Candidate Profile: David Walker, Rochester Hills Council Member

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Rochester Hills voters will elect a new council Member At-Large to a four-year term in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

David Walker is running against Matthew Berard for Rochester Hills Council Member At-Large. Here's how he filled out his profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

60

Position Sought

Rochester HIlls City Council Member at-large

Family

Wife Kelly and daughter Samantha

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration

Occupation

Realtor for 15 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently serve as Rochester Hills City Councilman At-Large

Campaign website

www.DavidWalkerCouncilman.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Service above self: as a 34 year resident, I live here, work here, and have raised my family here. I believe strongly in giving back to the community. I have been serving on city council for the past 3 years and preparing myself for the past 15 years through various volunteer roles to serve the residents of this amazing city. With a passion to serve I cannot think of a higher honor than to represent all of the residents of this amazing city. I believe everyone should give back in their own way, this is my way, and this is my time.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue is that we stay the course. Rochester Hills is currently experiencing an environment of healthy growth and prosperity. We are investing in our community with our newest park in 25 years, Innovation Hills, and re-developing areas such as Auburn Rd. in the Brookland’s District. We maintain a balanced budget looking out over the next three years and a Capital Improvement Plan looking out over the next six years. We are investing in our infrastructure through our local road program by investing close to five million dollars each year and continue to provide a quality of life for our residents that is unmatched. Maintaining this environment for the foreseeable future is our most pressing issue.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference is the amount of involvement in the community. I have spent the last fifteen years making a contribution to this community. Volunteering my time, effort and energy to make a difference. Volunteering with the Clinton River Watershed Council, the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, as a Rochester Chamber Ambassador, Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade volunteer, Rochester Chamber Foundation Board member, a Rochester Greater Leadership graduate, a Rochester Rotarian, as a Paint Creek Trailways Commissioner, as an OPC Governing Board member, and as a Rochester Hills City Councilman. I have made the commitment to give back to the community in which I live, work, and have raised my family.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Public Safety: Continue to provide the equipment, resources and funding necessary in order to maintain the safety of our residents.
Quality of Life: Investing in our parks and green space. Continue to support Innovation Hills, the city’s newest park, as well as ongoing improvements of the other parks.
Fiscal Responsibility: Keeping taxes low by balanced budgeting and capital improvement planning through conservative financial stewardship.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been serving on city council for three years.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My grand father shared with me the best advice, "a firm handshake and a lot of math"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As real estate agent, I have the privilege of seeing the community through the eyes of the new and existing residents who choose to live here over other areas. Working and interacting with those residents allows me to understand what they like and dislike about the city. I also travel through the entire city of Rochester Hills into and out of almost every neighborhood, and I am able to see the city and work with the residents on a daily basis. This unique opportunity allows me to represent those individuals with greater insight.