Candidate Profile Dave Curtis

Dave Curtis has lived in Shelby Township for 16 years and is currently seeking the post of Shelby Township Trustee. He works for General Motors at the GM Tech Center in Warren and has been married to wife, Nancy, for 16 years. They have a daughter, Colleen. Curtis enjoys mountain miking and golf. "My family and friends are my life," he said. 

1. What led you to try for the post of trustee initially?

The unprofessionalism of the current board led me to run again. I want Shelby to have a chance. The current board is not doing what is right for Shelby but what is right for them. 

2. What do you plan to change if elected?

I will bring back the integrity and the professionalism that is missing. I want the tax payers to be a voice that is heard and listened to. They are currently neither.

3. If elected, what township issues would you like to focus on?

 We must fix the current pension fiasco. This will be a major endeavor since the current board has done very little, if anything to fix this situation. They are all at odds with the fire and police. I have been endorsed by the police association and plan to make amends and work towards an agreement that is right for both Shelby, the police and fire.

Due to the layoffs from the current board our parks are suffering. The current parks and rec employees are doing a GREAT job but they need more help. I will try to get them the help they need so we can save the parks we have.

We cannot continue to subsidize the water rates for the businesses or residents. The current board has been subsidizing the current water rates to make sure they stay below 10%. The money has been coming out of the fund that is used to fix water mains and other water main situations. This is wrong and must stop before the fund is no more.

4. What personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

•  I am an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.
•  I have served my country in the Air Force from 1980 – 1983.
•  I am the Financial Secretary for the Knight of Columbus council at St. Therese of Lisieux.  I have held this prestigious position for 9 years.

5. Is there one person who has been the most influential in your life? Who?

My father, who served in the Air Force for 30 years, was and is my mentor for life. He proved to me that life is what you make it and that nothing is handed to you. You MUST work for what you want and you can do anything if you try hard enough. I learned that my father was diagnosed with Dyslexia while in college. He had figured out how to work with this affliction and deal with it all the way through high school and two years of college. Yet, he still persevered to become an officer in the United States Air Force and retire a colonel. Thanks Dad.

6. What are key ways you would have residents make a difference locally?

We need residents to take an active part in local government. We will need many volunteers on all commissions. An active constituency is the best that any elected official could ever ask for. I can assure that your voice will be heard in the new administration and YOU will make a difference.

7. What do you like most about the Shelby Township community? Do you have a favorite spot in Shelby?

I love the parks in Shelby. They are what brought me to Shelby along with the schools, police and fire. I love my neighborhood; we work together and would do just about anything for each other anytime anywhere.

My favorite spot is in Stony Creek Park on the mountain bike trails. There is a hill at the top of a major switchback where you can see forever. It is very pleasant and serene to be there.