Candidate Profile: Michael C. Fournier, Royal Oak Mayor

ROYAL OAK, MI — Royal Oak Mayor Michael C. Fournier is running for re-election in November's general elections. Here is how he filled out his candidate profile:

Name

Michael C. Fournier

Age

44

Town/City of Residence

Royal Oak

Office sought

Mayor

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for

No

Education

B.A. Michigan State University; MBA University of Notre Dame

Occupation

Automotive

Campaign Website

www.fournierformayor.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Mayor (2016-present); City Commissioner (2011-2016)

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Public safety, aging in place, and environmental sustainability. We will continue to fully fund our police and fire departments, implement our SCAP, and prepare our community so that our elders will have dignity and independence as they age.

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

12 years of experience and a proven track record. Fact based decision maker that will always lead with positivity and put our shared values on the forefront of every decision.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Public Safety. Aging in Place. Environemtal Sustainability.

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

Over 12 years of public service (7 years as Mayor):
-Put our city on a strong financial footing after the great recession
-Invested in public safety and becoming one of the safest cities in America
-Development of Normandy Oaks Park, Centennial Commons, and countless park projects
-Fixing the neglected roads
-12 years of balanced budget and fund balance (rainy day amount)
-Maintained strong and sturdy bond rating
-Leading our community through the COVID pandemic
-Planted more trees than anyone in recent history can remember
-Put into action our first sustainability and climate action plan (SCAP)
-Put in place our first Human Rights Commission
-Historically designated the Farmers Market
-Kept the animal shelter open and funded
-Modernized the equipment for both fire and police
-Put in place Aging in Place task force
-Investments in our Senior Center
-Safer street measure to keep our neighborhoods safe!
-Taking measure to remediate the impacts of extreme weather and storm water
-Any many more improvements and innovations that have kept Royal Oak a wonderful place to live

Why should voters trust you?

12 year track record of getting results for my fellow community members. Broad community support and endorsements including the Royal Oak Police Officers Association and Royal Oak Professional Firefighters Local 431.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Continue to maintain the delivery of world class public safety. Fully implement our SCAP and prepare our city for an aging population.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I believe there is a better way forward in terms of how cities and townships are funded. Local governments have no protections against swings in property values or inflation. Despite these challenges, we have maintained a sturdy bond rating and fund balance for rainy days.

Do you support Michigan's new gun control legislation, including expanding background checks, safe storage laws and red flags?

Yes

Do you support Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's push to establish paid family and medical leave, move the state toward relying on 100 percent clean energy?

We deserve an economy that works around the family, not the other way around. We must do our part to combat the climate crisis and achieve 100% clean energy without leaving anybody behind.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

We are so very fortunate to live in one of the safest communities in Michigan. There is always more to do. I am so proud that our police department is one of only a small number of accredited police agencies in Michigan. We will continue to ensure we are using best practices and invest in training to hold ourselves to the highest standards.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

Because we are a safe, vibrant and welcoming city people want to live here. This has driven up the value of single family homes over 45% in the past few years. Strong home values are great, but we also must find ways for seniors to age in place and have a places that our children will want to live.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

Residents are looking for developments that help us prepare for an aging population and that address the affordability crisis. New developments must be environmentally sustainable and add to the character of our community. There should be a places for people to live regardless of age or income levels.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Work hard, pay your share, and give some time...

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

I am incredibly proud to serve as your mayor for the past 7 years. I feel blessed to raise my family in a vibrant, safe, and welcoming city. Experienced leadership matters more than ever before and I am eager to continue with the work we started together.