Press Release on County Commission Campaign

Tuesday February 23, 2010
(Hazel Park) Craig Covey announced tonight during the Hazel Park City Council meeting that he would be a candidate in the Democratic primary on August 4th 2010 for the 25th district Oakland County Commission. The district, which includes the cities of Ferndale, Hazel Park, and the southern section of Royal Oak in southeast Oakland County, has been represented for the past eight years by David Coulter, who is now running for Michigan State Senate.

Covey has been a member of the Ferndale City Council for the past eleven years, having been elected twice to that council and then twice as mayor. He ran unopposed last year for the mayoral election, racking up 95% of the vote in that city.

He is running on a platform that includes expert fiscal management, smart growth, support for public transit, environmental sustainability and green policies, and support for inclusion for all people and the celebration of diversity. These policies have made him a popular leader in the region.

“These are very tough times for the people of Southeast Michigan, and I relish the challenge of bringing to the entire county the ideas and ways of thinking that have been so successful in the resurgence of the city of Ferndale,” said Covey.

“We’ve shown the region a new way here in Ferndale, and I believe that working together across Oakland County, we can protect and revitalize our cities and towns and restore the greatness that has always been part of the strength of this powerful and important Michigan county,” he added.

Covey will stay in his position as mayor at least until the end of 2010. If he is successful in his commissioner bid, then he would resign as mayor before Jan.1 2011.

Should I Stay or Should I go ?

Late last year, Oakland County Commissioner Dave Coulter announced that he was going to run for the state senate seat for our district currently held by term-limited Senator Gilda Jacobs. Because this election is held at the same time that Dave's county commissioner seat is up, he will be unable to run for re-election for that office. I am very seriously considering running for that Oakland County Commission office, which represents all of Ferndale, all of Hazel Park, and a portion of southern Royal Oak. If so, I would be running this summer for nomination of my party as a Democrat in the primary election this August.

I have had to think long and hard on this decision, because, if I were successful, it would mean that I would have to give up the position of Ferndale mayor at the end of 2010, which I now hold. I was entrusted with that position twice by the voters of Ferndale, and I take that responsibility dearly. But if I can even begin to impart some of the great ideas and success for the whole county that we together have achieved for the City of Ferndale, then I have no choice but to at least consider that road.

In discussions with many community leaders, residents, and friends, I am hearing the same response. They are excited, and supportive, but they also in unanimity express regret or worry that I would no longer be their mayor. That is understandable, and I am humbled by their feelings. But Ferndale is bigger and greater than any particular personality or leader. We made our city the beacon of success that it has become with the hard work of many people, including former mayors, council members, city staff, business leaders, volunteers, and residents. The groundwork has been laid for future greatness.

All of our cities, counties, and even the state itself are in very tough times right now. So wheverever I end up working, I will always stay true to my life long mission of making life better for all people. The location or position may change, but my core beliefs remain the same. Those beliefs include inclusion of all people at the table, regardless of race, age, religion, gender, orientation, income, abilities, or culture. That diversity is not just something to be tolerated, but celebrated and embraced. That we must care for the environment not only for future generations, but because it is our duty to protect our Mother, the Earth. That we must always look for new and smarter ideas, and not be afraid of change. I have also always believed in transparency, honesty, and oversight of frugal spending and the taxpayers resources.

Times are tough right now, but we in Oakland County and all of Michigan are a tough, intelligent, and resilient, hardworking people. We will make it through these challenges and emerge stronger and more successful.

In future writings I will expand on these issues and many others, and will soon decide on my future efforts. In the meantime, I would like to hear your opinions and views. Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.

Ferndale this week is Bluesdale ! FAQ s

The first weekend of the 9th Annual Ferndale Blues Festival is behind us, and it was "all good".
About 25 concerts were held so far, with six more days to go !

FAQ's

How do I get my band in the festival? Each venue selects its own music and talent and does its own booking. Most bands are paid, although some donate their time to the "cause". We can send you a list of the bars, restaurants, and coffeehouses, or you can approach your favorite. There are no rules....You can play in a library, a school, a bar or maybe even on the street !

Are their tickets to buy or cover charges? Most of the events are free or simply accept donations at the door. We provide VIP passes to our corporate sponsors. We raise money for the charities through sponsorships and through donations put in the blind blue piggy banks.

Who gets the money? After expenses are paid for printing, billboards, and supplies, the proceeds go to the Ferndale Youth Assistance and Michigan AIDS Coalition. Both groups are registered not for profits in Michigan and are 501 c 3 tax deductible groups recognized by the IRS.


I dont like to be around smoke...anything for me? Yes, there are multiple smoke free venues each year..including the youth concert at Paramount Bank, Sakana Sushi Lounge, and AJ's Cafe.