Elections 2022: Candidates for Eaton County Board District 10 in their own words
On this year's ballot are candidates for the Eaton County Board of Commissioners (15 seats). If you are unsure which county district you vote in, visit the Eaton County website to find more information.
Whether you choose to vote absentee or in person, get to know the candidates before you vote by reading their responses to key issues facing Eaton County residents.
Here (below) are candidates in their own words. To return to the main election package, click here.
Meet the candidates
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): I have been a resident of Eaton County my whole life and currently serve as a Trustee in the Village of Dimondale on the department of public works, administration, and communications committees. I have worked to pass fair ordinances, responsible annual budgets, and bring a level head to the negotiating table. County government plays a vital role in building strong communities. I want to ensure our communities remain an amazing place for families to live, grow, and shop by serving as a commissioner who takes a bipartisan approach to pass common-sense policies that will pay off for individuals and businesses alike.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
On systemic racism
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): Local governments should have a strong commitment to reviewing all ordinances and policies with bias screening to ensure they promote community well-being for everyone, regardless of socio-economic background.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
On the COVID-19 response
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): The county should prioritize fixing current budget shortcomings while still providing quality services. There are several programs/projects that would benefit from Eaton County’s expected $21 million in ARPA funding. This includes funding our Sheriff’s Office (who have recently cut road patrol services due to a lack of support/funding for officer pay from the current board), investing in broadband internet infrastructure, and supporting renewable energy projects to lower energy costs and help the environment.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
On economic stability and inflation
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): Eaton County can best support economic stability and growth by providing cost-effective, high-quality county services. When government does its job effectively, employers and families are able to thrive in well-maintained communities.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
On election security
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): The United States, including Michigan, continues to have safe and secure elections. While we can always strive to improve technology and security in all aspects of governance, I accept and have confidence in the results of the 2020 election.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
On public safety
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): Our county must make it a top priority to fully fund the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office so our communities have the officers they need to prevent, and respond to public safety concerns. Recently, road patrol in rural Eaton County has been cut due to the failure of the current county board to increase wages to a competitive level for Eaton County officers. I am proudly endorsed by the Eaton County Sheriff, Tom Reich for understanding the public safety challenges our community faces and my commitment to help solve them.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
Other issues of import
Jacob L. Toomey (Democrat): According to a 2021 Gallup poll, only 66% of respondents said they have faith in their local governments ability to handle local problems. Trust in government to do the right thing has been shrinking for years and Eaton County residents must be sure their county representatives are fighting for their best interests, all the time. As a Trustee, I have worked to increase government transparency so community members have a better understanding of how their tax dollars are being spent. I am committed to pursuing policies that increase government transparency at the county level to remove hidden agendas and political games.
Dairus Reynnet (Republican): No response.
This story was assembled from email questionnaires managed by LSJ news assistants Jayne Higo, Veronica Bolanos and Jack Moreland. Contact them at LSJ-EAs@lsj.com or 517.377.1112.