Rochester Hills Councilman, Marty Brennan Dies at age 58

Rochester Hills City Councilman, Marty Brennan, passed away today after losing his battle against cancer.  What was initially diagnosed as prostate cancer and then later named Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Marty served as councilman since 2007 and was well respected by his colleagues. He is survived by his wife and three children. From the City today: "The City of Rochester Hills is mourning the passing of City Council Member J. Martin Brennan, who served the City from 2007-2011. Councilman Brennan … [Read more...]

League to sponsor Rochester-area candidate forums November 8

The League of Women Voters Oakland Area will host three candidate forums in the Rochester area for the upcoming November 8 general election.  On September 29, residents of the city of Rochester Hills will have the opportunity to meet the candidates running for mayor, city council at-large and District 2 seats.  Reporters Kristin Bull and Annette Kingsbury and League member Mary Howarth will question the candidates. Residents may submit questions in advance to … [Read more...]

Rochester Hills Library Proposes Tax Increase

Like most public entities, the Rochester Hills Public Library has seen its revenue stream decline in the last few years due to falling property values. So far, the belt tightening hasn’t affected services. “But now we’re to the bone,” said library director Christine Lind Hage. “We can’t keep going on like this.” The library is owned by the Rochester Hills Library Board and receives tax revenue from the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Residents of all three … [Read more...]

Laurie Puscas Runs for District 2 City Council Position

Twenty-two-year resident and mother of two Laurie Puscas is running for the District 2 seat on Rochester Hills City Council. Puscas, 51, has a background in banking and owns a small business, Independent Expressions Photography. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a second major in journalism from Oakland University. “After covering the cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills for a number of years while contracting as a writer … [Read more...]

Michael Webber Runs for re-election for Rochester Hills City Council

Michael Webber seemingly came out of nowhere four years ago to win an at-large seat on Rochester Hills City Council. Now finishing his first term, he is seeking re-election. “I decided to run for re-election to the city council because I want to continue to be a part of the solution in order to move our city forward,” he said. “While I am proud of the record that has been established over the last four years – multiple-year balanced budgets, single waste-hauler program, job growth and low … [Read more...]

Mark Tisdel Running for City Council At-Large

A 22-year Rochester Hills resident, Mark Tisdel became interested earlier this year in running for public office. “In January of this year, I had a meeting with a state legislator with whom I'd developed an acquaintance over the years,” he said. “I asked about running for political office.  I was advised to contact anyone I knew on the Rochester Hills City Council to see about being appointed to a commission / committee.  Eventually, I sat down with Vern Pixley. When Vern decided not to seek … [Read more...]

As Primary Approaches, Rochester Hills is Redistricted

The three candidates running for the District 2 seat on Rochester Hills City Council and several thousand voters just had their districts changed. Census information arrived earlier than usual this year, putting the normal redistricting that follows it smack in the middle of election season. In order to balance the city’s four council districts and all of its precincts, as required by law, council voted 4-2 Monday to approve a redistricting plan drawn up by City Clerk Jane Leslie. But the … [Read more...]

New Councilman For City of Rochester Appointed

As Jeff Matis takes his newly elected position of Oakland County Commissioner, the Rochester City Council makes their selection to fill his seat.  After receiving eight eligible applicants for the position, there were numerous conversations about who would best fill this position.  The vote on Monday January 24, 2011 was unanimous for Steve Sage.  Sage was sworn in by Mayor Cuthbertson and then took his place among the council for his first meeting.   … [Read more...]

Roundabouts; Cheaper to build and safer.

Does that mean we should have one at every intersection? Definitely not. In fact there are many intersections in our city where a roundabout would not make an improvement. Even with federal grant dollars we need to continue to use discretion. The infamous roundabout at 18 1/2 and Vandyke is a perfect example of why civic leaders and engineers need to exercise careful consider. It’s important to note however that while many motorists have been reportedly uncomfortable maneuvering through the … [Read more...]