I graduated from Walled Lake Central High School and earned my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Western Michigan University. I have been a software engineer for 20 years, spending 7 of those years in Silicon Valley, primarily working for small tech startups (20 or less people). I bought my first home in West Bloomfield 5 years ago that sits on a beautiful wooded lot that is like living Up North. Over half my property is protected by our township's Woodlands Ordinance.
I will bring a new and fresh voice to the township board with my background in engineering and technology, a topic that frequently comes up. The board is lacking someone with a background like mine with a hard science degree, engineering, and technology. I will know the right questions to ask that will make for more robust board discussions and lead to a more informed board as a whole.
A) Public Safety: I want to support our police and first responders to safeguard our community, while protecting privacy and our civil rights. In 2023, the township board voted 4-2 to install AI-powered Flock cameras around the township. Some of these are even directly outside residents' homes. I believe this mass surveillance network is completely unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money, but was sold to our township by lobbyists riding the national downwards trend in crime. But more importantly, I believe it is illegal, unconstitutional, and threatens our civil liberties.
B) Transparency and having an open line of communication available to all residents. When you reach out to someone on the board they owe you a follow-up and response and I will make sure that happens!
C) Preservation: Protect the natural beauty, woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and parks. The one major reason I chose my current home is because of the beautiful woodlands around my home.
first name
Amy MIndell
Address
6147 Pickwood Drive, West Bloomfield MI 48322
I've lived in West Bloomfield for 29 years. We raised our family here, and our children graduated from our public schools. I've always been an active volunteer, including WBHS Senior All-Night Party; Indivisible; Moms Demand Action; EARTH WB; & Juneteenth WB. I helped run a family business for 27 years managing IT, HR, leasing, and marketing. I know what it takes to run a successful organization: teamwork; great customer service; financial oversight and ethical integrity. Appointed to the WB Planning Commission and elected to the Parks Commission, I am familiar with municipal processes and local government. I have my own goals and ideas to bring to the Township, however I understand my role is not only about my issues but to represent constituents as a prepared and thoughtful Board Member. Based on my many years of service to the community I have seen the positive difference that civic engagement makes. I'm running to lead with integrity and accountability, and transparency.
1. Our community is 97% developed. We are a community with an abundance of lakes, wetlands and 3 watersheds, the Clinton, the Huron and the Rouge River. One of my priorities is to protect our waterways, green space and woodlands as we plan for smart, balanced redevelopment. Good stewardship also promotes strong property values.
2. As a member of the Parks Diversity Task Force & interfaith coalitions, I have had the privilege to engage across the rich cultural diversity of West Bloomfield. I will promote strong, inclusive community connections which make us better and safer, and enhance individual well-being.
3. Keeping our community safe is critical. Our highly trained, talented first responders protect every resident, every visitor and every member of our faith-based institutions. I support public safety funding and resources to those who safeguard our community. Additionally, I would provide oversight and policy in line with our core values, civil rights, laws and Constitution.
