Oakland County Executive candidates talk about the issues

In the upcoming August primary, a familiar face hopes to be the Republican candidate for Oakland County Executive on the ballot this fall.

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is seeking a new term.  He told 7 Action News his top concern is economy, economy, economy.

“It’s important to build a business friendly environment,” said Executive Patterson.

If reelected, he wants to reduce the burden of small businesses and reduce government regulations on small businesses.

“My staff and I have done a good job over the last 20 years and I’m more than willing to run on my record,” said Executive Patterson.

7 Action News was unable to reach E. Wadsworth Sherrod lll, the other Republican candidate on the primary ballot.  We will continue to try to contact him for comment.

Meanwhile, running on the Democratic ticket is Kevin Howley.  For the past eight years, Howley has worked in turnaround management.

Before that, he spent 17 years in the private sector.

“The main reason I got into this race is because I feel the county doesn’t have a coherent strategy to move the county forward,” said Howley.

He told 7 Action News that one of his key issues is sprawl.  Howley said too many business districts and homes were built in anticipation the county would see more people move in.

He believes now there are too many empty malls, empty manufacturing buildings, and empty homes.

He would like to see the county diversify its economic base.