Oakland County Tax Dollars for Cobo Hall?
2/17/08 by Lou Csordas
 
As a candidate for Oakland County Commissioner District 9 (Novi / Northville) I was invited to attend Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson’s State of the County speech. In his speech Mr. Patterson reviewed the many of the achievements of his administration over the past year.

Although all of his topics were interesting I found the topic of Oakland County tax dollars to fund the expansion of Cobo Hall intriguing. Mr. Patterson questioned the value of this and brought up some interesting and under recognized points.

The Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano, proposes that a to-be-created authority purchases Cobo Hall from the City of Detroit for $20 million. What about the $209 million for the “deferred maintenance” on the facility? Why should we pay $20 million for a facility that has not been properly maintained?

Since the City of Detroit owns Cobo Hall, why are they not at the table for this project? What gives Mr. Ficano the authority to sell something that he does not own?

If Cobo Hall is a regional asset, then why are the other counties in the region not participating? Where are Monroe and Washtenaw and why has Macomb been allowed to opt out?

Under Brooks Patterson’s leadership Oakland County is a true regional player. Look at Automation Alley, CLEMIS (Court Law Enforcement Management Information System) and the partnership with Genesee County to expand service at Flint Bishop Airport as a few examples.

The County is a good example of government being run like a business. Lots of politicians talk about this method of management but too few practice it.

Is a vibrant Cobo Hall and City of Detroit important to the region? Sure it is. This is why I agree with Mr. Patterson. Until he gets answers to these and other questions Oakland County will continue to resist the plan.

Mr. Patterson has a great thought process related to the business of the County. If it is good for the City of Detroit and Wayne County, and good for Oakland County he supports it. If it is good for Detroit and Wayne County and neutral for Oakland County he is in. However if a plan is good for Detroit and Wayne County and BAD for Oakland County he will oppose it. I agree.

It is my opinion that the Oakland County Commission should support Mr. Patterson’s position on this issue. Help him to run the County as a business and do not spend more than you take in.

Lou Csordas, Former Mayor, City of Novi