KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Democrat Abigail Wheeler is facing Republican Charley Coss for the Kalamazoo County’s District No. 4 seat, to represent people in a portion of the city of Portage.
The winner of the Nov. 8 election will secure a two-year term on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.
District 4 includes Portage city precincts 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19.
Coss is self employed, while Wheeler is a firefighter/EMT.
Coss, of Portage, has a Masters of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. Coss also said he worked in both the private and public sector and served as vice chair on Kalamazoo City Planning Commission. He did not provide his age.
Wheeler, 23, of Portage, has a bachelor’s of business administration from Western Michigan University.
Wheeler says she has been a village council member for three years and she was a State House candidate in 2020.
MLive has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters to publish a voters guide for candidates across Michigan. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues, with their answers below. View the full guide at Vote411.org.
Below are the candidates’ responses to questions from the League of Women Voter Guide survey. The candidates’ responses are unedited unless they exceed the maximum word limit.
What specifically will you do as a Commissioner to improve the quality of life for residents of your District? How will your talents and skills enable you to succeed in these efforts?
Abigail Wheeler
I will ensure that the approximately $245 million budget is spent in the way the people would like and in the best interest of the people. It is so important to listen to the needs of the people in my district. My previous knowledge of municipal budgeting and education in finance will enable me to succeed.
Charley Coss
Many residents are facing financial challenges and we are heading into turbulent future. I will keep taxes down and find ways to improve the quality of services for all residents. These can goals can be achieved through implementing good governance (best practices) and transparent processes. We will have many challenges in the next several years and I will work with all the members of the Commission and Community to implement the best outcomes for our residents.
What policies and programs will you promote to enhance citizen equity and engagement in the wellbeing of our communities and the democratic process?
Abigail Wheeler
I intend to promote the new housing plan that the County recently released as well as the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic plan. I will also support our Clerk’s office with education on voting and absentee voting so that everyone has a vote in each election. I will also promote our Health and Community Services programs that help aging adults, mothers and their children, and so many more members of our community. I believe this program can help level the playing field for all residents.
Charley Coss
I will work tirelessly to create opportunities where ever and when ever the County government is involved.
What are the two most significant environmental concerns in the County? What should the County do to address each of them?
Abigail Wheeler
The two most significant environmental concerns in the county are safe drinking water and proper waste water disposal. The county must have the proper infrastructure to provide safe drinking water to residents and in the case that the water is not safe to drink, provide resources for residents to gain access to safe water. E. Coli is an issue all around the state of Michigan. The county can maintain high-quality waste water treatment and regulations on septic tanks to keep homeowners responsible and water ways uncontaminated.
Charley Coss
The Kalamazoo River and the aquifer are the most important long term environmental assets we must be vigilant to manage properly. Short term or immediate problems like lead pipes and cleaning up the PFAS require attentive and proper remediation to protect the resident of the County.
Are you satisfied with the County’s progress in assuring affordable housing for residents? Why or why not? What more needs to be done?
Abigail Wheeler
The County just recently released a new housing plan that addresses some of the major housing issues in Kalamazoo. I don’t think enough has been done yet to ensure affordable housing. However, the plan the County provided, if implemented will ensure sustainable, safe, and affordable housing. I intend to help implement this strategy so that we can reduce homelessness and provide safe housing for everyone in Kalamazoo.
Charley Coss
I applaud the County in addressing this challenging problem. We should continue to improve the contributing issues, such as streamlining regulations, and working with local developers. We have many talented partners but housing is half of the problem, we need good paying jobs and I intend to work every day to bring new and better jobs to Kalamazoo County, the true source of better and affordable housing.
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