BRENDA LAWRENCE, mayor of Southfield, will take on Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in the election this fall. – Monica Morgan photo
Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence has a vision for Oakland County, and it’s one that does not include current Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. In her opinion, Patterson’s views are antithetical to the county’s current needs.
“Oakland County is not the Oakland County of the ’70s or the ’90s. It’s a very diverse county,” Lawrence said. “The challenges of Oakland County have changed. For all the good and the successes that Oakland County has had under previous leadership, that leadership isn’t going take us into the future.”
Reports as far back as last summer have speculated on whether or not she would run, but on Friday, May 2, she will make it official.
“We need new leadership, we need a new vision,” she said. “We need a person who understands the power of collaboration.”
After serving seven years as mayor and more than 15 years of public service, Lawrence believes the time is right for a new vision, and such a vision requires passion.
“I would bring that same passion to Oakland County, she said. “It’s like having a pearl in the middle of a garbage dump. What value is that?
You want a pearl in a beautiful setting. That’s what I’m running on. I couldn’t sit there as Oakland County executive and boast on how beautiful I am, and how wonderful my life is, and everything around me is falling apart.”
The truth, according to Lawrence, is that the tax value of Oakland County homes is declining. There is also the issue of mass transit, which has not been given serious consideration, she believes.
“There’s not a region in this country that doesn’t have some form of mass transit,” Lawrence said. “It’s not just limited to people having transportation, it’s economic development. It’s getting people to jobs.”
State Rep. Paul Candino (D-Southfield) is confident that Lawrence has the type of leadership skills the county needs. They have known each other well over a decade and there is no doubt in his mind that despite the challenges, she is ready.
“Those who would count her out of this election don’t know that this is a woman who has rarely failed,” Candino said. “They told her she couldn’t unseat the former mayor of Southfield. I know people are saying she can’t win the election in the county. I think her biggest asset is when she speaks to people one on one. People will not only enjoy her, they’ll hear leadership in her voice.”
Candino acknowleged that there were problems that needed solving.
“She has plans for the entire county,” he said. “Foreclosures have doubled in Oakland County. I think she’s particularly well seasoned serving Southfield. It is really good training job.”
Another supporter, Ron Jona, an architect based in Southfield, says Lawrence is a unique politician.
“As a person she is extremely straightforward and honest. In the political arena that’s very refreshing. She puts the people and businesses of Southfield first,” Jona said. “She’s involved with a foundation that assists children in Southfield. That’s a cause I find very uplifting for a politician to be involved with, trying to help less fortunate children in the city of Southfield. I’ve found her to be a very loyal and helpful friend.”
Though Patterson poses strong competition, Jona does not believe that it is insurmountable.
“I believe nothing’s impossible,” he said. “Certainly she has a very big challenge ahead of her, but I think she recognizes that. I’m confident that she will be successful in whatever endeavor she pursues. I think she’s a credit to Southfield, Oakland County and the state of Michigan.”
Lawrence, the first African American and first woman mayor of Southfield, was recently named by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the region’s “Most Influential Women” in the region. She has instituted a number of community programs, including “Southfield Reads,” a program designed to promote reading literacy in the city of Southfield; a citywide blood drive; the Mayor’s Walk, a community health program; and a cable TV show, “Today’s Woman” and more.
Lawrence is certain that these experiences have prepared her for the job of Oakland County executive.
“I’m stepping up because I feel I have something to offer,” she said. “I’m anticipating a very, very, challenging and tough race. L. Brooks Patterson is not going to roll over and give me the Oakland County executive position. But his vision or his ability to have a vision is gone. How can I beat him? I can get the votes. I’m confident at the end of the day that I can get the funds. I’ve been down this road before.”
It wasn’t long ago when the odds were stacked against an African American woman winning the mayor of Southfield seat. This run, for Lawrence, is no different.
“I even had someone tell me there’s never been a city that’s been successful that had Black leadership. The challenges that were placed on me as a leader were such that I was determined to prove them wrong,” Lawrence said. “I really fought hard for that.”
The diversity of Southfield and its inclusiveness will be one of the components that drive her bid for the Oakland County executive position.
“I will definitely be more inclusive. Southern Oakland County will be just as important as northern Oakland County. My plan is to make sure I bring everybody to the table, that I make those hard decisions,” she said “We’re going to have to make some tough decisions. But my vision for Oakland County is to maximize the resources we have. That’s what I bring to this position. The ability to say that every community, every diverse part of the population, has something to offer.”
