County Commissioner Craig Covey to Run for Re-Election
The Ferndale resident and former mayor said he will continue his campaign plans despite the current redistricting debate.
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Oakland County Commissioner Craig Covey, who represents Ferndale and the rest of the 25th District, announced Thursday that he will run again for a second term this year.
Covey has served as a member of the Oakland County Commission from the 25th District, which represents 50,000 residents in Ferndale, Hazel Park and the southern part of Royal Oak, for just more than a year.
Priorities include mass transit, diversity
Covey, a former mayor of Ferndale and longtime resident of the city, said he would continue to prioritize issues including public transportation in his second term.
"Our county has been way behind the times," Covey said regarding mass transit in the area.
He would also continue to focus on respect for diversity, environmental issues and government transparency, he said. "It's important to me that we run an efficient county and not waste taxpayer dollars," he said.
Debate over controversial redistricting bill
His announcement comes in the middle of debate over a controversial redistricting bill that would reduce the number of Oakland County commissioners and allow the commission to determine its own voting districts.
Covey said Democrats are filing a lawsuit that challenges that constitutionality of the bill, but in the meantime he will begin his campaign anyway.
"I'll run again regardless of what the new district looks like," he said Thursday. "I will just have to wait and see what they determine."
Covey said he was advised to "hold off" when he attempted to file for re-election last week at the Board of Elections in Pontiac, but he filed anyway on Jan. 11.
"The irony is I will not know for sure who is in my district," he said. "My point is I don't care what they're gonna do ... I'll run. If I win, I win. If I lose, I lose."
Other important issues to Covey include better representation and support for southern and urban sections of the county, stronger environmental policies, opposition to urban sprawl and the inclusion and embracing of diversity.
Over the past year Covey said he succeeded in sponsoring resolutions to support Complete Streets policies and issued the first proclamation from the county recognizing Gay Pride. He also joined the public services and human resources committees and had an attendance record of 97 percent.
Covey said there should be news on the redistricting issue by March or April. "Unfortunately it's real confusing and chaotic right now," he said. "I don't think it's good for democracy to be keeping people in the dark."
Covey said he will try to represent the residents in this area regardless of the outcome of the redistricting.
"We're in this little corner of the county and we're often ignored," he said.
Ferndale_1986
10:14 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Are you glad to hear Craig Covey is running for re-election?
NO.
Tim Bencsik
10:10 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
I second that motion! REMEMBER THE DOLLAR STORE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Famous Mayor COVEY QUOTE:
"Ferndale traditionally had a relatively large number of employees, and Covey said it was clear that couldn’t go on, given the steady decline of the domestic auto industry, periodic recessions and other factors that struck southeastern Michigan hard. For example, he noted that the city had always had a sizable police force, but the fact was that it was a “Cadillac” department when Ferndale was only going to be able to afford a “Chevy” force. Reductions were sometimes controversial, but necessary.
“We knew we had to start the process of cutting and trimming the city budget, because 10 years ago we saw what was coming,” he said. “The recession just didn’t pop up. The council members took early action and it got Ferndale in better shape.”
http://ferndale.patch.com/articles/mayor-no-more-craig-covey-sworn-in-as-25th-district-county-commissioner
SUPPORT THE FERNDALE POLICE, they will be there for you!
Ardy
11:03 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
I am not a fan of Covey at all. I really don't see anything that he has done that would warrant re-election; other than I refuse to vote Republican. The list of accomplishments mentioned in this article is very sparse, and is not compelling. Further, he jumped ship when the going got tough with the millage, and never really did anything for the City accept advise residents to buy fans to drown out excessive street noise. Oh, he passed out awards and blindly supported a failed Recreation Department Director.
Personally, while I think what the Republicans did with redistricting is completely horrible, the silver good that could come of it would be that another Democrat would be pitted against him come election time. I have always cast a vote in ever race/issue since I became eligible; however, this very well may be the first time I withhold my voice in that race.
