Troy residents push to recall Oakland County commission chair

Organizers cite handling of public comment on drone contract and undisclosed trip paid by drone company

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:53am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in shades of blue, grey, and red depicts an abstract government building or symbol, conveying a sense of political upheaval and unrest.A fractured, abstract painting captures the political turmoil surrounding the recall effort against the Oakland County Commission Chair.Troy Today

Troy residents are leading a recall effort against Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward, whose district includes parts of Troy, Royal Oak, and Birmingham. Organizers say they're responding to how Woodward handled public comment on a controversial Flock drone contract and to questions about his undisclosed, Flock-funded trip to Atlanta, while Woodward defends his actions as serving community safety.

Why it matters

The recall effort highlights growing tensions over government transparency and the use of surveillance technology in local communities. It also raises questions about the influence of private companies on public officials and decision-making processes.

The details

Organizers of the recall effort say they are responding to Woodward's handling of public comments on a contract with Flock, a drone company, as well as questions about an undisclosed trip Woodward took to Atlanta that was funded by Flock. Woodward has defended his actions, stating they were in service of community safety.

  • The recall effort against Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward is ongoing.

The players

Dave Woodward

The Oakland County Commission Chair whose District 1 includes parts of Troy, Royal Oak, and Birmingham.

Flock

A drone company that had a contract with Oakland County and funded a trip taken by Woodward.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Oakland County.”

— Dave Woodward, Oakland County Commission Chair

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the recall effort to move forward.

The takeaway

This recall effort highlights the growing tensions over government transparency and the use of surveillance technology in local communities, as well as concerns about the influence of private companies on public officials and decision-making processes.