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Runestad hopes to succeed E. Kowall
January 23, 2008
North Oakland Republican Club President Jim Runestad has announced his candidacy for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners 6th District seat currently held by Commissioner Eileen Kowall (R-Waterford, White Lake).
Kowall is running for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives, hoping to succeed state Rep. John Stakoe (R-Highland, White Lake). In his third two-year House term, Stakoe is prevented from seeking re-election by term limits. He represents the 44th House District, which also includes Springfield and Independence townships.
Runestad, 48, said his focus will be on tightening the county's financial belt by reviewing every single line item in the budget and taking appropriate action.
"I'm a very strong fiscal conservative and I believe that's what the county needs right now," he said. "That's somebody who can balance the budget with a business-minded approach and make sure we don't increase taxes on the citizenry that's struggling right now and dealing with a very bad economy in Michigan.
"What I would like to do is go through the entire budget, every line item, and review each and every program to see if it makes sense to keep it, keep it at the same size, or if there is any need, because of these enormous problems we're dealing with," he said, referencing the current housing market decline and falling property values' impact on tax revenues.
Runestad is the owner of Runestad Financial associates LLC, an insurance firm based in Waterford.
Kowall has endorsed Runestad as her successor on the county board.
"I've known Jim for quite a few years and I think he's very knowledgeable on the issues," she said. "He's been involved in the community and grassroots for quite some time."
Runestad previously ran an unsuccessful campaign in 2002 in a special primary election to fill the vacant Oakland County Board of Commissioners seat formerly held by Commissioner Frank Millard. That 4th District seat represents the western half of Waterford Township and the southwest portion of Independence Township.
This year's primary election is scheduled for Aug. 5. The 2008 general election will be held on Nov. 4.
Like the state's 44th House District, the county's board's 6th District traditionally has been served by Republicans.
No Democratic challengers have yet emerged to take on Runestad, and Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Dave Woodward was unavailable for comment prior to press time. Woodward is also a county commissioner serving Royal Oak.
State representatives serve up to three two-year terms and are currently paid an annual salary of $79,650.
County commissioners serve two-year terms and are currently paid about $33,000 a year.
The current filing deadline for a county board seat is set for May 13.
Andrew Sawmiller is a staff writer for the Spinal Column Newsweekly
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