Patrick Lindemann for Drain Commissioner

Background:

I grew up in Lansing where I served 12 years on the city council. During that time I was also a small business owner. I attended LCC and later earned my Bachelor of Science from MSU in Resource Development. I have served as the Ingham County Drain Commissioner since 1993.

Goals:

I am running so that I may continue serving Ingham County residents by continuing to protect natural resources, create opportunities for sustainable eco-friendly development and spearhead innovative water management projects throughout the county.

Issues:

1) Protecting our natural resources. I believe it is important to protect our water resources, make our water cleaner and preserve our green spaces for future generations. The Great Lakes and the water that flows into them is our most valuable natural resource here in Michigan.
2) Creating opportunities for sustainable eco-friendly development. The drainage infrastructure in Ingham County has made it possible for businesses like East Wood Towne Center and Tim Hortons to bring jobs and economic growth to our community, while maintaining environmental integrity.
3) Moving forward with innovative water management projects to address issues in Ingham County's neighborhoods. For example, I saved Lansing Township 20 million dollars by designing and implementing a water management system from a watershed-based perspective by separating a combined sewer system and creating wetland detention basins in the Tollgate Drainage District. Additionally, I solved the problem of widespread flooding in Towar Gardens by introducing rain gardens to the neighborhood. Furthermore, I worked to enable further development of the Webberville business park by controlling stormwater flows in a regional detention facility via the Matthew Bugbee Drain, the most efficient and cost effective solution to the lack of adequate drainage. These are only a a few of my many water management projects.

Grassroots Support:

My campaign will be a grass roots campaign. My supporters will join me going door to door every night and weekend until the election. I hope to earn the support of grass roots organizations like DFA so that I can compete against special interests who would like to see me replaced. I don't let developers cut corners that will hurt the environment and the community. My oversight and management of the drainage infrastructure has made sustainable eco-friendly development possible and created new economic opportunities in Ingham County. I need your help to continue my record of environmental integrity and promoting economic growth.

DFA Values:

I am a lifelong environmental advocate. I recently received the honor of being named the 2007 Hero of the Lakes by Clean Water Action. I am pro-choice. I support human rights. I have always believed in equality for all human beings and as drain commissioner I will continue to work tirelessly to preserve our valuable natural resources for generations to come. My office deals with multi-million dollar projects and we are always very conciencious of our spending because we are accountable to the taxpayers of Ingham County.