L. Brooks Patterson Seeks 7th Term As Oakland County Executive

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ/AP) - Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has filed paperwork seeking re-election to a seventh term.

Among the highlights of his tenure has been the Emerging Sectors business program that Patterson says has led to a total investment of $3.5 billion and the creation or retention of 62,000 jobs.

"I think Oakland County residents know how much I have enjoyed representing and fighting for them over the years and I look forward to fighting for them for four more years," Patterson said.

In the executive seat since 1992 Patterson, has long been one of the most outspoken officials in Michigan, never reluctant to share his opinion on topics as diverse as immigration and his sometimes rocky relationship with Detroit.

In 2012, Patterson was in a car wreck that put him in a coma for 17 days. He said he was "stupid" for not wearing a seat belt.

That same year, Oakland County voters picked Barack Obama, a Democrat, for president but also re-elected Patterson, a Republican.

Former State Representative Vicki Barnett from Farmington Hills has already announced her intentions to challenge Patterson.

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