ABOUT
PARKER
VAN VOORHEES
Hi, I'm Parker
BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
I am running for Ingham County Commissioner District 12 because I am determined to make a positive impact in our community. I'm a true son of East Lansing, a proud product of East Lansing Public Schools and a lifelong resident. After graduating from Allegheny College with a B.A. Double Major in Environmental Studies and Political Science, I returned home with the intention of helping to further the interests of Michigan. Having studied both fields intensely, I have a strong understanding of implementing effective policies and how important it is to safeguard the environment by strengthening local ordinances at a county level. I was a Field Organizer on the One Campaign for Michigan as well as Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin’s political campaigns, worked on potable water solutions for the Michigan Environmental Council and created environmental studies for a local organization. I am very aware of the community's public issues and concerns. I am a naturally creative leader with innovative ideas to share that will help improve the area for all of us!
VISION FOR THE DISTRICT
* ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Actively court new business development and encourage economic diversity using incentives and establishing a recruiting task force specifically to identify businesses willing to relocate or start satellite locations in Ingham County. We need to retain our best and brightest, and create new opportunities for all residents.
* MENTAL HEALTH
Establish a new in-patient mental health facility that will combat addiction. This is needed to alleviate our already over-burdened first responders and provide more resources than is currently available from our out-patient rehab facilities.
* POLLUTANT CHEMICALS
Create and support a research-based task force to look at pollutant chemicals and PFAS ('forever chemicals") in our community. Currently there are at least three PFAS contaminated sites in Ingham County and they need to be addressed.
* CLIMATE CHANGE
Increase public awareness about potential natural disasters, which will be increasing in severity as we transition deeper into climate change. We should be partnering with our universities and colleges in Michigan to collaborate with new ideas for combating climate change. By using the latest research and technologies, along with innovative strategies and techniques to tackle our climate problems of the future, we can better protect our county.
* TRANSPARENCY
Insist on complete transparency for the public regarding decisions made for county business. Citizens should know how the county is spending money. I will be a discerning voice and ask the important questions before decisions are finalized.
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WHY VOTE FOR ME?
I believe it's important to bring in new ideas and new solutions to old issues. With my background, I have an excellent grasp on understanding both how the county government works and the steps needed to get projects completed. Being able to build a coalition is extremely important, both across governmental and public sector channels. Through working with our local governments we can accomplish greater projects through state-county-city collaboration. I have the organizational skills, creativity and collaborative personality that allows me to be forward-thinking and help create projects that can push our county to be a leader for the rest of Michigan.
MISSION STATEMENT
Accountability, Collaboration and Integrity
My mission is to help Ingham County thrive. There are so many areas that need to be changed and addressed. By fostering collaboration and embracing new ideas, I hope to inspire positive change and build a better tomorrow for all.
Everyone should have the opportunity to flourish.