Wall running for supervisor position in Waterford Twp.

Waterford Township resident Gary Wall, a Republican, has announced he will be running for the township supervisor position this year.

Supervisor Carl Solden, a Democrat, has announced his intention to seek re-election in 2012. He and Wall faced off in the 2008 general election, with Solden winning by a roughly 14 percent advantage.

“The economy seems more stable than four years ago,” Wall said. “The mindset is more positive and the expectations are more realistic. We just need to get Waterford back in a positive position — it’s gone backwards for too long.”

Wall, a lifetime member and action volunteer with the Waterford Historical Society, is a general contractor by trade. He has presided as president/owner of Wall to Wall Construction, Inc. in Waterford for over 22 years.

“My knowledge in the construction business has prepared me for the supervisor position,” he said. “It’s political to be elected, but the rest is business vs. politics.”

Solden has held the supervisor position since 2000 and has served the community in some capacity for 42 years, including his time in the Waterford Police Department. However, Wall says he’s confident in his own abilities and considers himself a strong candidate.

“If I didn’t think my chances were good, I wouldn’t be running again,” he said.

Wall has resided in the township his entire life. He said one of his goals, if elected, would be to bring in and retain businesses.

“We have the real estate and the resources and need to bring in more businesses, and retain and draw more residents,” Wall said. “We don’t need to spend millions. It’s a developed community with two travel corridors and nice-size business districts. We just need to roll up our sleeves and get back to work.”

The Waterford supervisor serves four-year terms and is currently paid $90,987 a year.

The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 7, and the general election is slated for Nov. 6. The candidate filing deadline is May 15.