Jason M. Davidson

ng businesses in our township – it takes more than a “ribbon-cutting” to make that happen. Over the past two decades, the township has allowed the Groesbeck and Gratiot corridor to become a dumping ground for storage facilities, pawnshops, and used car dealers, not to mention abandoned, run-down buildings that in some cases need to be condemned. I will work to implement an ordinance that allows the township to take action on these buildings instead of watching the endless decay. Plans: We need to implement a real ethics ordinance in this township that removes real or perceived conflicts of interest, such as receiving large donations from the township attorney, auditor, or those with contracts with the township. As we have witnessed, these donations can very well lead to corruption, and I find it concerning that it has been such a battle with the current board to implement such an ordinance/policy in this township, which leads to more questions/concerns. I will work with the new board to overhaul the current ordinance to provide clarity, substance, and transparency. In the past few years, we have seen the township operate without a valid master plan (that is required) and the DDA TIF expire, which setback nearly two decades of progress for the south Gratiot corridor, yet the township hasn’t held anyone accountable – not even the elected officials. We are human, and we make mistakes, but these mistakes have damaged our township. What is your background and how will it help you serve as Township Supervisor? After high school, I worked a full-time job and two part-time jobs to work my way through college, so I have the grit, work ethic, and determination to work hard for our township. My professional career began in accounting before moving up quickly through the organization in human resources, information technology, and management before becoming the Director of Finance & Business Operations. During this time, I helped lead and grow an organization, increasing revenue 10x, and adding jobs before leaving to start a partnership with a team of respected business professionals. After selling my partnership I returned to my passion for helping cultivate business in two organizations serving business development, and now as a Business Manager for a small company focusing on improving business, increasing jobs, and maintaining the sustainability of the company. As an elected official for the Clintondale Board of Education, I joined the board to lead the cleanup of the destruction left in the wake of the corruption caused by the former Superintendent (Contesti) and his co-conspirators and a Board that allowed oversight and accountability to be ignored. This corruption plummeted the district into a financial deficit, declining enrollment, and to the verge of collapse – sadly many of these individuals are still connected with the township and are attempting a return to control in Clintondale. Through my leadership, we were able to erase the deficit, establish a fund balance and stabilize enrollment. I served four years on the Macomb County School Boards Association, including a term as the Chairman becoming the youngest person to serve in the role. I am well respected among school leaders in the region as I have established connections in schools from Monroe to Genesee. What are the primary issues facing the Township and how would you address them if elected? We need to implement a real ethics ordinance in this township that removes real or perceived conflicts of interest, such as receiving large donations from the township attorney, auditor, or those with contracts with the township. What is the role of citizens in the decision-making process? Citizens must be viewed and treated as partners in the decision-making process; although we are elected to represent the community, we need their input on areas being considered by the township as they have a different perspective, information, and knowledge that is important in coming to the best decision for the township as a whole. As a School Board leader, I proposed and pushed for the passage of a stronger public participation policy that seeks input not only on items before the board but any item that should be brought to the board's attention. As Supervisor, I will work to further improve the input by citizens on important matters to ensure that we are truly engaging our community.