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. Today, meet Keshia Dickason.

Based on a deep longing to make a change in the community to impact the greater good, Keshia Dickason is running for Kalamazoo County Commission to represent District 9. “I know that we are stronger together and making sure that we as a community work effectively together will be the most important thing that we can do as leaders.” As County Commissioner representing Texas Township and Oshtemo, Keshia’s main priorities would include maintaining a healthy community, protecting our environment, and ensuring responsible redevelopment. In addition to the policy-focused questions, Keshia shared that her favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and the food she most enjoys is chicken noodle soup and a turkey sandwich. Meet Keshia Dickason.

NAME
Keshia Dickason

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 9

AFFILIATION
Democrat

EMAIL
Keshia.Dickason@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
My motivation for running for office comes from a deep longing for me to make a change in the community for the greater good of the people. I know that we are stronger together and making sure that we as a community work effectively together will be the most important thing that we can do as leaders.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE.
My top three priorities for seeking the office of county commissioner for District 9 Texas Township and Oshtemo are:

• Maintaining a healthy community.
• Protecting our environment.
• Ensuring responsible redevelopment.

If I am selected as County Commissioner, I hope to accomplish unity and positive communication between all County Board members as well as the community.

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

In my role as District Manager for the Michigan Senate in the office of Senator McCann, I have learned how to work and assist other offices to make sure that our constituents are well represented and given the correct information they need to be successful. I will continue to utilize these goals that I use in my current role as District Manager for Senator McCann’s 20th Senate District Office. Our Senate and government offices work together daily to help constituents, and these are the same skills and talents that I will bring as County Commissioner. I am a leader in the community who stands for the people and will continue to be the voice of the people to make our community safe, healthy, and prosperous while in this office.

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

The growth of the economy comes from the leaders and community members. Leaders and stakeholders have to use strategic plans and well-thought-out budgets to make sure that the growth of the economy is successful. I will encourage others in the community to buy locally and support local and small business owners. Encouraging community-wide small business fairs will also bring awareness to our community and help others to support those businesses that may go unnoticed.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
“Hope” by Emeli Sandé.

FAVORITE BOOK
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

FAVORITE MOVIE
Romance. Comedy. My favorite movie is “Meet The Parents.”

FAVORITE FOOD
My favorite food is chicken noodle soup and a turkey sandwich.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The General Election will be held on November 3. Keshia Dickason is seeking this seat as a Democrat.