL OAK, MI — There are three seats open for Royal Oak 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.

Melanie Macey is running for Royal Oak Commissioner. Here's how she filled out her profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

41

Position Sought

Royal Oak Commissioner

Family

Husband and three children, ages 14,12, and 8

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Education: JD and MS in Computer Science and Engineering from University of Michigan

Occupation

Attorney since 2010

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Royal Oak City Commissioner 2017-2021

Campaign website

www.maceyforroyaloak.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking reelection to continue to build on the progress we have made and bring a strong community voice to decisions that impact all of us. I believe in a Royal Oak of shared community spaces, diverse and healthy families, and robust public engagement. I will continue to work so that Royal Oak is a great place to raise my children, a place they will want to live when they are grown, and a place where we can retire and continue to live full, active lives.

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

Climate change has led to more and more extreme weather events, and, unfortunately, our infrastructure needs to be significantly improved to manage it. We are looking at what we can do as a municipality as well as how we can encourage residents to take action. We continue to make improvements on how we regulate runoff from impermeable surfaces both in new and existing developments, how we can manage drainage in parks and around municipal buildings through green infrastructure, and what are the most effective tools for residents: from rain gardens to rain barrels and thirsty native trees, to backflow prevention valves. We are actively replacing lead service lines for our residents at a rate faster than projected. I want to increase these investments, direct federal dollars towards infrastructure issues, and work with the county and regional partners to upgrade our sewer system.

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

I am running on my record, background, and ideas. I am not interested in tearing down opponents. I just want to emphasize that I am committed to creating a welcoming city, to investing in our neighborhoods, and to environmentally sustainable development.

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

Covid-19 has presented many challenges, but we have risen to them. I’m very proud that Royal Oak was able to support our small businesses and keep many of those that struggled above water through the worst of times. I’m proud to have championed using those funds for small businesses but also for our residents who were most severely impacted with rental and utility assistance, hotel vouchers, and food distribution. We were just awarded Municipality of the Year by Lighthouse Michigan for this work. We have opened up testing and vaccination opportunities throughout the pandemic. We also did not lay off any employees and protected employees and citizens by responsibly closing and then safely opening government buildings. Hindsight is always 20/20, and we understand more about the virus now than we did in March of last year. So, with hindsight, obviously some decisions here or there could change, but I am comfortable that our priorities: safety of citizens and helping those most in need, guided our decision-making.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

• Upgrade infrastructure, especially stormwater.
• Diversify park amenities & recreation opportunities.
• Senior-focused investments, including recreation and senior housing options.
• Develop playful & beautiful community spaces Build welcoming, inclusive community-Enhance city services to improve quality of life.
• Develop Human Rights Commission to ensure all feel welcome.
• Encourage citizen engagement and volunteering.

• Implement comprehensive climate action and sustainability plan.
• Increase tree canopy and native plantings.
• Educate residents on sustainability.

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

I think my four years on CIty Commission speak most directly to my ability to handle the job. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and hope that residents agree. As a legal aid attorney, my focus has always been on people and working with them to solve problems in a constructive way. I look to mediate conflicts by focusing not on anger but on needs and common goals, and that has been very applicable to my time on City Commission. I have also found that volunteering in the community, at my kids’ schools, at my church, at non-profits, at community-wide events, at our sports clubs, and with our youth, has given me really useful insight into how residents view our city and our decisions.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Marry your best friend.

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

In my first term as commissioner, I championed increased funding for our parks, library, and senior center, as well as new investments in tree planting and environmental sustainability. I’m seeking reelection to continue building on the progress we’ve made. With your support, I’ll continue to bring my experience as a mom, PTA chair, attorney, and neighborhood advocate to the table in order to strengthen and grow the things we all love about our city!