Roads

In 2017, Sommer helped lead the Roads Task Force and currently sits on the Roads Advisory Committee, with Supervisor Williams, Clerk Siegrist, Former Supervisor LaJoy, Roads Task Force Chair (and Former State Rep and Canton Planner) Jim Kosteva and resident Mike Andro. When the Canton community passed a millage to invest $110 million dollars in their roads network, she worked closely with township engineers and the municipal services department to educate the public about the issues with our roads, problems with state and county funding. 

• Make sure that upcoming road projects that are funded through the Roads Improvement Plan are selected based on available data provided through PASER Rating studies, SEMCOG traffic counts, accident data. 
• Coordinate with Wayne County on projects, so that we can maximize our resources and hold Wayne County accountable to their promise not to decrease spending on roads in Canton, after the passage of the roads millage.
• Work with HOA's and residents that don't have official HOA's to ensure that they are able to participate in the Local Roads Match program.
• Since 15% of the millage funding is dedicated to Ford Road, we should  work closely with MDOT to make sure the boulevard meets the needs of our residents to improve traffic and ultimately, safety. We need to implement 21st century technologies, such as smart traffic lights that can communicate with newer vehicles to manage traffic flow. 
• Work with MDOT, the DDA and all of the businesses along  Ford Road to ensure that residents are aware of any detours  or lane closures in advance to better plan their travels. 

• In 2017, when a mother brought her young children to the Township Board and spoke of the lack of a park on the northeast side of Canton, the Township worked with the developer to purchase land to create a pocket park, that will be called Kopper Park. We need to look for more opportunities to create these parks in neighborhoods.
• In 2021, the Township Board and the Planning Commission will be approving a new Master Plan. We need to work in accordance with state laws that govern zoning to adjust our zoning ordinances and Master Plan to protect open and green spaces.
• In 2019, the township doubled spending for our sidewalk gap program. We need to look for opportunities to expand walkability and connect walking paths throughout the Township.

• We need to develop a comprehensive sustainability plan for the township, that accounts for new building construction, updating existing infrastructure.
• The largest sources of human-generated methane, comes from landfills. In order to reduce waste and save space in the landfill we must encourage and educate the community about recycling. 
• With the global recycling crisis and increased costs, we must look for new interactive ways to communicate with residents about proper recycling.
• A neighboring community recently set a goal that in 15 years, they will be completely powered by clean and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. We need to put together a committee of subject matter experts and community members passionate about protecting our environment to put Canton on the path toward's energy independence. 

• Since 2017, the Township Board has paid millions of dollars towards tackling our unfunded legacy and pension costs. As we continue to do this, we need to ensure that we are investing in the future of a growing Canton.
• As our community expands, we need to ensure that we have the resources to provide equitable services to all residents of the Township.
• Making sure we have the recommended public safety staffing levels of a community with a population of 100,000+
• Making sure our police and fire response times are equal across the Township. Look at building a new firehouse and renovating our dispatch center to account for increased public safety calls.
• Prioritize making Cherry Hill Village the livable, walkable community that it was intended to be. With nearly all sold-out shows at the Village Theater, the Village Arts Factory and newer bars and restaurants, now is the time to bring Cherry Hill Village to life.