Science Educator Will Focus on Flooding, Environmental Issues on Commission
A science educator who has led the battle against flooding along the Huron River is seeking a seat on the Livingston County Commission.
Amber Bismack said she is running for the Commission because she cares about the community.
“I have worked for the past two years alongside community members to address the flooding issues in our community through the study of upstream water inputs into Ore Lake, challenging harmful policies within the National Flood Insurance Program, and working with Hamburg Township to submit FEMA grants to help residents elevate their homes out of the floodway,” she said.
“The grant money does not directly benefit my own family, but I put in the work and effort because I care about my neighbors, friends, and community.
“Some people pursue public office because they want the recognition that such a position allows. I do not care about recognition or power; I care about the people. My husband and I have two young children, and the most important thing we teach them is to care about others and the world around us. I am running for County Commissioner because I want to see that same care shown for every person in our community.”
Bismack is running for the Democratic nomination in County Commissioner District 8, which includes the southeast corner of Genoa Township (precincts 4,6,7, and 8) and all but the southeast and southwest corners of Hamburg Township (precincts 1,2,3,4,7, and 8).
Bismack is an Assistant Professor of K-12 Science Education at Oakland University. She has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Michigan. She is also the director and co-founder of Residents Working Against Huron River Flooding, an experience which has bolstered her expertise in addressing environmental issues in creative, proactive ways.
She serves as a member of the Huron River Watershed Council’s Board of Directors and a member of U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s Environmental Advisory Board.
Bismack said being involved in these organizations, along with her work as a science teacher and educator in higher education, has helped her learn how to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives to find creative solutions to problems, a set of skills she believes will be useful on the County Commission. “Regardless of one’s political persuasion, we are in this life together and can only all succeed if we find ways to work together and support one another,” she said.
Raising two young children with health issues during the pandemic also forced her to expand her creativity and flexibility, Bismack said.
As a commissioner, Bismack said her priorities would be addressing environmental concerns in the county — such as flood-related issues, PFAS, and building codes — along with expanding high-speed internet access to the entire community.
She attends Brighton First United Methodist Church and is a member of the Leadership Council for Anthropocene Alliance.
She, her husband, Brian, and their two children have lived in the county for seven years.
Persons wishing more information may reach out to Bismack via her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Amber-S-Bismack-PhD-for-County-Commissioner-112092798071203 or email her at friendsofamberbismack@gmail.com.
(Paid for by Friends of Amber Bismack, 8000 Branch Drive, Brighton, MI 48116. Labor donated.)
