Novi City Council Candidate: Ramesh Verma

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

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

Age

73

Occupation

Retired as Director of Design Construction and Utilities from Univ of Mich Medical Center, Ann Arbor. Former Captain Corps of Engineers.

Current and past community involvement

Commissioner Service to the Aging, 2004-presaent. Appointed by Governor

Commissioner Asian Pacific American Affairs, 2009-present. Appointed by Governor

Trustee Novi Public Library 2006-present, vice president 2008-2009.

Novi Storm Management and Control committee 1981-82

Former Member Novi International Festivals Board

Vice President 1978-79, India League of America-Michigan

Founding member of the University of Michigan Medical Center Diversity Council.

Education

Civil Engineer….India.    Field Engineering …College of Military Engineering,..India

Family

Married for 44 years, two children who graduated from Novi Public Schools, three grand children.

How long have you been a Novi resident? 

Over 32 years

Why are you running for office?

I have been involved in state politics for over 12 years. As active volunteers, I have worked in different commissions/boards/committees and Novi youth soccer. My diverse skill sets and over 47 years of leadership and management experiences will be very helpful. I care greatly about our Novi city and will continue to help it grow.

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

Economy, Foreclosures, Taxes, Revenues…..

We should continue looking for creative ways to gain more economic resources and continue our efforts for commercial developments. Right sizing the administration will take careful strategic planning, when quality services can be maintained through cooperative efforts across communities we should be looking at possibilities and rethinking our options. This will be critical as we strive to hold the line on taxes. Some departments need to find ways to be self-sufficient. In all areas we need to focus on cost containment, cost cutting when feasible and when appropriate focus on developing fee for services for special use of facilities.

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

Goals will be to foster growth and economic development despite the current difficult economic times. I will work to increase residential, commercial developments to ensure a tax base sufficient to generate income for public safety, recreational services, and public library…

Enhancing opportunities to improve the quality of services to all ages including senior citizens.

Why should Novi residents vote for you?

My leadership and management skills, working with legislatures and Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to capitalize on investment opportunities and create additional avenues for businesses. Quality of life and economic security and protect seniors from abuse and exploitation.   

How can residents contact you?

 Website  www.rameshverma4novi.com

 E-mail  RameshVerma4Novi@gmail.com

 Phone 248-348-1766