Politics & Government
Rick Stathakis Candidate Profile
In the run up to the August primary, Patch has invited all local candidates to complete a Q&A to build a comprehensive voter's guide that will assist people at the polls.
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?
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
