Candidate Profile: Steven Sneideman For Canton Township Trustee

Steven Sneideman, a Canton resident is running for Canton Township Trustee.

Age: 55
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:Wife Kelli, Daughters Emily and Maggie
Occupation:Global Program Manager - AT&T
Previous elected experience:Plymouth Canton School Board, Canton Township Trustee
Family members in government:No
Campaign website: http://electsteven.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Of course, different than I would have said a year ago, but the Pandemic is definitely the most pressing issue. How it affects our citizens and employees physically, mentally, financially and emotionally all need to be addressed. We in the township have taken a very balanced approach the last 6 months, ensuring safety as the highest priority, taking steps conservatively and evaluating. We will continue that mode, opening services where possible and closing some whenever deemed necessary.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have 15 years experience as an elected official and have accomplished a lot for our community over that time. On school board I worked as treasurer and president with the board to balance the budget in 2008 for the first time in a decade and continued with that tradition for the remainder of my term until 2012.
As an 8 year trustee on township board I have been part of a team that approved balanced budgets each of those years.
I have successfully led many organizations in our community (Plymouth Canton Schools, Canton Community Foundation, Canton Township, Cruiser Swim Team). Each of them was left in a better position than when I arrived. I am able to team to get things done. I see everyone as partners in creating solutions for the issues we face. I believe I have the right approach, one based on logic, to help our community thrive and grow.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been performing it since 2012 and have significant accomplishments for our community. From preserving green space to addressing our deteriorating and crowded roads and ensuring equal rights for all in our community, the advances I have led and been a part of have made Canton a better place to live over the last decade.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
While not under the purview of the office I am seeking, I think it will be important for the State to provide financial and operational assistance for businesses restarting after the pandemic. This could include tax abatements both statewide and locally for businesses that return jobs to our economy. We are not there yet, but it is good to be prepared when the time that normalcy returns.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
Locally we are creating a support system for those who feel discriminated against. Public Safety is eager to make changes necessary to provide support equally to people of any race, color or gender identity. Since I joined the board, we added diversity training for employees, created our Human Rights Ordinance (I championed in 2014) and the Coalition for Inclusive Communities which gives citizens who suffer from discrimination a way to voice their concerns.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
The theme of my time on the board is Quality of Life. That has always been my focus. I sponsored the Human Rights Ordinance to ensure all citizens of Canton are treated equally. I teamed with other board members to create and implement our new roads program. I pushed for the water tower that helped to finally stem the annual increases to the price of water. I worked to double the funding for paths and sidewalks in Canton.
We also improved the financial stability of our local government by ensuring our pension commitments are more fully funded. We cannot stop now. Let's keep this momentum going.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My wife Kelli and I moved to Canton in 1994 and raised our daughters Maggie and Emily here. They graduated Salem High and attended College in Michigan. We love Canton and want to make sure it thrives in the 2020s.