A graduate of Salem High School, Dalton has been an active body in local politics. He points to his appointment by Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey to the city's human resources commission, and his position as a party delegate.
Metro Times: Why are you interested in running for Wayne County Executive?
John Dalton:I am running because the citizens of Wayne County are sick and tired of the culture of corruption that has been able to thrive under my opponent Bob Ficano. If elected, I will bring truth, transparency, and trust to the Office of the County Executive.
MT:The county has an accumulated $175 million budget deficit. Is there a way to address that and avoid the risk of insolvency?
JD: I will address this issue by forming a fiscal stability committee made up of non-paid individuals from the business and financial sectors to come up with a debt elimination plan. Financial stability in Wayne County is not only vital for its residents, but it is also vital for attracting much need business growth.
MT:Do you have any ideas as to how the city can cut costs or raise additional revenue?
JD: We need to reinvent our county government to be more efficient. With efficiency comes savings. Oakland County is a shining example of efficient government in action. L. Brooks Patterson knows his stuff. We also need to eliminate non-essential appointed positions, privatize some county functions, switch younger workers to a 401(k) system, and raise the retirement age for new county employees.
MT: Is there any aspect of the incumbent’s record that you believe are commendable accomplishments?
JD: I must say I am a fan of Bob’s techni-colored tie he wears to events.
MT: Do you have any criticisms of the incumbent and how his administration has ran?
JD: I feel like a mosquito at a nudist colony. I don't know where to start. The jail, the pension scandal, staffer going to jail for taxpayer funded hair plugs, the severance scandal…you pick what is worse.
MT:If current plans with Bedrock Real Estate Services to redevelop the downtown Wayne County Jail site fall through, how would you address the failed project?
JD: This project is a total disaster. We could turn it into a haunted house for halloween. Honestly though, there are so many ideas for what to do. The first step is to re-look at the entire project and make a decision that will benefit the taxpayers.
MT: The incumbent has indicated the downriver wastewater treatment facilities could be sold to compensate for the budget deficit. Would you support the move?
JD: This might be a solution, but there are also other options that should be looked at first.
MT: What have you done personally or professionally to help advance regional cooperation, or other significant causes?
JD: In the City of Livonia, I serve the citizens as a Commissioner on the Human Relations Commission. We have done a lot lately with the subject of human trafficking in Wayne County. I personally, along with other local and state officials, have been doing a lot to promote ways on combatting this form of modern day slavery.
MT: Would you support the creation of a regional water authority to oversee the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department? If not, why?
JD: YES! YES! YES!
MT: A number of communities in Wayne County have either faced the prospect of emergency management, or have seen Lansing appoint one to handle their finances. What are your thoughts about the current emergency manager law, PA 436?
JD: Government needs to get its act together. If it can’t, someone has to fix it. This act does exactly that. For far too long government has been able to tax and spend, spend, spend. Spending way more than you have is just fiscally wrong.
MT: What’s your favorite book and movie about politics?
JD: “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand [book], and “The Campaign” with Will Ferrell [movie]
MT: What’s the best restaurant to dine at in Wayne County?
JD: Slows BBQ all the way, bro.
MT: What did we miss? Anything you’d like to touch on?
JD: Wayne County need #truth, #transparency, and #trust. That is exactly what I have given you here in this Q and A. Not the canned responses my opponents gave you. #VoteDalton
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