Jason Maciejewski is running for Washtenaw County Commissioner in District 1. This is the candidate's submission for the 2018 WEMU Soapbox Summer.
Hello. My name is Jason Maciejewski. I’m a Democrat, running for County Commissioner in District 1, comprised of the cities of Dexter and Chelsea, plus the townships of Scio, Lima, Lyndon, Dexter, and Sylvan.
As I have been going door-to-door, meeting voters over the past few months the second question people usually ask me is, ”Why are you running?,” or “What are your issues?” – the first question is “How do you
pronounce your name?” It’s pronounced, “Ma-che-ess-ski,” Jason Maciejewski.
I’m running because I’m concerned about protecting our natural resources and enhancing recreational opportunities, I’m concerned about how the new mental health millage funds will be spent, I’m concerned about how public safety services are being delivered, and I’m concerned about the policies we are pursuing and how they shape the community we are passing on to future generations.
My wife Molly and I along with our three kids are frequent users of local, state, and national parks. One of my priorities will be supporting extension of the Border-to-Border Trail through completion of the 44-mile Huron-Waterloo Loop – which would link Dexter, Scio and Chelsea to the state’s Iron Belle Trail system.
As stewards of our environment, we must protect and preserve our natural resources with the goal of having a clean, safe, sustainable environment. I oppose the dangerous practice of fracking. Effectively addressing the 1.4 dioxane plume requires a more aggressive well monitoring effort and extensive cooperation between many entities – but we must be careful to not lose or forfeit our local control.
As Chair of the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority Board, I’ve worked to expand opportunities to recycle, increased volume and reduced costs. In eight years as a township trustee my focus was building a voter-approved, permanent fire sub-station to reduce response times. In some cases, response times had been over 20 minutes – that’s not quick enough to help someone in cardiac arrest. From the new sub-station crews can respond and assist people in time to save a life.
I have a Bachelors Degree, and Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan. Professionally, I’m a Department Director for an Area Agency on Aging, best known for the Meals-On-Wheels program. I operate a variety of programs that assist older adults improve their health and wellness, better understand their Medicare choices, and provide transportation to clinical appointments when there are no other options.
The central duty of the County Commission is to develop a budget and provide continual fiscal oversight. I believe funds from the new mental health millage should be used in collaboration with organizations that are experts in addressing issues like the opiod crisis, the broad impact of teen bullying and socially isolated older adults.
I’m proud to be endorsed by local leaders like Dexter City Council member Paul Cousins and Chelsea City Council member Jane Pacheco. Please visit my web page at jason4washtenaw.com or my Facebook page at jason4washtenaw for more information.
I thank WEMU – not only for the opportunity to introduce myself – but also for their continual in-depth coverage of local government and issues in Washtenaw County.
I’m Jason Maciejewski, candidate for County Commissioner in the Scio Township, Dexter and Chelsea area. I ask for your vote in the Democratic primary on August 7th. Thank you.