Politics & Government

Getting to Know the Candidates: Robert Keller

Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch sent all 10 candidates running for election or re-election to Trenton City Council in the coming primary an identical questionnaire to give voters more information on each candidate.

The Trenton primary election is rapidly approaching and to help voters make sound, informed decisions, Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch created a questionnaire for candidates seeking election or re-election in 2013.

The primary election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Each of the 10 candidates seeking election or re-election for three city council seats received the same eight questions.

Find out what's happening in Trenton Grosse Ilewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Age?: 

51

Spouse/kids?:

My wife's name is Sue and we have been married for 26 years.  We have 3 children, Micah, Chris and Molli, who were born and raised inTrenton.Micah is a graduate of University of Michigan in Criminal Justice and is a 2nd Lt. in the Army National GuardChris is currently attending the University of Michigan and is finalizing his degree in Finance in 2014.Molli is currently attending Baker College and is pursuing her degree in Business Management/Accounting.  Molli is also a Real Estate Agent for Carol Bollo.I am extremely proud of my children and their commitment to education and excellence in their lives.  Each were products of the Trenton School System.

How long have you been a resident of Trenton?: 

I have been a resident for 26 years and my wife 43 years.

What is your prior political experience?:  

I ran for State Senate in 1994.   That experience at the age of 32 provided me with a very good understanding of what it takes from a commitment and the vast knowledge of life/work/business experience needed to be successful in representing the people/residents.  I was not ready in 1994, I am now!

What is your prior professional experience?: 

I have worked for AT&T for 29 years.  Throughout my career I have had ever increasing responsibilities that spanned across, finance, contracting, personnel, technical and training.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?: 

I have had the great opportunity to have lived in this great city and raise my family.  I have participated as a Coach in the Trenton Hockey Association for 8 years, Chairman of the Trenton Touchdown Club for 2 years, supported the TrentonIce Show for 17 years and many fund raising events for great causes.  I believe it is time to start giving back to the city that has given so much to us.

What issues do you see affecting Trenton?:

1. The ability to bring businesses to the city and retain them.
2. The ability to keep city services at a very high level that retains and incents new residents to come to Trenton
3. How to best utilize and/or work with property owners that front the river in order to create new uses for that property.
4. Long term financial stability of the city and its departments and best use of city resources.

 What is your plan to address those issues?  

1. Continue to work with the Planning Commission and City, State and Federal programs to utilize incentives available for business growth.
2. Prioritize key city services.  One of the ideas that I would like to institute would be a resident satisfaction survey.  What services do they believe are key for them as a resident, where do they wish to see improvement and ensure that the administration is aligned to those goals.  Seems simple, but voting for Council members or Mayor doesn't mean that the priorities will stay consistent, the people who live in Trenton are and their voices can be heard through this simple methodology.
3. The river front is a key jewel in the cities portfolio.  Direct engagement to finalize and determine appropriate actions that would need to be taken to allow for use/development.
4. Continue to monitor and support budget management and holding a tight line on spending, but investing in key areas that will bring long term benefit/growth to the community ( new business and residents )


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