Candidate Profile: Adam Kochenderfer For Oakland Co. Commissioner

Adam Kochenderfer, a Rochester Hills resident is running for Oakland County Commissioner District 15.

Age: 40
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:Lauren (wife), Claire (daughter, 5 years old), Elise (daughter, 4 years old)
Occupation:Attorney
Previous elected experience:Current County Commissioner, District 15; previously served on Rochester Hills City Council
Family members in government:No
Campaign website: www.isupportadam.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
We must simultaneously address the effects of COVID-19 on both the public health and the economy. These two concepts are inextricably linked. As County Commissioner, that is why I have supported and will continue to support grants for medical supplies, testing, PPE, small businesses, working families, nonprofit organizations and many others in need across Oakland County.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I'm proud to have the support of our community leaders, including Mayor Bryan Barnett, Mayor Stuart Bikson, and nearly every member of Rochester and Rochester Hills City Council. It's been an honor to serve as County Commissioner for District 15 for the past five years. During that time, I reached across the aisle and worked with members of both political parties to bring real results to Rochester and Rochester Hills. I previously served on Rochester Hills City Council and a number of other roles in the community, including: • Green Space Advisory Board, Rochester Hills; • Historic District Study Committee, Rochester Hills; • Board of Directors, Rochester Rotary Club; • Crittenton Hospital Charitable Giving Committee; • Board of Directors, Oakland University Alumni Association; • Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce; • Rochester Area Jaycees.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As County Commissioner, I've used my experience to both protect public health and revive our economy during this challenging time. That includes:
- serving on oversight committee that awarded grants to nonprofits serving 475,576 residents needing critical services;
- serving on oversight committee that awarded $28 million to aid schools and encourage safe in-person learning;
- awarded grants to 3,500 small businesses affected by COVID-19;
- supported testing supplies to protect residents and put workers back on the job; and
- ensured 2.3 million items of PPE were provided to front-line workers.
However, our work is not done. Oakland County will continue to face challenges, and that is why I am running for re-election.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
The Michigan Legislature and the Governor must work together to ensure that local businesses have a comprehensive set of guidelines they can follow to protect the public. There is a significant amount of confusion throughout the state right now. We must treat COVID-19 with the perspective and seriousness it deserves, putting safety measures in place that protect residents while avoiding overbroad restrictions. State government should also devote the necessary resources to assist struggling local businesses through grants.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
The examples of racial injustice our country has witnessed have been heartbreaking. That is why I approved a resolution encouraging the Michigan Legislature to act on legislation that would improve police reform and better protect all residents. I also believe we need to invest more in police training to prevent some of the abuses we've seen. That is why I supported a new police training center for the Oakland County Sheriff's Department, as well as steps toward the use of police body cams. We all have a responsibility for ensuring racial justice for all individuals.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
During the past decade of public service, I have attempted to focus on quality of issues that matter to everyone, not political sound bites. For example, when portions of the Rochester community were experiencing severe power outages, I secured bipartisan support for a study group that examined electrical infrastructure throughout Oakland County. As a result of those efforts, DTE invested over millions of dollars in rebuilding an electrical circuit and other infrastructure needs in our community.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I chose to run again due to the unprecedented challenges to both the economy and public health in Oakland County. Many families are still grappling with the impact of COVID-19. I’ve always tried to serve our community through facts, not fear, and avoid the partisan games that are too prevalent these days. I’m running again to continue that practice and ensure we represent all residents through this challenging time.