Elections 2022: Candidates for Ingham County Board District 3 in their own words
On this year's ballot are candidates for the Ingham County Board of Commissioners (15 seats). If you are unsure which county district you vote in, visit the Ingham County website to find more information.
Whether you choose to vote absentee or in person, get to know the candidates before you vote by reading their responses to key issues facing Ingham County residents.
Here (below) are candidates in their own words. To return to the main election package, click here.
Meet the Candidates
Chris Trubac (Democrat): I have been serving as the Ingham County Commissioner from Delhi Township since I was first elected in 2018. As someone who grew up here and graduated from Holt High School in 2008, I have a lot invested in this community. I am constantly inspired to see it strengthened and improved. I have chaired the Human Services Committee and the Environmental Affairs Commission, supporting transformational investments in public services. I want to continue serving our community and bringing progressive ideas to county government that make Holt a better place to live for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
On systemic racism
Chris Trubac (Democrat): Since I’ve been on the Board of Commissioners, Ingham County has formally declared that racism is a public health crisis, launched a citizen-led Racial Equity Task Force, and hired the county’s first-ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director. Moving forward, I will be advocating for reviews of our purchasing policies to ensure that all contracted vendors receiving county funds share the county’s commitment to racial justice and equity.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
On the COVID-19 response
Chris Trubac (Democrat): During 2020, I was serving as the Chair of the Human Services Committee, a position that put me in constant contact with the Ingham County Health Officer. I worked hard to ensure that our Health Department had all the resources necessary to combat the spread of COVID-19 and provide resources to the public, including readily-available testing. I believe Ingham County demonstrated exemplary leadership, thanks primarily to our incredible Health Department staff and Health Officer. I am deeply proud of how well the county’s institutions continued to function through a time of incredible public uncertainty and political turbulence.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
On economic stability and inflation
Chris Trubac (Democrat): As the basic necessities of life become increasingly difficult to afford—largely due to price gouging that has raked in record profits for certain large corporations—Ingham County must continue to provide the vital services that local families depend on. One of the most transformational investments the county has recently made was our allocation of $9 million in federal funding for the construction of affordable housing, which will aid families seeking financial security. I will also continue supporting the Ingham Health Plan, ensuring all Ingham County residents have an option for affordable health care. These are just a couple examples of the public services Ingham County can continue providing to keep families in our community stable.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
On election security
Chris Trubac (Democrat): Based on conversations I’ve had with experts such as the Ingham County Clerk, I understand that election fraud is exceedingly rare. Further, I have never encountered any evidence to suggest that any type of wrongdoing or fraud influenced the result of any race on the 2020 general election ballot. I accept all of the results as reported, and I believe that insincere allegations of electoral fraud are a direct threat to the functioning of American democracy.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
On public safety
Chris Trubac (Democrat): I have proudly supported the partnership between Ingham County and the City of Lansing to implement the Peacemaker Fellowship model pioneered by Advance Peace, an organization dedicated to interrupting cycles of gun violence. This program will provide guidance, mentorship and other resources to individuals who are considered at risk for involvement in violent crime, providing pathways to better opportunities and choices that will prevent violence from occurring. As a member of the Law and Courts Committee, I have also worked with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that programming in the county jail is geared toward rehabilitation and reductions in recidivism.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
Other issues of import
Chris Trubac (Democrat): People are beginning to realize that climate change will radically change the way we live. Ingham County is well-positioned to lead our region in greenhouse gas reductions and environmental sustainability, and I’ve taken responsibility for providing oversight on these issues. In 2021 I introduced a resolution committing Ingham County facilities to net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 and spearheaded the reactivation of the county’s Environmental Affairs Commission. As Chair of Environmental Affairs, I plan to oversee programming that will build community resilience and protect our most vulnerable populations from the worst impacts of climate change.
Mike Severino (Republican): No response.
This story was assembled from email questionnaires managed by LSJ news assistants Jayne Higo, Veronica Bolanos and Jack Moreland. Contact them at LSJ-EAs@lsj.com or 517.377.1112.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Election 2022: Ingham County Board candidates in their own words
