Candidate Profile: David Staudt For Oakland County Commissioner

David Staudt, a Novi resident is running for Oakland County Commissioner District 9.

Age: 61
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:Jean (Spouse - 61), Rachel (Daughter - 27, HS Teacher), Amber (Daughter - 25, EMT)
Occupation:Comptroller, Associated Builders & Contractors SE Michigan
Previous elected experience:Mayor Pro Tem, City of Novi (9 Years), City Council (13 Years)
Family members in government:Yes - I own a consulting business - Impact Media Professional, Novi, MI
Campaign website: https://www.electdavestaudt.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing our state are the long term economic effects of the COVID pandemic and the resulting loss of jobs and instability of businesses. I will assist in solving the problem by eliminating government barriers to economic success, including unnecessary and burdensome regulations, taxes and fees. We need to reopen our economy in a way that protects the health of our workers and the economic viability of our businesses.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have 13 years of experience as an elected official in Novi, 30 years of experience in the private sector and a Master Degree in Management.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Dave worked behind the scenes for many years volunteering and providing support, stewardship and leadership to protect the interests of Novi, Oakland County and Southeastern Michigan. As a member of the City of Novi Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, he worked to protect the unique nature of Novi and it's park system. As the founding members of the Novi Parks Foundation, he aggressively sought non-tax support for the facilities and programs of the Novi Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. He also served as a Board Member of the Clinton River Watershed Council, Vice Chairman of the Marine Environmental Education Foundation and Chairman of the National Clean Boating Campaign. Dave currently serves as Treasurer of the Village Oaks Common Areas Association serving nearly 600 homeowners in Novi.
A former Vice Chairman and long-time Board member of the Woodward Avenue Action Association and Woodward Heritage Team, he helped protect and promote Michigan's first National Scenic Byway. Finally, Dave served as a member of Novi's Economic Development Corporation and as a member of the Business Roundtable of Oakland County, Economic Development Committee, where he helped promote jobs creation and economic development in Oakland County.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
Eliminate unnessary regulations and laws, reduce fees and taxes, operate a "right-size" government, avoid government comptition with the private sector, provide the tools necesary for business startup and long term success.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
We need to change our society—particularly the systems set in place to protect citizens like police officers and doctors and elected officials—to serve and protect black lives. I am committed to do that in my personal, business and elected office.
The public is asking for police to be held accountable for their interactions in the communities they serve. To accomplish this goal, agencies need to employ better hiring and better training – both of which leads to better outcomes.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Infrastructure, skilled trade education, and protecting clean water. Currently our infrastructure is crumbling around us; our roads, but also the water and sewage systems that are underneath our cities need to be fixed, replaced, and improved. We need more skilled trade education to get our kids trained properly. Many employers here in Michigan offer great, high paying jobs but are unable to find qualified applicants. Ensuring the safety and quality of our water is paramount.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
If elected, I will continue to commit resources for improvements to our roads and infraastructure, senior services, public safety, trails and pathways, parks, recreational and cultural services and support sustainable economic development, which will mean jobs and an expanded and diverse tax base for our County. I will promote fiscally responsible principles and policies for an efficient, cost-effective City government, and safeguard every single hard-earned tax dollar.

This article originally appeared on the Novi Patch