Dave Coulter, Running for Oakland County Executive
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: Dave Coulter
Running for Oakland County Executive
Incumbent? Incumbent (2019-current), Mayor of Ferndale (2010-2019), Oakland County Commissioner (2002-2010).
I am seeking re-election for Oakland County Executive to continue implementing my Administration’s strategic plan for Oakland County’s future. The approach I have is to build on what is going well in our County and address challenges that exist to ensure a thriving future for all residents. That starts with fiscal responsibility and a deep focus on economic development and a skilled workforce. Two of my premier initiatives are seeing success. Oakland 80 – a goal to have 80% of our residents with a post-secondary degree or industry credential helped thousands of adults and is now expanding to high school students. Project Diamond – bringing 3D printers and lower manufacturing costs to small businesses who are now equipped to compete into the future. We must also address the issues holding families back so some of my top priority issues are: creating livable neighborhoods that are safe and have affordable housing options, advancing a sustainable future through clean water initiatives, expanding public transit options in all parts of the county, and ensuring access to mental health services to all residents.
Campaign Contact Info
(810) 516-3595 - Melanie Hartman, campaign coordinator
[email protected]
Facebook: DavidCoulterOakland
Twitter/X: dwcoulter
Instagram: davidcoulter_oc
Candidate background
Education:
Michigan State University- Bachelors of Arts in Social Science and Education.
Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett Foundation LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow- Executive Education Certificate.
Professional experience:
Oakland County Commissioner (2019-current),
Mayor of Ferndale (2010-2019),
Oakland County Commissioner (2002-2010)
Executive Director Michigan AIDS Fund
VP of External Relations for Children's Foundation of Michigan
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
I have served as an openly gay elected official since I entered public service as a county commissioner, as Mayor of Ferndale and now as County Executive. I served as Executive Director of the Michigan Aids Fund, and I am consistently active with the LGBTQ+ community.
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
My administration's vision for Oakland County is to be a healthy, safe and thriving place where everyone is valued, quality of life is high, and economic opportunity abounds. Moving toward that vision requires a multi-faceted approach to address challenges and opportunities; to that end, we have established a strategic framework with specific goals (https://www.friendsofdavecoulter.com). Three of those key priorities are increasing the percentage of residents with post-secondary training or education to 80%; building affordable housing through public-private partnerships and moving resident renters to homeownership; and expanding transit in every community in Oakland County.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I am currently serving as the Oakland County Executive and seeking re-election to continue implementing my Administration’s strategic plan for Oakland County’s future. I preserved the County’s AAA bond rating (the highest fiscal rating available), made critical investments in the economy of the future, especially our small businesses, and have taken steps to ensure our residents have the skills and education to lead the innovation revolution. I initiated the largest investment in mental health services in county history which is helping students, seniors and first responders, started a new program to erase medical debt for eligible families and a Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing development in all parts of our county. As a former Mayor and county commissioner, I understand the importance of working across party lines and building consensus to address pressing issues. I also believe government must be transparent, ethical and easily accessible to the residents it serves.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
I am a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and as County Executive I have ensured that county departments are reaching out to our community and providing services that meet the needs of the community.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
I support transgender rights and am an advocate for transgender equality. I have been an ardent and vocal supporter for all aspects of transgender rights, equality and safety, and I have made gender identity non-discrimination a clear priority when I served as Mayor of Ferndale and now, as Oakland County Executive. We have fully and intentionally advanced equity in housing, health services, and public safety with respect to the trans community, and we are particularly mindful and focused on the very vulnerable community of Black trans women.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
My Administration brought together the community to create a Blueprint to End Homelessness which we are implementing across the county.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
I support the right of women to make their own health care decisions. When former President Trump cut funding for Planned Parenthood, I stepped in and ensured they had the resources to continue providing critical family planning services. Our county health clinics now provide family planning services including birth control.
How do you feel about drag queens?
I support the right of all members of the LGBTQ community to express themselves including the advocacy, empathy and entertainment that is part of the drag queen experience.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
No.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
Yes.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
Whether in our housing department, our workforce department, our veterans department or our health care department - county government is focused on helping people who are struggling financially. We have programs in place to provide emergency assistance, and to help residents on the path to financial independence.
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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