Politics & Government

Candidate Profile: Nick Nightingale

Nick Nightingale is running for position of Trustee on the Shelby Township Board of Trustees. Get to know him a little better before casting your vote.

Nick Nightingale is running for the position of trustee. This is the first time he has run for political office.

Nightingale was raised in Shelby Township and lives here with his wife Nicole and two young daughters.

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

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I am not only focused on the present but I also am deeply invested in the future of Shelby Township.  Over the past few years I have watched the mismanagement and lack of transparency by the current board of trustees. I will be an honest and dedicated trustee.  I will work to make the proper modifications to guide our community into a brighter future.  I want to restore the integrity and trust back to our township board of trustees.  I want to serve the community that is more than a community to me - it is my home.  I will continue to always be a voice for the people and put an end to the favors for the favored few at the taxpayer’s expense.

2. What do you plan to change if elected?

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If elected, I plan to change how the board of trustees conducts business.  As a board of elected officials, it is your job to listen to and represent the taxpayers of the community.  I want to restore the ethics and morals that have been lacking by the current board of trustees.

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

In no particular order, there are many issues at hand.  The first issue that should be addresses is the pension deficit.  We not only need to point out the problem but we need to address it head on and find a solution.  The second issue is the court building. The court building is a long time institution in this community. We can reach a resolution by listening to the residents and their input on a few major concerns; potential loss of revenue for businesses in the DDA, if we want our on duty police officers in Macomb for court, loss of revenue, legacy costs we owe court employees.  As a trustee, my job is to represent the people.  After getting into office, I need to find out where the residents stand and also come up with a check and balance system.  The residents need transparency on the dollar figures that come with building a new building and loss of revenue if the court moves to Macomb. The third issue is an ethics ordinance.  I believe board members and township employees must disclose any personal relations in regards to any appointment or open bid.  The fourth issue is keeping taxes low while maintaining quality service to the residents at the best possible price.  The fifth issue is keeping Shelby Township businesses in Shelby Township while continually trying to gain new business in this great community.

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

My children are definitely what I am most proud of.  Family means everything to me.  I am also extremely proud that my family started a business in Shelby Township in 1943.  Through good and bad economies we have kept our business, Nightingale Standard Service, thriving at the same location and building roots in this great community.

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

The most influential person in my life has been my father.  He taught me a strong worth ethic at a very young age.  He taught me you get what you put in.  I always put in 110%.  I would not be the man I am today without my father’s guidance, love, and morals.

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

The number one key way residents can make a difference is to get involved in the community.  I urge the residents to follow the meetings and township issues.  Through the residents’ input and ideas we can make Shelby Township a better community.

7. What do you like most about Shelby Township?

What I like best about Shelby Township are the residents.  The people are the township’s greatest asset.  I understand the importance of community involvement.  Within this township there are many charitable organizations always willing to give back.  Over the years I have had the pleasure of volunteering my time with many of these organizations, including but not limited to, Lions Club, Kiwanis, Leader Dog for the Blind, Humane Society, Helping Hands, Relay for Life, D-Pan for the hearing impaired, Thin Blue Line, and The Fraternal Order of Police.  The Police Officers Association has also endorsed me for Shelby Township Trustee.


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