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 Mike Quinn.

Following his time in Vietnam as a Marine, Mike Quinn chose a life of productivity and service and is looking to continue that by running for Kalamazoo County Commission to represent District 10. Mike’s goals as Commissioner would include helping people who need help the most, taking care of the County’s financial stability and infrastructure, and building resilience in our community. “Each year, Commissioners as a board work with the administration to set a budget, roughly $100 million. How we allocate the resources available is actually the expression of our goals. We set policies and appoint or hire the best people we can get to do the work.” Mike also shared he gets energy from Irish music with his favorite song being “Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile,” and his favorite meal includes steak, morels, and a Two Hearted Ale. Meet Mike Quinn.

NAME
Mike Quinn

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 10

AFFILIATION
Democrat

EMAIL
mikedquinn@sbcglobal.net

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

I joined the Marines in 1966. To my surprise, I made it back in one piece after a tour in Vietnam, and in gratitude, chose productivity and service as lifetime goals. I served in the Peace Corps, Nicaragua 1975-77. I am greatly honored to be serving on the County Commission.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE.

My priorities are:

• To help the people here who need help the most.
• To take care of our County’s financial stability and infrastructure.
• To build resilience in our community.

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

Each year, Commissioners as a board work with the administration to set a budget, roughly $100 million. How we allocate the resources available is actually the expression of our goals. We set policies and appoint or hire the best people we can get to do the work.

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

I’m a small business owner and a member of the Workforce Development Committee. We must focus on facilitating recovery from COVID-19 as well as economic growth. Different problems require different approaches. Here, we’re blessed with lots of innovators, and we’ll thrive if we stay alert for the best ideas and opportunities.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
Irish music: “Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile” energizes me!

FAVORITE BOOK
“Quality, Productivity, and Competitive Position” by Dr. W.E. Deming.

FAVORITE MOVIE
“The Guard” (2011), starring Brendan Gleeson.

FAVORITE FOOD
Steak, morels, and Two Hearted Ale!

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