Rick Stathakis is seeking re-election for the Shelby Township Supervisor position. He has lived in the township for 11 years and has worked in various positions of sales management and marketing, including 17 years with Pepsi-Cola North America. He graduated from the University of Detroit with a major in accounting. Stathakis and his wife, a teacher, have three children.
He is involved with his church, St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in
Macomb, and is a member of the Macomb County Republican Party and a Charter Member of the National Republican Party. He enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends in his spare time.
1. What led you to try for the post of supervisor initially?
I wanted to work with the Board of Trustees and employees to:
- Stop spending township general budget reserves in order to balance our budget
- Reduce the budget by streamlining government
- Engage the residents to take part in setting township priorities
- Stop the $23 million police/court center and $50 million "campus"initiatives
- Improve the Fire, EMS and Fire Departments building infrastructure and equipment
- Ensure that taxes NOT be raised, services NOT be cut and, if possible, no layoffs
- Bring transparency to our local government, and
- Eliminate no-bid contracts.
We succeeded. Please go to: www.RickStathakis.com for more info.
2. Why have you decided to run for re-election? What do you enjoy about this post?
I have decided to run for re-election because there is still work to be done. I want to continue to work with our employees and Board of Trustees to make our government better by reducing costs and implementing more efficient services. It's been a big challenge, and it's taken a lot of time and energy, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to lead our township.
3. If elected, what township issues would you like to focus on?
I am focusing on pension changes and continuing our 4-year record of progress. Our overall financial strategy has been well-received and highly effective, and we want it to remain intact.
4. What personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud of? Saving tax dollars and improving township service. Before I was elected, the township general fund had incurred a $2.3 million net deficit in 2007 and 2008. Since then, we have added a $4.1 million net surplus. No taxes were increased, no employees were laid off, and no services were cut.
5. Is there one person who has been the most influential in your life? My kindergarten teacher. She taught us to listen, be respectful toward each other and share time in the sand box.
6. What are key ways you would have residents make a difference locally? Residents could make a big difference for themselves by attending our annual township Priorities Setting meeting in September. I started this initiative because I wanted the residents to have a chance to voice their opinion regarding how to spend the township's money. The resident's input at this meeting is used to establish the township's Top Ten priorities each year.
7. What do you like most about the Shelby Township community? Do you have a favorite spot in Shelby? I like the parks, trails and tightly-knit community. My favorite place to be is at home with my family and friends.
Everyone can make up thier own mind without you spewing false information.Matt. You talk about tax savings and this is why this board has to go with all the lawsuits they have created in the past 4 years will only double if they stay in office!
I believe the lawsuits you speak of are from disgruntled special interest that are just trying to suck the taxpayers dry. Example: Robert Leman and Nick Nightingale suing the taxpayers that they want to vote for them. Leman's poor leadership cost a 1.95 million dollars legal settlement, Leman's poor leadership got him sued for sexual discrimination (another settlement costing thousands). Lemans poor leadership allowed a company rum by Nick Nightingale over bille customers and illegally dispose of impounded vehicles, costing citizems thousands per month. I don't think the lawsuits or cadidates will get far, but if they do, I will continue to enjoy my status as "defender of the taxpayer".
Now mentoin the lawsuits this board created if you say your a fair man. Do you have a criminal record tthat doesn't allow you to vote?
Now mentoin the lawsuits this board created if you say your a fair man. Do you have a criminal record tthat doesn't allow you to vote?
I guess someone who has a criminal past and can't vote would ask such a question about others, is there something you need to tell us Mr. Delise? You seem a little too interested in me and not interested in helping your taxpaying neighbors avoid voting for special interest polititians.... in fact, you seem enamoured with certain unscrupulous and unethical politicians.
You also know I wouldn't have a criminal record since I was able to turn in the recall language.remember? You talk about special interest but you are blind to the fact that the majority of this current board is being controlled by certian builders and devopers,but of corse you would not campaign against them. this is why you can sway anyones vote.
Honestly, I'm quite surprised you would believe this on line publication is read by more than a dozen people. I usually figure I am preaching to a few self absorbed individuals and only say what I know from the information available. After the election I can dedicate more time to pointing out the unethical behavior of Robert Leman, Nick Nightingale and Lisa Manzella.
As my mother used to tell me, if you have nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut (or your fingeres off the key board). BTW - That applied to just about every poster in this thread (including Matt)....
My problem are "special interest" that harm uninvolved and unsuspecting citizens. Suing taxpayers for money is a harmful act to taxpayers. Doing your job in an inept fashion so that it cost taxpayers millions in lawsuit settlements is harmful to taxpayers. Example: Lisa Manzella, Nick Nightingale and Robert Leman. I support any person who works to save taxpayers in general, millions of dollars and property taxes by saying no to harmful and expensive special interest such as The 41a District Court and Police and Fire Pensions. I think very few building projects are good for taxpayers, I also think I have no right to tell other people they cannot develop their property. I try to live by: "Your rights end where mine begin" and vice versa. I try not to comment on a personal level, only what I publicly know, so attacking my comments is fine. I am just really surprised anyone really bothers reading this far on the blog, so thanks for caring as much as I do.