July 12, 2023
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
County Execute Dave Coulter walks in the parade at Huntington Woods July 4, 2023.
Dear Friends,
Last week, I had the good fortune to participate in community celebrations marking our country’s Declaration of Independence.
Walking along the streets of Huntington Woods and Oak Park for the communities’ Fourth of July celebrations, I loved seeing families gathered in their lawn chairs with flags held high and preparing for the barbecues and fireworks to come.
John Adams, one of the authors of the Declaration, wrote to his wife Abigail after the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence that the day “will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival,” that would include pomp and parade, games, sports, bonfires and “Illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
I have to think that if President Adams could spend one Fourth of July in Oakland County, even he would be amazed at just how right he was.
But Independence Day is certainly more than a welcome day off from work for many and the spectacle of fireworks, hot dogs and beer.
It’s a day that we can revel in the freedom we have to gather with family, friends and community; that we can celebrate the men and women who have fought for our liberties over the decades and centuries; and that we can be truly grateful for this wonderful country that through good times and bad endures.
But I also recognize that this blessed union is fragile and fraught with inequality. For many, Independence Day came long after July 4, 1776, and still remains elusive.
So this Fourth of July, and on every day of the year, I wish everyone a joyous day of freedom and commit to ensuring that independence is the widespread rule, rather than the exception.
With gratitude,
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive
Oakland County Seeks Public’s Input for Countywide Disaster Plan
Oakland County wants to hear from its residents, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other agencies and organizations to help develop its next Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with cities, villages, and townships.
Those who live or work in Oakland County are encouraged to share their experiences, knowledge, and concerns about local hazards by participating in the brief survey: oakland.prepare2023.alchemer.com/s3.
“The Hazard Mitigation Plan is one of our largest collaborative community efforts,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “We appreciate the opportunity to team up with our partners to update this important plan.”
Have You Signed Up for OakAlert?
Residents can take steps to keep themselves and their families safe by signing up for OakAlert, the County’s emergency notification system.
The notification system is powered by CodeRed, an emergency, mass-notification system. Through CodeRed, you can create an account and register their email and/or phone number to receive emergency texts, calls and emails, such as boil water notices.
To learn more about OakAlert system, visit OakGov.com/OakAlert.
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