Oakland County Water Resources commissioner files for re-election

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch recently filed for re-election to a fourth, four year term as the county's chief environmental steward, an elected position he has held since 2001. As Water Resources commissioner, McCulloch oversees a $200 million operating and maintenance budget and a staff of 220 employees. In his tenure as Water Resources commissioner, formerly called the drain commissioner, McCulloch has spearheaded efforts to change the governance of the Detroit Water and Sewage Department. This change has given Oakland County and the surrounding counties proper representation on the governing water board. With this historic change in governance, Oakland County rate payers have a voice at the table to protect their interests in the future governance of the department. Under McCulloch's leadership, the water resources commissioner's office has become a national leader in the rapidly growing field of new emerging water technologies. His program called H2Opportunities seeks out innovative companies here and abroad providing field-testing of their innovations to determine if they will work in real-world situations. Emerging water technologies hold great promise for meeting the challenges presented by aging infrastructures, high operating costs, water quality and legacy pollutants issues. These technologies also have the potential to create new jobs and bring new economic investment to Oakland County. "While I am proud of my record as Water Resources Commissioner, there is much more I would like to accomplish to ensure that Oakland County's waterways remain clean and safe for drinking, swimming, fishing and other recreational activities," McCulloch said as he filed re-election documents with the Oakland County Clerk's office. "I along with my talented team of water management professionals are committed to leaving behind a legacy of improved water quality, efficient and cost effective water system management and a vibrant, healthy ecology model that will adequately serve the needs of future generations." McCulloch's achievements in office include: * Streamlining the regulatory process and reduced staff by 20%. * Improved customer satisfaction ratings annually . * Founding the Great Lakes Guardians program featuring the "Dirt Doctors," an environmentally-focused presentation designed to teach children individual responsibility in keeping waterways clean and unpolluted. * Developing a multi-year balanced budget that has helped Oakland County maintain its prized AAA bond rating. * Implementing the Collaborative Asset Management System(CAMS) which has streamlined operational processes to make the department more efficient. McCulloch was recently appointed to the Environmental Advisory Rules Committee, initiated by Governor Rick Snyder, a key component of the new Office of Regulatory Reinvention. Prior to his election as Oakland County Water Resources commissioner in 2000, McCulloch served on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for a decade, the last five years as chairman. He is a certified public accountant and earned his law degree from the Detroit College of Law. Before entering the political arena, McCulloch established his own accounting firm. McCulloch is president of the Michigan Association of Counties Service Corporation and serves as vice chairman of the Oakland County Parks & Recreation Commission; treasurer of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners and treasurer of Michigan Protection and Advocacy, Inc., a statewide organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities. Over the years, McCulloch has been honored with several environmental awards and served on several international panels that were involved in exploring water quality issues. In addition, he has authored numerous published articles on the topic of water quality. Published: Tue, Jan 24, 2012