Macomb County’s first and only County Executive faces a former long-time county commissioner in his bid to continue serving his fourth four-year term.
Democrat Mark Hackel is being challenged by former Republican commissioner Nicholyn “Nikki” Brandenburg in his re-election attempt in Tuesday’s general election.
Hackel was elected in 2010 and began serving in 2011 after county voters in 2009 approved a charter with an executive form of government.
Brandenburg was known for her conservative views as a minority on the majority Democratic board when it was composed of 26 commissioners before being trimmed to 13. She spent 18 years on the larger body.
Hackel, whose father, William, served as the county sheriff for many years, was elected sheriff in 2000 and served through 2010.
The county executive will earn $175,061 next year.
Following are each of the two candidates’ profiles and answers to questions submitted by The Macomb Daily.
DEMOCRAT
Mark A. Hackel, 60, of Macomb Township
Family: Married to Tracie Hackel
Years/terms in current elected position: 12 yrs. – 3 terms
Past elected offices held: Macomb County Sheriff 2001 – 2010
Occupation(s)/job(s), current and past: Macomb County Executive 2011 – Current; Macomb County Sheriff’s Office 1981 – 2010: 2001 – 2010 Sheriff; 1997 – 2000 Captain, Division Commander, Investigations, Patrol; 1994 – 1997 Lieutenant, Administration, Road Patrol; 1992 – 1994 Sergeant, Training Division, Marine Division; 1989 – 1992 Corporal, Road Patrol, Communications, Training; 1983 – 1989 Deputy Sheriff, Road/Marine Patrol, Traffic Bureau, Jail; 1981 – 1983 Dispatcher.
Other Work Experience: College Professor, Wayne State University, Macomb Community College , ITT Technical Institute; Public Academy Instructor, Macomb Criminal Justice Training Center; Advanced Police Training Instructor, Macomb Criminal Justice Training Center
Education/degree: Masters of Science Administration Degree, May 1996, Central Michigan University – Public Administration; Bachelors of Arts Degree, December 1991, Wayne State University; Criminal Justice Certificate; University of Virginia – Criminal Justice, December 1994; Graduate, Sterling Heights High School, June 1980
1. Why should voters elect you over your opponent?
Simply put – successful experience. During the past 12 years, Macomb County has continued to grow and prosper. Population is at an all-time high, County budgets have been balanced every year, businesses are expanding, and public health and safety is a top priority. These are only a few of the reasons that nearly 900,000 people have chosen to Make Macomb Their Home.
2. – What are the county’s priorities for the next four years?
The County will strive to maintain the momentum of the past 12 years. Creating economic, educational, social, and cultural opportunities for our residents and protecting their physical and emotional wellbeing will remain among our top priorities. Public safety and public health will receive added investment, as will our commitment to environmental and infrastructure improvements. Finally, we are deeply committed to maintaining integrity and transparency in government and providing reasons why people should be proud to say they live in Macomb.
3. – How should the county spend its $170 million in American Rescue Plan funds and should the county spend down its $100 million projected 2023 budget surplus? If so, how should surplus funds be spent?
In order to avoid a financial crisis down the road, we have to understand that one-time money like ARP has to be spend on one-time projects. In addition, the top priority should be to allocate the money to projects that have no other source of funding. Given these best practices, while not finalized, preliminary plans call for the County to use the funds to enhance public safety, public health, mental health, environmental protection, and infrastructure repairs and replacement. We must remember that every municipality in the County received ARP funds. Therefore, I am not recommending that any County ARP funds be given to outside organizations.
4. What is the status of the relationship between the executive and Board of Commissioners and should it be improved, and, if so, how?
The relationship between the Executive Office and the Commission is excellent. The Executive Office sends literally hundreds of items to the Board for approval every year and only a fraction of one percent ever become controversial. Unfortunately, it is that handful of items that become the headlines that can give the public a false impression of the good work that is being done. Situations can always be improved, but the public has the right to be very proud of the good work that is being done by its County elected officials.
REPUBLICAN
Nicholyn Brandenburg, 76, Macomb Township
Family: Children, Leonard and Jessica; Great Grand Children, Troy, Aria, Jaiden, and one on the way.
Years/terms in current elected position: None
Past elected offices held: Macomb County Commissioner, 9 terms, 18 years.
Occupation(s)/job(s), current and past: McLaren Macomb (St. Joseph Hospital), Laboratory Supervisor, Macomb County Commissioner.
Education/degree: Graduated from Utica High School. Attended Elkhart University Indiana and earned a degree as a Medical Technologist.
1. Why should voters elect you over your opponent(s)?
I enjoy helping and working with people. As Macomb County Executive I would implement zero based budgeting, work on lowering taxes for Macomb County Residents, establish a business platform to attract business to Macomb, ensuring a lucrative job market, fight crime and corruption at every level, with an emphasis on neighborhood watch programs, eliminate needless lawsuits between other government officials, and fight to ensure the only water bill you pay is your own.
2. What are the county’s priorities for the next four years?
Lower Taxes, Bring Back Businesses, Establish Infrastructure bridge and road plan
3. How should the county spend its $170 million in American Rescue Plan funds and should the county spend down its $100 million projected 2023 budget surplus? If so, how should surplus funds be spent?
No nonsense government, no pay to play, but hard work dedicated to help schools produce a workforce that large corporations will rush to employ. I would establish a fortune 500 group similar as we had in the 90s to mentor entrepreneurs and we would work Together to bring back Macomb business. A total audit of the department would be my first priority and the results would be shared with the board of commissioners since that has not been done and is in litigation. I don’t think our criminal justice system needs recalled catch and release is not working and only puts a strain on our police doing nothing to reinforce them criminals need time to reflect on their life and decide to change. I would allow the time spent to reflect the crime I would evaluate prisoner needs medically emotionally. I would use proven programs without drugs. They need to take the initiative to change and we would allow them the time spent to reflect the crime committed, We would create a program to evaluate prisoner needs medically emotionally physically
4. What is the status of the relationship between the executive and Board of Commissioners and should it be improved, and, if so, how?
The current relationship is strained and is non-transparent. Most questions go unanswered, and attorneys are called upon with several open litigations. I would work with all parties to resolve any problems and answer any questions without litigation and lawsuits. I would work towards a more transparent agenda.
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