Chamber Also Encourages Support for Genesee County Parks, MTA Millages
(FLINT, MICH. – October 14) Today, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee (PPC) announced the endorsement of three Flint Community Schools Board of Education candidates, four Genesee County Board of Commissioners candidates, as well as support for two key ballot initiatives.
“The Flint Community Schools and the Genesee County Commission are important to the future of this region,” said Steve Landaal, President of Landaal Packaging and Co-chair of the Chamber’s PPC. “The candidates we are endorsing show a commitment to the growth and prosperity of Flint & Genesee and care about improving the quality of life for residents. We encourage support for these candidates, as well as support for two key ballot initiatives.”
The following candidate endorsements are the result of a process led by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce PPC:
Flint Board of Education
- Betty Ramsdell – Incumbent
- Blake Strozier – Incumbent
- Kenyetta Dotson
Genesee County Board of Commissioners
- District 1 Councilman Bryant Nolden
- District 2 Commissioner Brenda Clack (incumbent)
- District 3 Commissioner Jamie Curtis (incumbent)
- District 5 Commissioner Mark Young (incumbent)
“I appreciate the way our Public Policy Committee led this process, as well as the effort they put into assessing candidates and proposals for endorsements,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “It is important that we focus on maintaining a good quality of life in the region through our county parks system and through a strong transportation system. These endorsements are meant to serve as a guide for our members and other voters interested in continuing the momentum in Flint & Genesee.”
The candidates endorsed for the Flint Board of Education have a wide range of experience. Incumbent board member Betty Ramsdell is a long-serving member with a background in education and community building. She has served on the school board since 2009. For more than 40 years, Ramsdell served as a high school educator and counselor. She is a graduate of Northern High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Western Michigan University.
Blake Strozier is seeking his second term on the board. As an active member of the community, Strozier serves as an Associate Minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. A graduate of Northern High School, he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Kenyetta Dotson is a community activist and the founder of Wow Community Outreach. She is a graduate of Northwestern High School and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint, as well as a master’s degree from Michigan State University.
The Chamber PPC is comprised of local leaders from business, government and education, as well as representation from the Chamber. They work to identify candidates and initiatives that support the Chamber’s public policy priorities, strengthen the business environment and provide benefit to the community at-large.
The Ballot Initiatives earning the Chamber’s support include:
- Genesee County Parks Replacement Millage
- Mass Transportation Authority New and Additional Millage
The Genesee County Parks Replacement millage will provide the funding to help the state’s largest county park system remain well-maintained and safe. The millage will also provide the funding necessary to improve recreation facilities, protect the parks’ resources and improve playgrounds.
The MTA New and Additional Millage will provide the resources necessary to keep MTA’s fleet maintained and updated. Funding will help the system continue to provide transportation for thousands of Genesee County residents.
According to Landaal, the PPC is supporting a Yes vote for both the Genesee County Parks and the MTA millage. He says each millage helps maintain a strong quality of life in Flint & Genesee, which is important to the growth of the region.
Media contacts:
Elaine Redd
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-1418
Regina Strong, APR
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-1421
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
Serving the community for over 100 years, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is a premier business membership organization unlike most chambers of commerce. In addition to traditional member services, our responsibility includes serving as the lead economic development agency for Flint & Genesee, marketing tourism, youth and business training, and a Shared Services Center.
Collaboration is one of our core strengths. To affect real and lasting change, inclusiveness and collaboration are keys to success. We form partnerships with private businesses, education and governmental agencies at the local, state and federal levels, as well as grant-making foundations to fuel economic growth and bring positive change to the region. For more information, visit www.flintandgenesee.org. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.