To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. We will share responses as they are submitted. Stay tuned to become acquainted with your local legislative leaders.

With strong support for the business community, Charley Coss is seeking election as a Kalamazoo County Commissioner to represent District 10. “Our county is growing, and we need a partner for the business community, not an adversary. As a small business person, I will include all stakeholders, including businesses large and small. We need a new team to lead the commission,” said Charley. If elected, Charley’s main priorities would include supporting law enforcement and first responders; prioritizing and protecting seniors and vulnerable populations; partnering with the business community; and supporting veterans; improving budgeting, including following through on audit recommendations. In addition to the policy-focused questions, Charley also shared with us that his favorite movie is “The Producers,” directed by Mel Brooks, and that he enjoys fish and chips. Meet Charley.

NAME
Charley Coss

AFFILIATION
Republican

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 10

EMAIL
charley@votecoss.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
Our County Commission is dysfunctional and mismanaged. Our County is growing and we need a partner for the business community, not an adversary. As a small business person, I will include all stakeholders, including businesses large and small. We need a new team to lead the commission.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

• Support our law enforcement and first responders.
• Prioritize and protect seniors and our vulnerable populations.
• Partner with our business community—pro-jobs.
• Support our veterans.
• Better budgeting, including following through on audit recommendations.

Times are unique and need unique thinking.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?

We need to get back to basics and follow the core responsibilities of the County government. Reviewing the current audits and recommendations will be a good start. We will need a team approach to move many of the necessary changes forward, this will require working across the aisle with all commissioners. We can do this if we have the will.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

We know one of the most important single items in a business’s decision to expand or relocate is the potential regulatory burden. I would suggest reviewing and removing or reducing unnecessary regulations providing opportunities for job growth and capital reinvestment. These are the basics of leadership. We can do better.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

“Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

FAVORITE MOVIE GENRE

“The Producers” directed by Mel Brooks.

FAVORITE BOOK

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” by John le Carré.

FAVORITE FOOD

Fish & Chips.

The General Election will be held on November 3. Charley Coss is seeking this seat as a Republican.