Mayoral Candidate, 2011
Paperwork turned in Aug. 10
Age: 51
Position Running For: Mayor
Campaign Website: www.davecoulter.com
Facebook Page: David Coulter
Prior Political Offices, Boards, Commissions etc: Ferndale Mayor, January 2011 – present. Oakland County Commissioner, 2003-10. Trustee, Ferndale Library Board, 2004-05.
How else are you involved in the community?
I’m a member of the Police & Fire Board, the Downtown Development Authority, and the South Oakland Mayor’s Association, among others. In the past, I’ve worked with the late Gerry Kulick as member of the Community Center Task Force that resulted in the center that bears her name, and was a member of the Human Rights Ordinance Committee in 1999. As a board member of the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency, I helped bring its office to Ferndale through a merger with CSO.
Why should people vote for you?
I’ve watched our city evolve to become a successful regional destination that attracts new businesses, residents and visitors. As we deal with the effects of the worst economy in a generation, the great challenge now is finding new ways to continue providing the services and quality of life we expect. My experience as an elected official and community volunteer have given me an understanding of the ways government can be reformed to better meet the needs of our citizens in this new economy. The only promise I will make is to work hard to always put Ferndale’s interests ahead of anything else and do my best to fairly represent our citizens.
Why have you chosen to run for this office?
Since being selected Mayor in January by Council we have accomplished a great deal, including adopting a two-year balanced budget, hiring a new city manager, settling outstanding union contracts and helping residents cope with the heat wave and power outages. I’m interested in continuing this service and offering my leadership as we look for new ways to provide services, strengthen our neighborhoods and attract and grow businesses to Ferndale.
Is there any issue or vote that you disagree with that Council has made? Why? What would you do differently?
We have a Council that works well together and puts Ferndale first. I strive to make sure everyone’s views and opinions are recognized, and this is demonstrated by the fact that Council has been united in support of the all the difficult decisions we’ve had to make this past year.
What key qualifications do you bring to the job:
I hope people see from my experience in public office that I work hard to represent the needs of our city and its residents, and that I’m an inclusive leader who values good ideas no matter where they’re from. I have no agenda other than to help run the city in an open and transparent way that works for our best interests. I helped pass eight consecutive balanced budgets as Oakland County Commissioner that preserved services and offered more resources to the county’s south end. As Mayor, I’ve worked hard to make sure our residents were safe during the heat wave, that our city’s finances were sound and that the events that help define Ferndale were a success. That’s the type of leadership I offer if voters choose me to continue as Mayor in November.
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