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 Monteze Morales.

In an effort to foster a more diverse and equitable community, Monteze Morales is running for Kalamazoo County Commissioner to represent District 2. “My candidacy represents the beginning of a new approach to county operations—an approach that prioritizes the most underserved and underrepresented in District 2.” As the County Commissioner representing District 2, Monteze’s top priorities would include illuminating serious issues that affect our county and can be solved at the County Board level, such as flooding, equity and inclusion, and housing assistance. Monteze also shared with us a few of her favorite campaign songs including “Imagine” by John Lennon, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, “God Favored Me” by Hezekiah Walker, and “Roses” by Megan McNeal. She is also always ready for her Abuelita’s arroz con pollo with beans and pasteles. Meet Monteze.

NAME
Monteze Morales

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 2

AFFILIATION
Democrat

EMAIL
montezemorales5@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
I believe that Kalamazoo County can foster a more diverse and equitable community, but this work must begin at the county board-level. My candidacy represents the beginning of a new approach to county operations—an approach that prioritizes the most underserved and underrepresented in District 2.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE.
My top priorities for this campaign will be to illuminate serious issues that affect our county and can be solved at the county board level, including county flooding, equity and inclusion, and housing assistance.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?
We’re looking at implementing a number of solutions, including setting a hard date for Intervention Operations for the high flooding levels in Kalamazoo County, a flood repair rebate program, and a strategic funding model to reduce PFAS levels in the Kalamazoo drinking water. Additionally, I will be looking to extend the period for the new “affordable housing tax” in order to ensure that (1) the county is successfully operating within the terms of this affordable housing contract and (2) that residents are given ample opportunity to take advantage of the program.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?
Increasing opportunities for home ownership is guaranteed to stimulate our economy, and the research supports this. It’s actually very simple: if we take care of our citizens on the “front-end”—housing, healthcare, infrastructure, diversity—we’ll reap long-term benefits that will stimulate our economy and ensure higher levels of economic success for generations to come.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
“Imagine” by John Lennon, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, “God Favored Me” by Hezekiah Walker, and “Roses” by Megan McNeal.

FAVORITE BOOK
I think Lin-Manuel [Miranda] did a pretty good job of arguing those points, to tell the truth. But my favorite book is “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

FAVORITE MOVIE
I love a good romance movie—although I wouldn’t call myself a romantic! That being said, my favorite movie of all time is definitely “The Color Purple.”

FAVORITE FOOD
One thing I always have a taste for is my Abuelita’s arroz con pollo with beans and pasteles. Keep my drink at room temperature too, please!

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