For lessons in bipartisanship, turn to — Macomb County? | Opinion

Conservative values are at the core of Macomb County. That doesn’t always mean political conservatism, but dedication to hard work, faith, family, community and patriotic dedication to America.

Macomb County voters sometimes choose Republicans, sometimes Democrats. We voted twice for Trump, and twice for Obama; for Rick Snyder twice, and Gretchen Whitmer twice. Once a Democratic stronghold, Macomb has become a true bellwether, where residents expect service from their elected representatives.

I was born on the west side of Detroit, and grew up in Livonia. A proud westsider, I became a Republican because I was inspired by President Ronald Reagan and his philosophy of our great nation as a shining city on a hill. My parents taught me that America is the greatest nation on earth, where anyone can achieve their dreams through hard work.

That’s why families like mine came to Macomb County, from places like Italy, Poland, Albania and the Middle East. Macomb County is truly a melting pot. A place where the American Dream is achievable through hard work and dedication, where parents continue to believe that American opportunity will give their kids a chance to achieve their dreams.

My neighbors rightly demand that their public servants serve the needs of the community — and our track record at the polls show we care about results more than party.

Divisive fights don’t solve the challenges facing our county, and Macomb County voters demand their leaders focus on solutions.

As a result, the tribalistic tendencies that have taken hold in many parts of American politics, with Republicans and Democrats at each other’s throats, don’t have a grip on Macomb County.

Partisan bloodletting? Not in Macomb County

The clearest example of this is the relationship between Republican County Commission Chairman Don Brown and Democrat Vice Chair Harold Haugh. They share the same goal: To take care of the people’s business.

I’ve worked in politics for 30 years. My first campaign was the 1990 election of Gov. John Engler, a great leader who fought to bring commonsense conservatism to Michigan. I’ve worked then-Secretary of State Candice Miller, now Macomb County’s Public Works Commissioner. She’s another great public servant who focused on delivering good government Our staff never forgot who we worked for: all of the people.

I’ve been fortunate to have helped elect effective public servants who always focused on what was best for our nation, state and communities. So I know good government when I see it, and I see it today in Macomb County.

In 2020, Republicans took a 7-6 majority on the Board of Commissioners, for the first time in recent memory. Brown and Haugh were unanimously elected chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

Coming after a century of Democratic control, you might think the new majority would bring about a hyper-partisan bloodletting. It didn’t. It brought cooperation.

Don Brown is a lifelong Republican born and raised in Warren. Like so many others in our county, his family migrated north over the years, finally settling in Washington Township. He’s been a trusted servant of conservative Northern Macomb County for many years.

Harold Haugh is a lifelong Democrat and resident of Roseville. He worked for GM for 42 years, served for 20 years on the Roseville City Council, four years as mayor, then six years in the state House. He was elected to the county commission in 2016.

If tribal politics were the driving force, these two gentlemen shouldn’t be able to work together.

But this is Macomb County.

Getting along is a choice

On the Board of Commissioners website, you’ll see the motto that Don Brown instilled as their guidepost, “One team — one mission.”

That’s exactly what Macomb residents get. Because we won’t settle for less.

I asked Harold why Macomb County is different. He replied that the loss of civility, and the inability to work together, is a cancer in politics — and he and Don won’t allow that to metastasize in Macomb County government.

The people decide elections, but it is the duty of their representatives to work together for the good of the people. Brown and Haugh don’t let divisive partisan issues disrupt meetings, or the important work of the commission. When such a fight appeared to be developing at one of the first meetings of the new commission, they shut it down immediately.

When creating a budget, the board works closely with County Executive Mark Hackel, a Democrat, to set priorities for the county budget. Don told me that he and Harold meet regularly with the Hackel, other countywide elected leaders and the county budget director.

This collaborative process ensures the focus stays on the needs of the community, and not partisan politics. They never allow their differences to become personal, which is far too common in places like Washington and Lansing.

How have these men been able to forge this kind of relationship?

It’s a choice. They don’t agree on everything, but they see each other as allies, not enemies. They know each others’ families. They come from similar places and similar backgrounds, and while they diverged politically, they share the same values. So they are able to respect each others’ perspectives.

Neither would sell out their core values, but they’ll work to find common ground, even with the more politically extreme members of their own parties. Because they trust each other, and their colleagues trust them.

The result? Taxes remain low, the budget is under control and needs get met.

Together, Don and Harold delivered a county budget that will spend $300,000 less this year than last, gave workers a 6% pay raise to help their families deal with inflation, grew the county fund balance rainy day fund to $110 million and achieved important priorities like needed upgrades to the county jail.

They prioritized funding for a new sheriff boathouse for patrols of Lake St. Clair, an upgraded juvenile justice center, expanded mental health care — and did it all with no new debt. They deliver good government, value for money and spend it where it makes the biggest difference for the entire community, whether you live on 8 Mile or 32 Mile.

Far too often, conflicts and fights make good headlines, and hot-button issues drive politics. Not in Macomb, and not with this board. Don and Harold are now working with regional partners to spread their ideas, and I sure hope they listen.

We in Macomb County are fortunate that we get good government from leaders who work together to solve the challenges our community faces, regardless of party. Our leaders understand that the people do their part when they pay their taxes, and the people demand that leaders focus on needs of the community, not creating gridlock that accomplishes nothing.

Jamie Roe is a political consultant and proud resident of Macomb County.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Macomb County politics work because we vote both parties