Tim Bencsik
11:16 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
Ardy: well said... I am growing to be a fan of your's though! But I don't know if Republicans or Democrats are any different? It's all about fair play; and I cannot agree with anyone who cheats the system or plays politics at the expense of what is right and fair; or who would gamble with people and their tax dollars....
I'm not sure I have faith in anyone any more??? And if you look at it, we are just a small segment of America: it is frightening to think that the whole nation is like this? Does the average guy or girl have a chance? And most are too busy or stupid to be informed and make sound choices with what really matters? So nobody watches them and really holds them accountable, till it is too late? If you don't think so, just watch? Someone will pull a fast one, leave town and let others deal with the mess!
Tim Bencsik
9:21 am on Monday, January 23, 2012
ARDY, One thing I think people forgot was, EX Mayor Covey was a driving force behind changing the City Charter over Police and Fire; transfering authority to the puppet City Manager! The Champion of Civil Rights by passed the citizens right to vote; and it was not till he was pushed on it by certain people like myself; did it make it to the voting process! I say, his situation now could not have happen to a nicer guy?
He did not hesitate to violate my civil rights with out a single though; till I went looking for him and said so! Point is; he had to be pushed into it! And what does that say about a man who can't tell a judge he is in a picture? Mr. 5th Amendment!
Ardy
11:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2012
Tim: It's kind of hard following where you are going, and just what exactly you are trying to say.
With that in mind; personally I have no problem with the re-structuring of Departments. To me it makes a lot of sense because our City can make decisions more fluidly than waiting for Council to meet twice a month to facilitate "things" going forward.
I know that a lot of folks were citing that with re-structuring there would be no oversight; which is completely false. Council still has oversight over the City Manager; therefore, there is oversight of the Departments. The purposeful "misleading messaging" by local minority factions such as the " 'Doggies" tried to use this as a means to shove their biased agenda down the throats of the Citizenry of this great City. Thankfully, the majority new what was going on, didn't join in and allowed those groups (and persons) to (once again) flail aimlessly in the wind like a tattered flag during a strong breeze.
While this is just an IMHO from me; I'm pretty sure that if there were something solid, and firmly rooted in fact, cause groups and persons such as the " 'Doggies" would be bursting the veins in their temples as every Council meeting; and filing a lawsuit to reverse the re-structuring. Unfortunately for them; it's completely legal and if anything, brings our City government processes into a 21th Century.
Tim Bencsik
12:04 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012
Ardy; Let me just say, it is hard to take a topic out of context, and talk about it: because life is not lived out of context! There is much more too this.. Having said that, I want to say I take your point, and I respect you in your views! Reguardless, Councilman Lennon said it best: "I thought this was a Democracy, not a Dictatorship." That is my point I am trying to make; and the lack of my rights. For the issue itself; I was motivated for my passion for public safety and the police department; nobody forced me to be rebelious!
But I don't understand this when you refer to Doggies, etc in this statement? That I am clueless on.... But I guess you may have a point!
"The purposeful "misleading messaging" by local minority factions such as the " 'Doggies" tried to use this as a means to shove their biased agenda down the throats of the Citizenry of this great City. Thankfully, the majority new what was going on, didn't join in and allowed those groups (and persons) to (once again) flail aimlessly in the wind like a tattered flag during a strong breeze.
RESPECTFULLY
Ardy
1:54 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012
Tim: The term (my term) " 'doggies" refers to the extreme, vocal minority "Watchdog group" formed a few months ago. Typical; there hasn't been an arph, bow wow or yelp outta them since the Headlee Override. Dry and idle threats as always, and I'm super surprised that, with the School Bond Issue vote in a few weeks, we haven't seen the typical shuck and jive from the usual suspects. Perhaps they have finally found something to occupy their time; like employment.
Any way, this is not a pure Democracy, such as the model which our way of government mimics: Ancient Greece. That was pure Democracy whereas every person voted every time, on every issue. Bogged the heck outta stuff.
