Larry Rosso, Independence Township Board trustee for 11 ? years, is running for a fourth term.
‘I am not running against anyone, but running on a record of accomplishment,? he said. ‘I love people, I love this community and I love government.?
Rosso has been a township resident for 40 years, since he moved here in 1967 to take up teaching at Clarkston High School. He retired in 1994.
‘I married and have established my family here,? he said.
Rosso has watched the community grow from 24,000 to about 35,000 since he moved here. Growth is one of his main concerns for the township, which is why he got involved in Vision 20/20, long-range plan for the community.
‘Vision 20/20 is the blueprint that emphasized responsible land use practices that would promote and protect the rural and suburban residential character that is inherent in our master plan,? he said.
He believes the township has adjusted the master plan to deal with population growth and the need for expanded services without ‘compromising the integrity? of the master plan.
As township board representative on the planning commission since 2004, Rosso has opposed development projects he thought would compromise the community, such as ORCO’s ‘big box? proposal and Beaumont?’s hospital plan.
‘There has to be a stewardship to land and water, a balance factor,? he said.
However, he did vote ‘yes? for the McLaren project because it was the ‘ideal location, in the commercial Sashabaw Corridor.?
‘I have been an advocate for sound office and commercial development along Sashabaw Road and Dixie Highway.?
As a member of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, environmental impact has also been a concern. In addition, he has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2000-2004 and is serving on the Senior Advisory Board as the Independence Township Board representative since 2004.
‘I strongly supported the new senior center,? he said. ‘I believe in giving something back and helping those in need. Whether it be helping widows, or helping those with physical or social needs.?
Rosso is also proud the township has maintained a balanced budget in spite of declining state funding.
‘I never have voted for a tax increase as a board member,? he said. ‘The township budget, that is a priority. We never spend beyond our needs, we always keep our operating budget balanced.?
Rosso said he is proud of all township departments and how each of them performs their operational functions, meet budget reduction requirements and still maintain a ‘full program of services.?
‘We have a great Parks and Recreations department, our fire department is second to none, and we have an excellent library facility and service,? he said.
The Department of Public Works also completed a $20 million renovation of the municipal water system, which is ‘more cost effectively than the communities served by Detroit Water Board,? Rosso said.
‘People don’t totally appreciate it unless they’ve come from other communities.?
Rosso was born in Mount Clemens and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Political Science.
He met is wife, Mary, while he was in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary on April 29. Their son Steve, 22, is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University.
‘I think I’ve been doing the right thing,? said Rosso. ‘I have no future political job aspiration. This is what I am all about, public service.?