“Yope for Hope is more than a slogan — it's a commitment to bringing practical, community-focused leadership back to St. Clair County.”
Meet Dorothy Yope
A neighbor, a professional, and a committed community leader running for St. Clair County Commissioner.
For 24 years, Dorothy Yope has called St. Clair Township home. She has built her life here — raising her family, building her career, and watching this community grow. Now she's running for County Commissioner in St. Clair County because she believes local government should stay focused on what matters most to the people who live here.
Dorothy has been married for over 30 years and is the proud mother of two St. Clair High School graduates. She knows this community, not just as a professional, but as a neighbor, a parent, and a longtime resident who cares deeply about the future of our county and the residents who call it home.
Dorothy's career has been built on service. As a special education teacher, she advocated for students who needed a stronger voice. As a school counselor, she supported families through some of their most difficult moments. Today, as a psychotherapist, she continues to serve her community with compassion, patience, and a commitment to finding practical solutions. On Sundays you'll find her volunteering at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, MI.
These are the same qualities she will bring to the County Commissioner's office.
Dorothy is running to ensure that the City of St. Clair and the Townships of East China, Kimball, and St. Clair — has leadership that is grounded in local priorities.
My Six Commitments to St. Clair County
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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..
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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.