Novi City Council Candidate: Dave Staudt

On the Nov. 8 election ballot, Novi residents will vote for three candidates for a four-year term on Novi City Council.

Imcumbent Dave Staudt is running against Laura Casey, Rickie Ibe, Ed Kramer, Donna Skelcy, Ramesh Verma and incumbent Wayne Wrobel. Staudt submitted these answers to questions asked by Patch.

Age

52 

Occupation

Director of Technology Initiatives, Allegra Network LLC, Plymouth, MI

General Partner, Impact Media Professionals, LLC, Novi, MI

Current and past community involvement

Novi City Council (11/07 to Present), Novi Economic Development Corp, Novi Park Commission, Founder-Novi Parks Foundation, Founder-Canine Advocacy Program, Village Oaks Common Owners Association Past Chairman and Current Vice Chair, Woodward Avenue Action Association, Past Vice Chairman, Clinton River Watershed Council, Past Board Member, Marine Environmental Education Foundation, Past Chairman.

Education 

BS, Management – Lakeland College, Sheboygan, WI

MS, Management – University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee 

Family        

Married 26 years to Jean Staudt

Daughters - Rachel (Novi HS Graduate) & Amber (Jr. Novi HS)

How long have you been a Novi resident?

18 Years.

Why are you running for office?

I am seeking re-election to another 4-year team on Novi City Council because I believe that I offer our residents the proven experience, conservative values, vision and leadership that can’t be matched by any of the other candidate seeking a council seat.  I am determined to stick to a solid course of action, based on my “core principals” of lowering taxes, reducing spending and operating a city government that we can afford.  As I have done the past four years, I will see to it that our streets are plowed, our roads are fixed and our citizens are safe.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? How would you handle them?

1)   I have been a strong advocate of multi-year budgeting, a strong Fund Balance, and “right-sizing” Novi City government to operate within the limits of existing revenue sources.  This means every cost cutting option is on the table, except where it affects the safety of our residents.   I will not support a General Fund tax rate increase, and I do not support the use of Fund Balances (“Rainy Day Fund”) to pay for operations.

2)   We must continue to maintain a strong and diverse tax base.  This is accomplished by supporting the City’s commitment to Economic Development and keeping the Master Plan current and reflective of the state of the community, while continuing to be very cautious in regard to retail or commercial development that is not consistent with our Master Plan.

3)   We need to assist our growing senior population to live more independent and fulfilling lives.  This will be accomplished by improving transportation services, increasing activity opportunities, supporting increased activity space, improving facilities and encouraging program participation and healthy lifestyle choices. 

If elected, what are some of your goals for the city? 

My goals are largely an extension of my past four years in office.  I would like to continue to improve cooperation and collaboration between the Novi School District and City; continue expansion of pathways and completion of sidewalks throughout the City, including the building of a trail through the ITC corridor; improvements to our parks, including utilizing the green space at the school-owned Bosco property and improvements to the Landings Park on Walled Lake;  improving access to our City facilities for physically challenged and senior citizens; do a better job of listening to our residents when sharing concerns; preserving the finest public safety department in Southeastern Michigan; continuing a capital improvement program within the City with limited funds.  Finally, I want to raise Novi to #1 on the Family Circle magazine list of the best places to live in the US.

Why should Novi residents vote for you?

I have dedicated my public service to the City of Novi’s success and well-being and I am committed to making sure our City remains a great and safe place to live and to raise our families.  I have a deep understanding of the issues facing the City and a pragmatic approach to governing.  Time and again, I have proven that I will make the difficult decisions necessary in these harsh economic times, never forgetting that we must fix our streets, maintain are parks, plow our roads and protect our citizens. I believe that government should not answer all our needs.  In Novi, I have leveraged my skills and abilities by creating the non-profit, privately funded Novi Parks Foundation and Canine Advocacy Program.  Both have achieved positive results, independent of adding more government and more tax burden.

How can residents contact you?

David Staudt

23715 Nilan Drive

Novi, MI 48375

Cell: 248-561-5055

Email: david@davidstaudt.com

Campaign Website: Dave for Council.com