In another stunning development for Macomb County politics, Dave Flynn, chair of the county Board of Commissioners, announced tonight that, at age 30, he is giving up on the political life and will not seek re-election.
The Sterling Heights Democrat – the youngest Macomb County commissioner in history, first winning election at age 20 – said that he is leaving on good terms.
“I’ve been doing this for 10 years, four years as chairman, and I think I’ve accomplished quite a bit. But it’s a grind. I’ve enjoyed it but I’m in a position to move on to something else,” Flynn said in an interview with Politics Central.
As chair of the 13-member Board of Commissioners, Flynn’s role in county government is similar to the duties of the speaker of the House in Congress.
The outgoing chairman insisted that no incident or event pushed him in a new direction.
Flynn has battled with County Executive Mark Hackel, a Macomb Township Democrat, but he said that in a Tuesday phone call Hackel was gracious when informed of the news and the two playfully reflected on some of their political skirmishes and their begrudging compromises.
As board chair from 2012-16, Flynn helped forge major budget and bureaucratic reforms, the approval of massive construction projects on aging county buildings, and establishing a bigger 4-year university presence in Macomb.
The reaction to the surprise announcement among county officials and department heads was a mixed bag, with some expressing shock and others saying that they saw hints that Flynn’s premature departure was coming.
Flynn’s father, Rick, a retired leader of the Michigan Education Association teachers’ union and former president of MEA Local 1 in Macomb County, had a “bittersweet” response, according to his son.
With the candidate filing deadline quickly approach on Tuesday, Commissioner Flynn said he has not organized a successor to step up in his District 4 seat (southern Sterling Heights). But he said he might make an endorsement as the election season progresses.
As for Flynn’s future, he said he may maintain a presence in public policy, most likely in a role connected to higher education, a nonprofit, a foundation, or working as an aide to an elected official.
He also did not rule out the possibility of running for office again in the future.
Here is Flynn’s full statement announcing his decision:
As Michigan residents, we are accustomed to the change in seasons, even when it seems they don’t change when they should. Undoubtedly, there is a season for every part of life. With that said, as winter is now slowly transitioning into spring, the seasons and direction of my life are changing as well. After much soul-searching, I’ve decided not to seek re-election to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.
As the son of a teacher and a labor leader, I have had the incredible opportunity to be elected as a Macomb County commissioner at age 20 and then appointed as chair of the board at 26. I am truly privileged to have had the responsibility to hold the positions entrusted to me by my constituents and colleagues.
It’s the public policy portion of the job, however — as well as championing important issues passed through the democratic process — that I have enjoyed most. Knowing that good public policies have improved the lives of people in our community has personally sustained me through the rough-and-tumble landscape of political life.
Rarely does important change occur without a coalition of willing people working together. I am honored to have worked alongside many dedicated and passionate elected, business and community leaders; together we have accomplished many things, including:
- Directing a petition drive to give the voters the opportunity to reform the structure of county government.
- Establishing satellite campuses for Wayne State University and Oakland University to create access to local higher education.
- Creating a sustainable model to fund the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Zoo.
- Forming a Regional Transit Authority that will allow us to draw federal dollars to connect our residents to their jobs and schools.
- Finding a solution to fully fund Macomb’s retiree healthcare obligation for our hard-working employees.
- Instituting the largest capital investment and revitalization project in the county’s history – a vision that is now becoming reality.
- Professionalizing the legislative branch with the modernization of (Boardof Commissioners) operations, institutionalizing procedures, reorganizing personnel and instituting performance-based evaluations.
Macomb County’s main government buildings
To my family, friends, constituents, colleagues, board staff, supporters — and even my critics — I want to personally thank you. The past 10 years have been a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to serve my city, county, and state.
During the past decade I experienced challenges that inherently come with elected office. Despite those ups and downs, I still consider myself a lucky guy. For a short time, I had an important job during a critical juncture in Macomb County’s history.
I’m not sure what the future has in store, but I hope to bring a few life’s lessons along to whatever the next chapter in my life brings. I know that I will continue to live by the values that wonderful mentors have taught me:
- Be a difference maker.
- Leadership matters and vision is important.
- Build relationships that will last a lifetime.
- Take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.
- Enjoy the ride wherever your destination takes you; the journey is just as special and rewarding.
While everyone is out campaigning and the 2016 presidential race heats up, I plan to do exactly as I’ve done since 2006. That is to show up to work, do my best to deliver on issues that are important to residents, and to leave the county a little bit better than when I arrived.
I am proud to have played a small role in transforming Macomb County. I wish everyone all the joy and happiness that life has to offer.
What’s that dinky little house on the river? Is that Hackel’s mansion?