Mr. Schwartz is a candidate for the District 14 seat currently held by Mike Rogers.
STEVEN SCHWARTZ ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONER
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., June 13, 2008 – Steven Schwartz has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Oakland County Commissioner, to represent Farmington and the western half of Farmington Hills. Schwartz filed nominating petitions with the Oakland County clerk, and has pledged to run a positive campaign that will focus on economic development and employment. The primary election is August 5, 2008.
Schwartz is the principal attorney of his Farmington Hills-based law firm. He has enjoyed a noted career in representing local government in labor relations and employment law. Prior to practicing law, he served as the Assistant City Manager and Personnel Director for the City of Birmingham, Michigan. He gained additional leadership experience from his role as Executive Director of the Intergovernmental Cable Communications Authority, a consortium of 11 cities in Oakland County.
“Oakland County is the economic engine of Michigan. We must devote our attention and resources to attracting emerging businesses based in growth areas such as medical research, alternative energy and ‘green’ construction. We cannot sit back and hope the automotive industry recovers,” said Schwartz.
Schwartz has served on the Farmington Hills Zoning Board of Appeals for five years, including acting as Chairman. His community service also includes Farmington Hills’ Committee for Non-Motorized Transportation and serving on the Board of Directors of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce and Congregation B’nai Moshe.
“By reallocating existing resources, we can promote Oakland County as an attractive place to conduct business, build a life and raise a family. We have the skilled workforce, research institutions and technological base to attract global and emerging technology companies from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, to attract them to open facilities and offices in Oakland County,” explained Schwartz.
Schwartz graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University’s Law School, holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in Government from Clark University.
Local leaders have come out to endorse Schwartz for his candidacy:
Jessica Cooper, former Michigan Court of Appeals Judge and candidate for Oakland County Prosecutor: “Mr. Schwartz’s 30-plus years of experience in local government and municipal labor relations make him the ideal candidate to help steer Oakland County through difficult times.”
Bruce Lazar, former Chairman of Farmington Hills Zoning Board of Appeals: “Steve Schwartz has always been a fair-minded member of the Zoning Board and, previously as Chairman, Steve led an effort to reduce unnecessary regulation, while protecting residential neighborhoods from blight and commercial intrusion.”
Craig Isaacs, Farmington Hills resident and owner of Ultracom Telecommunications Systems: “As a long-term member of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and a local business networking organization, Steve has illustrated effective leadership and is a consensus builder.”
“I look forward to meeting as many citizens of Oakland County in the next few months so I can hear first-hand what is on their minds and how government and leaders can improve their lives,” Schwartz added. “The energy people see from me on the campaign trail and in my work as a municipal lawyer will be the same level of energy I will take to this important position.”
