Trustee Candidate Ernie Laing Talks Accountability, Senior Services and Martial Arts

A 12-year resident of Macomb Township, Ernest “Ernie” Laing is running for his first term as a township trustee.

Laing, 64, is one of seven Republican candidates vying for the township's four trustee posts.

An ordained minister and chaplain with the International Fellowship of Chaplains for police and fire, Laing is also a black belt instructor and longtime student of martial arts.

Since 1983, Laing has been working with a non-profit corporation he founded to assist those who have lost jobs and are losing their homes.

Macomb Patch recently spoke with Laing to learn more about the resident looking to become a first-term township trustee.

Patch: Why have you chosen to run for township trustee?

Laing: I want to be able to make a difference in my Township and also help to create a program for senior citizens. In 2010, Wayne State University assigned two of their master’s students to help me create a business plan for my non-profit corporation. We were looking for a building to open a Help Center for our Township to help those who have lost jobs and are losing their homes. That year, my wife Christine, who is a school teacher and teaches 8th grade science in Fraser Public Schools, had a serious stroke, and that put our plans for the Help Center on hold. Christine was in the hospital for 8 weeks, then she went into Rehab for another year, and I devoted myself to getting her well again. This past August the doctors gave her permission to go back to teaching. I learned how important it is to care for those who are disabled and that they can still be a part of your community. As Trustee I will have a chance to be a part of solving problems and making sure there is ACCOUNTABILITY on our Board of Trustees. My military background will help me in this position as an Officer in the Army Special Forces, and also my General Motors background. I developed and taught Design for Manufacturability and Assembly Workshops at GM Engineering Centers and Assembly Plants across the United States and Canada.

Patch: Why do you feel you are qualified for the position of trustee?

Laing: My experience in leadership and records management for my GM position as well as my 501c3. I have also performed many weddings and funerals as a chaplain and have been trained in family stress and grief counseling. I am also a published author and have spoken at book signings and churches in Michigan over the years. I am a trained public speaker.

Patch: What changes or improvements would you make if elected?

Laing: I want to get the road repairs and the budget for those repairs under control. I would like to re-open our Senior Center and start up some programs for seniors. I am a strong supporter of our police and fire and want to make sure we keep them strong and not undermanned.

I would like the trustees to be approachable to our community and have some programs where all of us get out there in our community and help where we can. I would still like to open a Help Center with non-profit 501c3 and reach out to families who need the help here in our Township. I have the backing of a medical center and a couple of food banks and churches.

Patch: Of what personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud?

Laing: 1.) My 8 years in the military services: 2 years in Air Force and 6 years in the Army Special Forces. 2.) My ordination and training as a police chaplain. 3.) My martial arts training which began in 1968. I have black belts in two styles of martial arts and owned two martial arts training centers with 42 students. I am also a chaplain for our Christian Martial Arts Fellowship of Training Centers.

Patch: Is there one individual who has been most influential in your life?

Laing: Besides my savior Jesus, I would have to say first of all my wife, Christine. I watched her struggle after having a stroke after 25 years of teaching. She loved her students so much she went back to her classroom although still weak on her right side. I have watched her fight as her principal has treated her badly while trying to get her to quit and leave, that to me is a person who is dedicated to her profession! The other influence is Dr. Randy Young, the founder of our Christian Martial Arts group and the creator of ChaYunDo Karate. Dr. Young is a retired police sergeant from Royal Oak and exemplifies what a family man should be. He has been a great influence on my Training and as an example of fairness and honestly.

Patch: What are key ways Macomb residents can make a difference locally?

Laing: As stated above, if we can get out into the community and let our residents see all of us helping then you will find that our residents will come alongside and begin to help one another, and then create some programs for young people and other sports and entertainment programs that we could institute.

Patch: What do you like most about the Macomb Township community? Do you have a favorite place in Macomb?

Laing: I like the fact that our township has people who are willing to pitch in and help to get things done. I am proud of our sheriff's department and our fire departments. They are doing a fine job for us here in Macomb Township. I guess I don't really have a "favorite" spot right now.

Patch: What are your hobbies, or interests?

Laing: My hobbies are martial arts, 37 years with IsshinRyu and TaeKwonDo and ChaYUnDO. I am also still active as a chaplain and have my 501c3 non-profit to help those in need.

Macomb Patch intends to interview all candidates with ties to, or oversight of Macomb Township. Come back Thursday as we profile another trustee candidate. All candidate interviews and election information is available in our Election 2012 guide.