Candidate Profile: Michael C. Fournier, Royal Oak Mayor

ROYAL OAK, MI — Royal Oak voters will vote for their city mayor 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.

Michael C. Fournier is running for re-election against Thomas A. Roth for the mayor of Royal Oak. Here's how he filled out profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

42

Position Sought

Royal Oak Mayor

Party Affiliation

Non-partisan

Family

Wife Nicole & Three little Royal Oakers

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA Michigan State; MBA University of Notre Dame.

Occupation

Innovation, Commercial, and Business Development (20+ years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City Commissioner 2011-2015; Mayor Pro-Tem 2015-2016; Mayor 2016 - Present

Campaign website

www.fournierformayor.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Continue working together to keep Royal Oak one of the best places to call home - now and for future generations.

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

Infrastructure. We will finish our local streets program on time and on budget. We will continue promoting green infrastructure and reduce the amount of stormwater. We are partnering with the county and the other 11 communities to implement aggressive stormwater management improvements needed as a result of climate change.

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

Experience and a proven track record. I’ve lived in Royal Oak for 20 years and I am raising my family here. I know what it takes to do the job. I focus on getting results.

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

While there is always room for debate, we must always be truthful and respectful of those we disagree with. Communities are better when we promote our ideas, honesty debate, and reject false claims and divisive rhetoric.

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

Awesome! In fact we were a recipient of the Main Street Forward award. We partnered with nonprofits to get food/utilities/rent assistance to our vulnerable neighbors. We provided financial support and helped small businesses innovate to keep their doors open safely. We provided city assets to help with vaccinations and outreach.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We will always be truthful and positive. Our campaigns focus on our shared vision and we will never engage in negative and destructive discourse.

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

We put RO on a strong financial footing; invested in our neighborhoods & parks; became one of the safest cities in America; we are fixing ALL our local streets; we have an environmental sustainability plan; we are regularly been named one of the best places to live.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You can go fast alone, but further together.

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

My family and I love Royal Oak so much. I put the effort into being mayor because my priorities are OUR priorities. Our family lives by the credo: Work hard. Pay your share. And give some time