I Will Stay Engaged on Industrial Development — and I Won't Be Afraid to Ask the Hard Questions.

What I heard at a farm in Kimball changed everything.

Economic development and industrial growth matter for St. Clair County — but not at any cost. I will fight for businesses and employers that respect our community, our land, and the people who live here. We will not sell out to companies that don't share our values.

"I didn't write these six priorities at a desk. I built them from 24 years of conversations with the people of this county."

— Dorothy

  • Support access to the health resources residents deserve.

    Restore confidence in department leadership to make decisions based on community needs, best practices, generally accepted scientifically based decision making not on ideology or assumptions.

    Maintain or restore services for residents that they have come to depend on.

    Understand the mental health needs of residents and reduce barriers to  mental health services

    Support efforts to reduce substance use.

  • Support small business loans for start-ups.

    Provide technical and other support for community economic development.

    Support the SC4 and Saginaw Valley State University partnership.

    Support skilled trade and other workforce programs.

    End backroom deals and require transparency and community input before commitment.

    Require community benefit agreements for every major project

    Utilize evidence-based siting standards that will actually hold up and not end up in expensive court proceedings.

    Rebuild trust in the Economic Development Alliance

    Insist on accountability by instituting claw backs for tax breaks when business fails to meet their promises. Require public reporting on project status of major projects.

  • Repair and maintain roads, bridges and other infrastructure — the routes our families, farmers, and first responders count on every day.

    Support communities in completing the Bridge to Bay trail. Segments are in very poor condition. These should be improved for safety.

    Range road has the highest rate of pedestrians and bikes and should have dedicated lanes.

    Maintain the landfill in an environmentally safe way to ensure a good quality of life for its neighbors. Increase new and maintain existing opportunities for recycling of household and difficult to dispose of materials.

    Analyze current status and consider traffic control options for Range Road to improve safety for those entering and exiting the RESA parking lot.

  • Support the Sheriff, our first responders, and the fire departments that protect families across all 720 square miles of St. Clair County. I support those who keep our communities safe and will ensure that everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect under the law.

    Ensure safety for citizens, victims, defendants, and judges at the county court house.

    Additionally, the building is not ADA compliant. The commission needs to understand options including renovation or repurposing of other buildings to improve safety and accessibility.

    Professionals with animal welfare control expertise and training should be a part of the investigation and decision making process.

  • The St. Clair County park system is one of the best in the state of Michigan. We plan to continue this legacy of an excellent park system with strategic maintenance and improvements.

    Our waterways are one of our best assets. Protect our rivers and streams which serve families, farmers, anglers and boaters..

  • Support our 11 branch libraries of Michigan’s first County Library System that educate and connect us with the resources they need.

    Support the broad services libraries offer such as technology for job searchers, and assistance for seniors, music, talking books, book mobiles, and home services for the disabled.

    Continue to empower library boards and staff to make policy decisions that fit their particular communities.

Which of these matters most to you and your family?

Take two minutes and let Dorothy know. Your answers will shape the campaign.

What do you prioritize?

What St. Clair County Is Saying

  • "St. Clair County needs elected officials who put constituents first — not personal political ideologies. It's time for a change on the board."

    — St. Clair neighbor

  • "There are serious leadership issues at the Health Department. Our community deserves better — and real change is urgent."

    — Kimball neighbor

  • "We need more mental health providers, more affordable housing, and more resources for people struggling with substance abuse — especially seniors and those on fixed incomes."

    — St. Clair Township neighbor

  • "Public health is my biggest concern. If you aren't healthy, nothing else really matters."

    — St. Clair County neighbor

  • "To pick one priority — green spaces. Parks, trails, trees, water. Keeping our county beautiful, natural, and accessible."

    — St. Clair Township neighbor

  • "You need billboards and more ways to get your name out there! Flood the zone with Yope for Hope!"

    — St. Clair Township neighbor

  • "The make-up of the current county board of commissioners. I've lived here for 25 years and it continues to be a good ole boy's club."

    — St. Clair neighbor

  • "What's happening with animal control. We are so far behind the times and it's ridiculous."

    — East China neighbor

I'm listening — and I want to hear from you too.

Take the survey

UPCOMING EVENTS

Three Parks. Three Chances to Meet Dorothy

This fall Dorothy is coming to you — popping up at parks across District 5 to listen, talk, and connect with the people of St. Clair County.

Bring your questions, your concerns, and your neighbors. These are informal, no-agenda gatherings — just Dorothy, you, and a chance to talk about what matters most in St. Clair County.

All events run noon to 2pm. Just show up.

Saturday, September 26
📍 St. Clair Township Neumann Rd Pavilion

Sunday, September 27
📍 East China Township Park Pavilion 1

Saturday, October 10
📍 Smiths Creek Community Park Pavilion
Find Events and Follow Dorothy on Facebook

Get Your Yope for Hope Lawn Sign

Request Lawn Sign Today

ABOUT DOROTHY YOPE

A Neighbor You Know. A Leader You Can Trust.

For 24 years, Dorothy Yope has called St. Clair Township home. As a teacher, school counselor, and psychotherapist, she's spent her career serving this community — and now she's running for Commissioner to ensure St. Clair County gets the practical, grounded, leadership it deserves.

Read more

Make a Donation Today

$25
$50
$119
Other

Kick Some Hope Into St. Clair County

NYC artist Hope Gangloff created this beautiful soccer ball to commemorate the 19th Amendment. Her work is displayed in galleries and museums worldwide.

"We all have to engage with the government that represents us, otherwise democracy doesn't work."

Donate $119 or more and this piece of art is yours.

Donate $119 & Get Your Ball

Become a Volunteer

Election Day is November 3, 2026. Together we can bring hope, balance, and strong leadership back to District 5.