As anybody who reads this blog knows, I had no intention of running for City Council this fall. I have written it dozens of times and told anybody who asked. I have recently changed jobs and I expected a very tough four person race between three incumbents (Lynne Paul, Toni Nagy & Bob Gatt) and Kathy Crawford. I fully expected to be working to support Bob & Kathy and to take an active role on getting the Library Bond approved and to get a new library built.

Things took an unexpected turn on Friday, June 8, the deadline for filing. I received a call from a good friend who advised me that I should check with the clerk at City Hall to see if anybody had entered the race other than Bob & Kathy. I found out shortly thereafter, that there were only two candidates for three positions. At 3:00 pm I drove to City Hall expecting to find that Lynne and Toni had decided to file at the last minute. What I found was that nobody had done anything yet. Shortly thereafter, Carol Jean Crawford walked in. We sat an chatted for about 45 minutes. I have respected for Carol for several years, even though we are frequently on the other side of the issues. I finally came to a point where I needed to make a decision.

I made the decision from my heart. I have worked very hard for many years to make this community, Oakland County and Southeastern Michigan a better place to work and live and this was an opportunity, that was very unexpected, to fulfill a dream that I had come so close to fulfilling just two years ago. My love for this comminity and my desire to serve the residents far outweighed the fact that I had publically and privately stated that I would not run to anyone who would listen. I hope that friends and foes alike can understand the rationale and foundation for my change in heart.

It is time to move forward. I am now one of four candidates for City Council. I ask all my friends and past supporters in Novi to extend me the same support you have provided in the past and for those who are new to the community or supported others in the past, please consider me this fall. I promise I will work very hard for all the residents of Novi and always do what is morally, ethically and fiscally responsible. We may disagree at times, but I will always keep a published telephone number and direct e-mail for you to communicate with me. I will have a website up at www.staudtforcouncil.com on July 1 (I had not planned a campaign and need to get things set up).

BTW - This time around, I don’t see any point in shutting down this blog. Willy Mena and Brian Bartlett will continue to provide this website as a venue for discussion and debate on whatever issues the bloggers decide are relevant. I look forward to an exciting campaign that will allow me to fully articulate my positions to the residents of our City.

In closing, I want to state my continued unwavering support for current Mayor David Landry (running unopposed), City Council member Bob Gatt and longtime Novi resident KATHY Crawford for City Council, and the approval of a bond to build a new library. Dave, Bob & Kathy are uniquely qualified to help lead this City into the future. It is my hope that I can present myself during the upcoming campaign as somebody worthy of your vote this Fall.

Best regards, Dave