Candidate Profile: Monica Hunt, Royal Oak Commissioner

ROYAL OAK, MI — There are three open seats 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.

Monica Hunt is running for Royal Oak Commissioner. Here's how she filled out profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

42

Position Sought

Royal Oak Commissioner

Party Affiliation

Non-partisan

Family

While my household includes my 3-year-old Goldendoodle, Gigi, I am also blessed to have my two wonderful parents and two incredible sisters, who live close by in neighboring communities.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I obtained my B.A. in Business Administration from Michigan State University's Eli Broad School of Business and my J.D from Wayne State University Law School.

Occupation

I am an attorney with 16 years of legal experience and I currently represent municipalities and governmental entities in the area of municipal, employment and labor law.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I was unanimously appointed to the Commission in December of 2020.

Campaign website

www.hunt4ro.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking to retain the Commissioner seat because I love Royal Oak and I want to make certain that we continue to be effective stewards of the city’s resources which includes our exemplary public safety, parks, and AA bond rating. I am committed to public service and believe that I have the credentials and experience to lead our city forward.

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

Our storm water infrastructure is the most important issue facing our city. The heavy and persistent rains have caused massive flooding and it is imperative that we implement green infrastructure systems to bolster the capacity to manage storm water and reduce runoff onto hard surfaces.

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

My experience as a municipal law attorney provides me with a perspective that is unique in this race. Additionally, I know what it takes to perform the job of a Commissioner and what it takes to get results on behalf of the residents of Royal Oak.

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

While I am an incumbent, I think it is important to remember that throughout this and any election, we must remain respectful of differing viewpoints and encourage healthy and honest debate on the issues that are relevant to our community.

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

Our city leaders did a great job throughout the pandemic. We partnered with nonprofits to assist underserved populations with obtaining necessary resources. Further, we were able to provide support to small businesses to allow them to keep operating. We were able to adapt by implementing health and safety measures to keep employees, residents and visitors safe.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My focus continues to be on providing services to our senior population that will allow them to age in place and remain an active part of our community. I am also a proponent of establishing programs and services that will enhance our environmental sustainability initiative in efforts to help combat our rapidly changing climate.

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

I regularly defend and negotiation on behalf of municipalities so I have the knowledge what what it takes to make a city operate and thrive. Further, I and my fellow Commissioners have invested in city services which has allowed for continued upgrades and maintenance to our parks, being named one of the safest cities in Michigan, and establishing an environmental sustainability plan to keep Royal Oak safe and healthy.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Finding your purposes comes from doing what you are passionate about.

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

With every decision that I make as a Commissioner, I deliberate on how it will affect the residents and visitor of Royal Oak. The issues that we face cannot be taken lightly. This role requires common sense and well-informed decision making and my thoughtful consideration of the issues makes me the best person to serve the citizens of Royal Oak.