Candidate Profile: Robert Wittenberg For Oakland County Treasurer

Robert Wittenberg, a Huntington Woods resident is running for Oakland County Treasurer.

Age: 39
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:Wife, Kimberly. Daughter (2) and son (7 months).
Occupation:State Representative, 6 Years. Licensed Life & Health Insurance agent, 15 years.
Previous elected experience:Elected State Representative, 1/2015 – Current
Family members in government:I do and my brother does as a District Court Judge in Oakland County.
Campaign website: https://www.robertwittenberg.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing our state is the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing impact it has had on Michigan families' financial wellbeing. As our next Oakland County Treasurer, I will focus our office's efforts on aggressively addressing the financial needs of our taxpayers. For Oakland County's continued success, we need our families to remain in their homes. We need to help them navigate their financial challenges. We need innovative policy solutions to rise to myriad challenges. We need to leverage the philanthropic and corporate community in Oakland County to forge partnerships to meet the growing challenges. That is why my plan to implement public-private partnerships to create small business and homeowner relief funds will go a long way in helping people who are facing hardships.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My proven track record as an elected state representative, along with my experience as a licensed life and health insurance agent, and as treasurer for our multi-community coalition, positions me best to serve as the next County Treasurer. I love helping people, and that is why I am in public service. I believe our treasurer should be accessible, reliable, and trustworthy. These are all traits that I have exhibited as a state representative. During my six years of representing southern Oakland County in the Michigan House of Representatives, I've led on many public policy issues important to Oakland County families. The tens of thousands of residents I represent have seen my proactive outreach and my office's responsiveness. This strong track record of public service complements my private sector experience. Having been raised in Oakland County helped shape me into the person I am today. As a current homeowner, husband, and father of young children in Oakland County, I'm committed to strengthening the quality of life for all residents throughout the county.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
The Oakland County Treasurer is the banker for the county with a budget of approximately $922 million. With a budget that size, it is important to have an administrator of the office who has a proven track record of trustworthy and transparent leadership. I have put in the work on the Financial Services, Insurance, Tax, and Financial Liability Reform committees in the state legislature. I have introduced and passed many pieces of legislation that help everyday Michiganders. I have proven as a State Representative that I can juggle the many constituent and scheduling demands on top of enacting and influencing policy impacting everyone across the state. My ability to work across the aisle and build coalitions is one of the best indicators as to why I will be able to handle the job.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
There are numerous steps the government can take to bolster economic recovery for local businesses, including supporting businesses directly and by supporting workers and families during and after the health crisis. One example is a bill that I introduced, House Bill 5199 (as part of a package of bills), which creates the Microenterprise Businesses Act for Michigan-based businesses with five or fewer employees and provides them with no-interest loans. Ensuring people get unemployment benefits helps, too, because people then have money to spend on local businesses. But the most important thing that can be done is to get us to the other side of the pandemic. If we return to (as close to) usual as soon as possible, by doing everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19, people will feel safe to spend money and return to normal. Increased consumer spending is the best way to boost the economy.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
I think it’s important to talk about the racism and injustice that is in clear focus right now, as this isn’t a new phenomenon. While we see it in law enforcement, this is a pervasive problem throughout society. In my current capacity as a State Representative, I have cosponsored and strongly supported racial justice and reform legislation in Michigan. My legislative voting record these past six years has demonstrated my longstanding commitment to racial justice. As our next Oakland County Treasurer, I will provide responsive service for each of our municipalities and all of our residents. The staff I hire will reflect the diverse backgrounds of so many who call our county home and I will listen to and raise up the voices and concerns of the marginalized. We, as leaders and elected officials, need to give everyone what they need, by asking them what they need, not just telling them what they should have.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
My platform consists of many ideas, including fighting for the financial security and well-being of every resident in the county and ensuring that people are able to stay and thrive in our neighborhoods. I believe an effective public servant should be both fiscally responsible and socially conscious. That is why I'll be a compassionate steward of resources for all residents across the county. I will actively engage with residents facing financial challenges to help address their needs and set them up with plans to prevent foreclosure. I will work to help recruit new businesses while supporting existing ones. I will also leverage the county's relationships in the private sector to implement public-private partnerships creating small business/homeowner relief funds. Finally, I will work tirelessly to maintain our AAA bond rating. Our taxpayers work hard for the money they earn; we want our county dollars to be invested wisely and we want the best rates on public bonds. Our communities & school districts benefit from our rating, directly contributing to our strong quality of life.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’ve always been up to the challenge in Lansing as a state representative, taking on big issues such as:
- Pushing for tax fairness in Michigan
- Creating a new state retirement savings program
- Working with our local and county officials to make sure our residents’ needs are met
I love helping people, and that is why I am in public service. My experience has helped me to develop the skills needed to serve as our next Oakland County Treasurer. Thank you for your consideration!