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Monday, December 24
View Article  Troy Police Crime Report --- 12/24/2007
by Dave Lambert on Mon 24 Dec 2007 10:43 PM EST
TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police     
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084  
(248) 524-3443   ...   more »
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View Article  My "Exit" Interview
by Dave Lambert on Mon 24 Dec 2007 05:00 AM EST
Even though my term on City Council ended over a month ago, a journalism student at Oakland University asked if she could interview me for her class.

Here are her questions and my responses.

1. How did you get into politics?
A: I've been interested in government and public policy since I was a high school student.

2. Why did you get into politics?
A: I like helping people and I believe we each have a responsibility to serve our community and nation.

3. Are individuals allowed on the Troy City Council for only six years, or did you decide not to run for re-election?
A: I could have run for one more term on Council.  I decided not to run for re-election because of the increased responsibilities of my full-time job and family commitments.

4. How did it feel to watch your first city council meeting from the "other side"?
A: It was interesting to observe the interpersonal dynamics of the Councilmembers after having spent six years in their position.

5. You've done a lot for the city of Troy. Have you considered running for mayor?
A: I believe everyone who serves on City Council envisions sitting in the Mayor's seat.  So, yes I have thought about it.  However, after just returning to "civilian" life, I'm in no hurry to make any long-term political plans.

6. What is your proudest accomplishment as a city councilman?
A: There are several that I take pride in but they would never have occurred without the support of my colleagues on City Council.  Overall, I'm proud that we delivered high quality City services and still reduced taxes.  Two specific accomplishments I'm proud of are the placement of "In God We Trust" in City buildings and the construction of a skate park.

7. I was surprised to see that Troy had only a 23.96% voter turnout for the Nov. 6 election. Is this a normal number, or was it lower than most years?
A: That voter turnout is fairly normal for a City election.  When I first moved to Troy in 1990, the voter turnout was much lower in City elections.

8. You've served on a lot of committees and organizations. Which one do you think was the most important or most rewarding?
A: Other than City Council, the most important and rewarding was the Troy Community Coalition because of the important work it does to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

9. Why do you think voter turnout was so low?
A: We live in a society where the media focuses our attention on national and international affairs. Most people don't realize how important local government is to them.

10. What would you like to see changed about the city of Troy?
A: Develop ordinances that encourage open space preservation.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: All I know for sure is I'll probably be involved in community service and public policy.

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