Our leaders are empowered, through the City Charter, to do certain things related to how government works. There was nothing illegal about what happened.
I too, support strong (and relevant) city services; it's important for a strong community. Personally, I think that there is too much dwelling on the minor, small things. Yes, we have some issues here but it hardly warrants "chicken little-ing" every time over the small stuff.
I would suggest that if you, and others like you, had the time and gumption you should become part of the solution by being part of the process. It's too easy to sit back and complain; and after a while the subject matter gets tuned out because it's like a broken record.
G-Money
12:38 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Yeah. It does not make much difference who is elected, when corruption is built-in into the structure of our governments. Wha-whaaaaaa.
Tim Bencsik
2:27 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Yep, you are right too: But it is selective perception: they see what they want to see!
And manipulate that for what ever they want! I lost faith in people, not parties... I think they are all the same when it comes to corruption... TEMPTATION Oh, and being in the spot light... Have you ever seen Covey posing for a picture? I can't stop laughing!
Ardy
1:37 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
To be perfectly clear, I do not think Covey is corrupt at all. I know he looks out for his "pets" as much as possible but I don't think for one minute that he's up to no good.
I just think he's a career politician who is always looking for a way to subsist on the public dollar; be it through not-for-profits or public sector work. There's really nothing wrong with it if one is effective and not just sliding by.
Tim: Yes, honestly there is a big difference between Republicans and Democrats. I used to be a very staunch Republican many years ago (call it youthful ignorance) but when I finally realized that I was voting against my best interest I stopped voting for that side of the aisle. Trouble is; yes, there are a lot of politicos who are just flat-out horrible. Janice Daniels I think is a fine example of what I'm talking about.
The issue is that most fine folks who would make great political leaders just don't want to get dragged through the mud and/or be in the public eye -- it's just not for them. Also, they don't want something that they did as a dumb kid getting thrown in their faces. So, they stay out and all of us suffer.
Tim Bencsik
2:22 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Ardy, I hear you! Just wanted to Quote Covey! Craig Covey again!.....
http://ferndale.patch.com/articles/consultants-may-have-a-hard-time-landing-jobs-in-ferndale-government
And this was posted after I confronted City Council on Finding ways to save money and support Public Safety more! But I will tell you, I was not too popular. And even asked them if they were waiting for somebody to get shot? Sean House has called them out plenty of times: but it is like peeing into the wind. I say, public safety should be first: the boldness of crime is getting worse here! Just ask the Banks or 7-11?
10:13 am on Sunday, November 6, 2011
"While I disagree with many positions that Sean House takes, I applaud his being involved. He does represent people in the city, albeit conservatives and Republicans are in the minority. Questions about using paid consultants was very relevant, our city has spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on them over the past few years when some staff could have done the job.
Hey, lets change the charter, and cut some police to make up for it? We had 10 years; we saw this coming? LOL At our expense... But you are right about Covey! He needs a JOB: and will smile in your face to get it!
Ferndale Resident
2:56 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
I can safely say I will not be voting for Covey. It's painfully obvious- particularly when the whole Rosie's fiasco was going on- that Covey cared more about the companies in Ferndale than that of the average citizen. While I applaud his efforts for wanting to promote diversity, I still feel there are several other things that need to be addressed first- like jobs.
In regards to him cutting jobs... the last people that should have been cut were the police and firefighters. I'll leave it at that.
Tim Bencsik
3:11 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
What are you trying to do? Renew my faith in HUMANITY? I cannot and have not hear so wisdom, from so many people in Ferndale! Again, you have said it so right!
CHIEF COLLINS NEEDS TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE WHO THINKS LIKE THIS.
My God, the guy (Chief Collins and his force) has been under fire from every direction trying to save Ferndale... And I think he needs to know...?
If you realy want to have a human experience that is inspirational; you go talk with Chief Collins! He is a good man and cares more than all those people down at City Hall.... Chief Collins is as close to a Jesus Christ as this town will get!!!!