The Wayne County Commission is the legislative body of the Wayne County Government.

The county is divided into 15 districts. The residents from each district elect a Commissioner every two years, to represent their best interests at the County level. The role of the Commissioner is to legislate county ordinances and set the county’s budget. The Jurisdiction of the County Commission is divided into 8 major areas, and each commissioner based on their experience and priorities are assigned to serve on any combination of the 8 committees; Audit, Economic Development, Environment Drains and Sewers, Government Operations, Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Judiciary, and Homeland Security, Public Services, and Ways and Means. The Commissioners study and research the issues that pertain to their assigned committees, and bring their recommendations before the Committee of the Whole for discussion and debate. Once all the Commissioners have had the opportunity to learn about an issue, discuss and debate it, the committee will take their input, answer their questions, and make a recommendation to the full board for approval.

Making the right public policy and budget decisions pertaining to all services and initiatives that fall within the County’s jurisdiction are important. Diane is committed to bringing efficiency of government processes, and will work diligently to bring integrity, fiscal responsibility and accountability to Wayne County Government.

The budget is allocated to fund the County’s operations, initiatives, and the programs and services that it provides to our residents. The fact that Wayne County leads the nation in unemployment and foreclosures is one of Diane’s primary concerns. “We need economic development to create jobs, reduce foreclosures and prevent blight. Unemployment, foreclosures and blight reduce property values, and tax revenues, and increase public service and public safety expenses. Falling revenues and increased expenses along with reduced state funding have created a 34 million dollar deficit in the county budget.” Diane is interested in serving on the County Commission’s Economic Development Committee to research, study and promote projects that make sense for Wayne County; projects that will serve the needs of the community and create jobs. “Gainful employment is what the residents of this county need first; it is the lack of employment opportunities that has created the ripple effect of increased foreclosures, blight, and crime. Drawing investors to the county is the first step we need to take if we are going to turn our economy around.”

The financial burden created by joblessness, begins the downward spiral and reduces monies the county has to fund critical services; 10% cuts to the Health and Human Services provided to seniors, veterans, children and the disabled have already been proposed. Diane is interested in serving on the Health and Human Services Committee to preserve county funded programs that severely impact the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable and deserving residents.

Diane is an advocate for fairness; every taxpayer in Wayne County contributes to the monies allocated for Roads and Park and Recreation Facilities, therefore, these funds need to be distributed fairly. She is ready to fight for your fair share of Road Funds and Park Millage dollars.

As your County Commissioner, Diane will work diligently to drive economic development, protect health and human services, retain public safety and ensure fair distribution of Road and Park Millage dollars for all the communities in the 9^th district.