Five candidates are running for Wayne County Commissioner in the 11th District where Commissioner Al Haidous is retiring. All of the candidates have filed as Democrats. The primary election is Aug. 6.
Tim Craiger
Tim Craiger, D., 41166 Lakeview Ct., Van Buren Township, has lived in Wayne County Commission District 11 for 25 years. He is 64 years old, the father of Brandon Craiger and Shyla Henderson, and grandfather to five grandchildren.
His current occupation is as Realtor with Moving the Mitten Real Estate in Belleville. He is a 30-year UAW retiree from Local 735/14 and a former Van Buren Township firefighter.
This is his second run for elective office, having run for the position of Shop Committeeman in the past.
He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Van Buren, Huron River Watershed Council, Belleville Lake Waterski Club, coach/sponsor Van Buren Area Little League, coach in Belleville Area Great Lakes Flag Football, and player/manager in the Detroit Men’s Senior Baseball League.
He said he also has organized several fundraising events for the Van Buren Public Schools Education Foundation, raising thousands of dollars.
When asked why he is running for this office, he said: “Years ago, as a young man, I watched my father run for the office of County Commissioner in Washtenaw County. He was well-respected and held that position for 18 years. Throughout those years he instilled in me the importance of doing your part to help make your community a better place to live and helping create a local government that is responsive to the needs of its constituents.
“So, you ask, why I am running? It is because of those very same values. It’s my civic duty to help improve the community we live in and being available to listen to the needs and concerns of our constituents. I have a passion for helping people and for bringing leaders together to help others.”
His goals, once elected?
“Not being a career politician with no political agenda, some of my goals are to try and create a less-divisive political climate amongst our county board, seeking common ground so we can tackle some of our important local issues such as improving the water quality in the Huron River by holding the polluters accountable. Our electrical grid fails us way too often. It’s time we demand our electrical companies invest more heavily in capital improvements.
“Road maintenace improvements, especially our gravel roads and drainage ditches. Bridges and paved roads that are in dire need of resurfacing. Working with local school districts in helping provide all the programs necessary for a safe and quality education.
“As a 30-year UAW employee, I understand the working class and the struggles they face, that’s why I’m interested in exploring ways to lower our taxes to make homeownership more affordable. Having had first-hand experience as a Van Buren Township fire fighter, I want to help to ensure we are receiving the highest standards in public safety and first responders. Advocate for a healthy and vibrant park system. Continue to use our vision in working diligently creating an environment for jobs growth in our district within our established business master plans, which respects our residential neighborhoods. As, a Realtor, I have great experience negotiating contracts and deals which will help immensely as a county commissioner. And finally, to always be transparent and fiscally responsible with our taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”
David Hotz
David Hotz, D., 38872 Houston, Romulus, has lived in the district for 25 years. He is 45 year old and has a son Chase Hotz.
He is a corporate security supervisor with some college at Schoolcraft College. He ran for Wayne County Commissioner, district 11, in 2020 and the Romulus City Council in 2021.
He belongs to the Sierra Club, the Romulus Democratic Club, and enjoys movies, sports, time with the family, animal rescue, and political advocacy.
When asked why he is running for this office, Hotz said: “Our campaign is to bring progressive working class values to the Wayne County Commission. I believe that my vision will help our communities thrive and lift up the most vulnerable among us. It is important to me to represent my community and leave this world in a better place for my son and future generations.”
Once elected, he said his primary goals “are to vastly improve communication with residents, plan public transit that makes sense per community need, modernize infrastructure (including roads, drains, and electrical grid), bring affordable energy, efficient housing, and expand afterschool programs to the entire district.”
Joe Richert
Joe Richert, D., 10909 Hannan Rd., Romulus, is running for a two-year term on the Wayne County Commission in the 11th district, to replace Al Haidous who is retiring.
Richert, 67, has lived in the district for 65 years. He and his wife Joletta have a son Joe and a daughter Jessica and seven grandchildren.
He is a health care administrator and has a business degree and Juris Doctor degree and works as a lawyer.
This is his first run for electic office. He has been appointed and served on the Huron School Board, Huron Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
He is a member of the Belleville Yacht Club and Wayne State Honors College Board of Visitors.
He said he is running for office because, “Mr. Haidous is retiring. He was a good commissioner and I’d like to follow his lead. I’m well-qualified and have a good understanding of our district.”
His goals once elected will be: “Always vigilant about our roads, ditches, and bridges. I’d like to step up communication to the district’s municipalities from the country.”
Allen R. Wilson
Allen R. Wilson, D., 39127 Commons Dr., Romulus, is running for county commissioner in the 11th District. Wilson, 67, has been living in the district for 23.5 years.
He works for International Union, UAW, and has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Wayne State University.
He ran for Romulus City Council in 2021 and state representative House District 26 in 2022.
He was appointed to the Wayne County Board of Canvassers 2018-2021. He is a current Romulus City Councilman.
Wilson enjoys playing chess and is a member of the NAACP and the Romulus Chamber of Commerce.
“I am running because I have the experience to ‘get down to business’ and tackle the issues facing District 11.
“As a current Romulus City Councilman and Legislator, I am passionate about representing people. I have been in the forefront of the efforts to ensure that every resident in District #11 will have their concerns addressed and prioritized by my administration.”
He said his goals once elected are: “Finally fix the roads, address flooding in our neighborhoods, eliminate speeding on our streets, minimize traffic jams and maintain our beautiful park system.”
Jeremy R. Cady
Jeremy R. Cady, D., 36970 Sibley Rd., New Boston, did not return his candidate’s form to the Independent.