With an incoming Democratic board of commissioners — something the longtime suburban GOP bulwark has never had to deal with in what was formerly a Republican stronghold — Patterson is preparing for a last stand as he nears his 80th birthday, the midway point in his seventh term as the county's top elected official, and a crucial decision about whether to complete that term.

He also faces the state's core city of Detroit, which has been picking off new corporate headquarters, new regional offices and new investment that for decades prior would have flocked north of Eight Mile.

"Detroit has emptied out, and most of the residents brought their politics with them," Patterson said of the county's political winds leaning to the Democrats, which control four of the six countywide elected offices.

"I don't understand that phenomenon with high crime, high taxes and little services. Nobody is under investigation for corruption here ... If Detroit empties out and they come out here in mass numbers, I feel like the governor of Texas standing at the gates."

Patterson, who turns 80 on Jan. 4, says he would feel comfortable working with the incoming Democratic majority on the 21-member board but would also flex his muscle when he feels it's needed.

"I will negotiate and if I have to I'll drop the veto, but I don't want to operate government by veto."

He said in a Dec. 4 interview that he hadn't yet decided whether to step down this year, before the GOP loses its majority, so that Republicans can appoint his heir apparent, who would have to run for the seat in 2020. But that decision is looming. Patterson has faced health challenges since a nearly fatal car accident in Auburn Hills in August 2012.

"At some point I'm going to have to surrender my office. I don't own it. I merely rent it. It's owned by the people. The people have been gracious enough to return me to the office, and resigning this year is an option I'm exploring."