Novi City Council Candidate: Ed Kramer

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

Ed Kramer is running against , , , incumbent , and incumbent . Kramer submitted these answers to questions asked by Patch. 

Age

68

Occupation

Retired in 2008 with over 40 years at Chrysler with Engineering and Management experience.  Former officer in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Current and past community involvement

Currently serving in the Novi Lions Club as secretary, past president and past zone chairman.  Currently active in my church in various projects¸ past board member and President.  Served as past City Council Person (1997 – 2001).  Served as past Planning Commissioner (6 years, 2 as chairperson)  Served as Homeowners association President for 10 years.  Past active support of  Boy Scouts, Novi Band Booster for 8 years.

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University; MBA from Wayne State University.

Family

Wife, Barbara (deceased), sons Stephen and Eric, both graduated from Novi High School and subsequently from Michigan Universities.

How long have you been a Novi resident?  

Since 1975.  At that time Novi was a city of 7000 residents.

Why are you running for office?   

I have interest, enthusiasm and passion for serving Novi.  I re-affirm my vision of Novi as a “QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CITY THAT CAN AFFORD ITSELF”.  As a retiree I have time to devote to achieving that vision. 

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?

• Maintaining the qualities and character that supported Family Circle naming Novi as the 6^th Best Town for Families in the U.S. (August 2011 issue)
  •  Green space.
  • Low crime rate.
  • Financial stability.
  • Quality schools.
  • Affordable homes.
  • Access to health care.
  • Diverse community.
• Re-invigorating our underused commercial properties.
• Maintaining our roads with appropriate quality of workmanship and durability guarantees.
• Continue efforts to attract new and re-locating businesses.
• Improve traffic control during construction and rush hour.

How would you handle them?  

• Work with the Novi City Council during the budget process to get these items recognized and prioritized. 
• Work with the Novi City Council and the Novi City Administration to address and resolve the issues with appropriate action plans.
  

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

• Address the issues as indicated above. 
• Be ready for the next upturn; ready to provide efficient customer friendly services. 
• Work towards making Novi the place for new and/or re-locating businesses. 
• Become pro-active in re-invigorating unused commercial properties.

Why should Novi residents vote for you?   

I am not running against anyone, but am running for a council seat.  Novi has been well managed in our recent economic downturn.  As a Novi council person I will work to apply what we’ve learned going forward, keeping to the straight and narrow path, being good stewards of taxpayer’s dollars and providing quality services in an efficient and affordable manner.  I believe we should live within our means.  I believe my background and experience make me a well qualified candidate.

How can residents contact you?

mail – 22809 Balcombe, Novi 48375,  home phone – 248-348-2747, e-mail kramer_bes@msn.com.