Kevin McNamara announces for Wayne County Executive

On Jan. 23, Wayne County Commissioner Kevin M. McNamara, D-Belleville, announced his candidacy for Wayne County Executive in front of a crowd of elected officials, members of labor, business leaders, community leaders, and county residents.
And, McNamara’s son Cullan read an endorsement by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm: “Kevin McNamara has Wayne County in his very DNA. But more importantly, Kevin has a gut for real people, and knows that the best government is one that fights for their needs. That, too, is in Kevin’s DNA. He’s a decent and honest man, a compassionate soul and a champion for the little guy – a tremendous blend of qualities for the next Wayne County Executive.”
Present County Executive Robert Ficano has yet to announce whether he is running for reelection. Also recently announcing as a candidate for County Executive was William Wild, mayor of Westland. State Rep. Phil Cavanagh, D-Redford Township, also is a possible candidate.
The primary election is Aug. 5.
“The possibilities for our county are greater than our challenges,” said McNamara in a news release on Friday. “Wayne County residents are seeking real, sustainable change. As commissioner, I have been courageous enough to take a hit when I stood up for what I believed was best for our county. However, I cannot instill real change as a commissioner and that is why I seek to become the county executive.”
The announcement was held in Taylor at Wayne County Community College District Downriver Campus. The site was chosen due to its location within the county. The guests were welcomed by Taylor City Council Chairwoman Pro-Tem Angela Croft.
McNamara began to outline his vision for Wayne County during his announcement, according to the news release.
“Our three priorities will be to balance the budget; create an environment of innovation and transformation in county government in order to affect change; and ensure transparency.
“I plan to form a task force that represents communities across this county so that they have a voice in reinventing Wayne County. Together, we will prioritize services and I project significant cost savings during that process.”
McNamara is son of the late Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara who served from 1987 to 2002. Edward McNamara is probably best known for overseeing the $1.6 billion expansion of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, including two new runways and the new Edward H. McNamara Terminal.
“There needs to be a reinvention of county government like there was in the 1960s and 1980s,” said McNamara. “Together, we can reinvent Wayne County government through a new model that will be strong for at least the next 20 years.”
The news release said a campaign website will be launched at www.mcnamarawayne.com.
The campaign headquarters, which will be open for limited hours, is at 34900 Plymouth Road, Second Floor, Livonia. You may call the office at 734-744-8091. Satellite offices will be announced at a later date.
As county commissioner, McNamara currently serves the communities of Belleville, Huron Township, Romulus, Sumpter Township, Van Buren Township, Wayne and a southern portion of Westland. He has been on the commission since 2006.
McNamara serves as chair of the commission’s Public Services Committee, board chair of Wayne County Head Start, a board member of the Wayne County Airport Authority and is finance chair of Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).