Oakland County Commissioner-3rd District Candidate Eric Wilson addressed the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce on June 5 about his priorities for the area.
The chamber invited Republican Wilson and Democrat Daniel Myslakowski, who will face off in the June 17 general election for Oakland County Commissioner of District 3, to speak in a candidate’s forum at the chamber’s June luncheon. Myslakowski was unable to attend the event, or send a representative.
“I have almost 10 years of experience in Orion government,” said Wilson. “The township is doing great, and that’s because people are active.”
Wilson and Myslakowski are vying to replace former Oakland County Commissioner Larry Obrecht, who stepped down in March to take over Oakland County Animal Control. District 3 includes Orion and Oakland Townships.
“I recognize the importance of jobs in this community,” Wilson told the chamber. “Last week GM presented the road commission with $300,000 to improve the roads…and they are talking about adding a shift. That means jobs for the community.”
Wilson said if he is elected, he will do what he can as a county commissioner to improve travel and road conditions in the township.
“I know roads are important…If I had a magic wand I would fix all these roads…widening, turn lanes,” he said. “A left turn light at Waldon and Joslyn…these are simple fixes.
“I talked to people in Oakland Township and they have the same problems,” he continued. “Our quality of life is affected because we’re spending half an hour to get to work and then back home.
“If we get some simple things done with the road commission (things could improve),” said Wilson. “We want a task force on something involved directly with intersections.”
Wilson said he also supported keeping Orion Oaks County Park a passive park.
“It’s a beautiful natural setting, and it should remain that way,” he said. “I support the efforts of the citizens to keep that a county park.”
Finally, Wilson said, to him, Orion has always been about families.
“We also have a great senior group, and I want to keep that going,” he said. “And with working with the NOTA (North Oakland Transportation Authority)…those are things you do if you want to be a county commissioner.”
In a candidate profile submitted to The Lake Orion Review for the primary election in May, Myslakowski said he is concerned about roads and parks as well.
“I am concerned about our children, education, crime, taxes, roads, safety paths, land, air and water quality,” he said. “Orion landfills, parks and recreation, senior citizen issues, health care issues, and how to best serve our community’s needs within the financial constraints of Oakland County.”
Myslakowski, an IT Manager/Project Manager for General Motors, formerly served on the Macomb County Commission, and believes the right to vote is an important issue in this special election.
“I believe it is very important, and very necessary, to protect and exercise our principle right to vote in an election process, which is at the very heart, the very foundation, of our freedom and democracy,:” he said.
“I have successfully functioned in a representative government, as a county commissioner, and I have the right character, education, experience, energy, balance and am one of the most qualified candidates for this position,” Myslakowski said.
“I am accessible and accountable, and will give the people of Oakland and Orion Townships 200 percent.”