Voters to pick Novi mayor, 3 City Council members

In the Nov. 7 election, voters in Novi will choose a mayor and three City Council members Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. The answers are printed verbatim. (I) indicates an incumbent.

 

Mayor
Two candidates are running for one two-year term.

Justin Fischer
Age: 40
Occupation: Treasury Director at Adient, a tier-1 auto seating supplier
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: Lifelong
Online campaign information: www.facebook.com/JustinPFischer
Education: MBA, Michigan State University; BA, Finance, Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Novi City Council: 2009 to 2014 and 2019 to Present.
Top goals:
1. Public Safety: I will continue my support for fire and police personnel and investments in their equipment and training.
2. Infrastructure: I support investments in roads, parks, and other essential services and build on recent successes like Pavilion Shore Park, Bosco Fields, and the eagerly awaited Jessica Starr Splashpad.
3. Fiscal Responsibility: I pledge to maintain our strong financial performance, including keeping our AAA bond rating, low tax rates, and minimal debt.

Aaron Martinez
Age: 30
Occupation: Attorney and Special Assistant Attorney General
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: Lifelong Novi Resident
Online campaign information: www.aaronfornovi.com
Education: BA, Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy — Michigan State University; Juris Doctor — University of Detroit Mercy Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: First time candidate.
Top goals: My campaign has made listening to resident concerns a focal point since launching back in April. We’ve heard that there are three major issues on Novi residents’ minds: they want fire stations that are not sitting empty, they want reliable electrical utilities that don’t give out on sunny days, and they want responsible development which doesn’t overburden our infrastructure, destroy our woodlands. Residents are also concerned about the underfunding of our library and our roads.

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Novi City Council
Six candidates are running for three four-year terms.

Laura Casey (I)
Age: 52
Occupation: Customer Experience Strategy/Marketing
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: 23+ years
Online campaign information: www.caseyfornovi.com
Education: MBA with Interactive Marketing Certificate, Walsh College, MS, Management, Walsh College, BA, American Public Affairs, James Madison College, Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Novi City Council, 2011-present
Top goals: I have long advocated for long-term strategic planning, which will help maintain a fiscally responsible government. There are many issues likely to come to Council in the next few years — things like increasing library funding, increasing road funding, Beck Road widening/repaving, public safety building updates, older adult needs and the CIP millage renewal, as examples. My goal is to understand how residents want to prioritize these issues and then create the plan to complete them.

 

Jay F. Dooley
Age: 63
Occupation: Senior Executive Provider Liaison; UCB Pharma
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: 1999 in Novi. At present residence since 2005
Online campaign information: facebook.com/jaydooleyfornovicitycouncil
Education: University of Connecticut. B.A. 
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals:
1. Overall public safety including support for police, fire, revisiting our neighborhood roads, enhancing our major roads, snow removal, and infrastructure within water & sewer.
2. Maintain and improve investments within Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services. This includes our existing and potential new parks as well as investments into sidewalks and trails, Walkable Novi.
3. Protect and improve older adults needs such as community outreach, effective free transportation and to champion the education toward medical coverage.  

 

Matt Heintz
Age: 41
Occupation: Senior Technical Writer within the medical device industry
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information: www.ournovi.com/matt-heintz-for-city-council
Education: Bachelors of Science in Zoology, Michigan State University, PhD, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Dissertation: The Immediate and Long-term Benefits of Social Play in Wild Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Previously and currently held elected offices: First time running for office.
Top goals: I am committed to a sustainable, connected, and safe Novi. Residents are concerned with overdevelopment in Novi. I understand that protecting wetlands and woodlands benefits our health and homes with a sustainable Novi. I am supportive of expanding biking and walking trails, and bus options for a connected Novi. I am also deeply concerned about safety and will listen to first responders to make sure that fire stations are fully staffed for a safe Novi.

 

Joe Peddiboyina
Age: 51
Occupation: IT Staffing and Consulting 
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: 20 + Years 
Online campaign information: www.joefornovi.com
Education: Bachelors In Mechanical Engineering
Previously and currently held elected offices: NO 
Top goals:
Public Safety: Strengthening our award-winning police department to ensure safe neighborhoods for children and seniors
Education: Supporting Novi’s nationally recognized schools and teachers to maintain educational excellence
Accountability: Ensuring transparent and efficient government, making the best use of residents’ tax dollars
Sustainable Living: Balancing development with the preservation of green spaces for family activities
Senior Support: Investing in programs that cater to seniors, making Novi a destination for those enjoying their golden years

 

Sujata Raman 
Age: 45 
Occupation: Medical practice manager and attorney 
Municipality of residence: Novi 
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: www.ournovi.com 
Education: BA in International Relations from James Madison College MSU JD, MSU College of Law 
Previously and currently held elected offices: None 
Top goals: I want Novi to be as safe, connected, inclusive & sustainable as possible. I am committed to making smart, responsible decisions about development, ensuring our fire stations are fully functioning, never going unstaffed as has been happening in recent months, that we work with Oakland County to implement the transit Novi voted for & ensure our library is properly funded. I want to ensure that all residents’ voices are heard and considered when making decisions.

 

David Staudt (I)
Age: 64
Occupation: Comptroller, Associated Builders and Contractors SE Michigan and Construction Education Trust/SE Michigan Construction Academy; Novi Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: www.electdavestaudt.com
Education: BA, Business Admin, Lakeland University; MS, Management, UW-Milwaukee
Previously and currently held elected offices: Mayor Pro Tem, City of Novi (2011-Current), Novi City Council (2007-2011)
Top goals: During the next four years my priorities will include fully staffing and funding our police and fire departments, assisting our aging population to live more independent and fulfilling lives by expanding our transportation options, senior services, and publicly owned senior housing, acquiring parkland, protecting woodlands and wetlands, fully funding library operations, major improvements to ITC park and finding real solutions to the traffic congestion we all experience during peak times in our city.