Novi City Council Candidate: Rickie Ibe

On the Nov. 8 election ballot, Novi residents will vote for three candidates for a four-year term on Novi City Council.

Rickie Ibe is running against Laura Casey, Ed Kramer, Donna Skelcy, incumbent Dave Staudt, Ramesh Verma and incumbent Wayne Wrobel. Ibe submitted these answers to questions asked by Patch.

Age

45      

Occupation

Attorney

Current and past community involvement

current vice-chairperson, Novi Zoning Board of Appeals (previously served as  secretary  of the ZBA); Broadmoor Park Homeowners Association.

Education

Jurist Doctor (JD), Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas

Bachelor of Arts (cum laude), University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan

Family

married to Dr. Mary Ibe,; have two daughters, Cherima, 17 and Chiaka 11.

How long have you been a Novi resident?

5 years

Why are you running for office?

I am running for City Council because I want to advance fiscally responsible policies. I stand for a balance budget and increase of our rainy day fund so as to meet our future challenges. I want to implement business friendly policies to advance economic development and steady growth. I want improvement to our infrastructures and city services.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? How would you handle them?

There are two major issues facing the city. First, is the dwindling economic resources due to the slow national economy. The city must find better ways to generate new revenues without raising taxes. For example, provide incentives to current and new businesses. Also, we have to evaluate departments and current programs to find ways to reduce costs. The second major issue facing the city is the slow demise of our downtown area. I will be in favor of a downtown development authority made up of government, business leaders and residents serving as volunteers to help structure ideas on how to revitalize our downtown. 

If elected, what are some of your goals for the city?

-       To advance fiscally responsible policies that will lead to economic development and growth.

-       Revitalization of downtown; and

-       Strong and efficient public safety

Why should Novi residents vote for you? 

Novi residents should vote for me because I am a fiscal conservative and I would work to improve the quality of life for the people of Novi.

How can residents contact you?

I can be contacted via email at: rickie@ibefornovi.org and/or telephone at: (248) 910-0364. Also, I am on Facebook and Tweeter.