Al Heilman

Al Heilman , 65 , 6-year commissionerAl Heilman , 65 , 6-year commissioner

Michigan Virtual UniversityMichigan Virtual UniversityMichigan Virtual UniversityMichigan Virtual UniversitySponsored by :Michigan Virtual UniversityMichigan LiveAboutMichigan LiveContact Us
...
Al Heilman , 65 , 6-year commissioner

Sunday , October 28 , 2001

It's no wonder Al Heilman has been active in politics ; he grew up with a Maumee , Ohio , polling place at the end of his back yard.Since coming to Kalamazoo in the late 1950s , Heilman served on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners for 10 years in the late 1960s and early 1970s and has been on the Kalamazoo City Commission since 1995.He is running for his fourth term Nov. 6.

It goes back to eighth grade when I was elected to the student government , Heilman said.The trend continued all through his years at Maumee High School where he served on the Student Council.

Heilman also came from a family that had a long tradition of community service and working in the political realm.His grandfather served on Maumee's city council.My dad was active in the community , Heilman said.He added that his father was a community volunteer and worked in political circles.He never had time to run for office because he had too many kids , Heilman said with a laugh.There were 13 of us..

At election time , Maumee city officials rolled out a portable voting booth to serve the neighborhood and parked it at the end of the Heilman backyard.Then campaign signs sprouted in the front yard of the home because it was just outside of the line prohibiting political advertising close to the polling place.The kids walked by them all the time. It was something you grew up with , Heilman said.

I do like it , Heilman said about his work with the city and county.There is something you personally gain by serving your fellow man..

He is also a strong advocate of citizens getting involved in running their community.You can't just voice an opinion , he said.You have to participate or support the people who are participating..

Heilman sees the city as having to make some tough decisions in the near future because the downturn of the economy is limiting funds for city projects.Hard decisions.I've done that as an entreprenuer.The test of the elected person is when you have to make cuts , Heilman said.

Free Courses? Click here to find out more.INSIDENews» News Home» All News