You can certainly tell that the “Political Season” is upon us.  Signs and brochures are popping up everywhere advertising for everything from County Executive to local Judges.  Neither the Novi City Council nor the Novi Mayor ARE up for re-election this year. 

On Saturday morning, I saw a brochure published by the former Mayor, Lou Csordas, who is running for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.  And, while I respect everyone’s right to run for office, I would hope that everyone is truthful in what they claim their accomplishments are, that have prepared them for the office which they seek, or that make them better than their competitor for office.  In the brochure that I looked at, that wasn’t the case at all. 

Mr. Csordas lists various “achievements” that he wants the public to consider that supposedly make him the best choice.  He says:

1) He settled the Novi Sandstone Lawsuit saving the City from potential bankruptcy.  The fact is, Mr. Csordas didn’t settle anything.  The City of Novi, and their lawyers hired to represent the City, settled the lawsuit.  Mr. Csordas is not an attorney.  Mr. Csordas had input in the settlement, AS did the ENTIRE City Council.  MR. CSORDAS DID NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WHICH LED TO THE SETTLEMENT.

2) Mr. Csordas did not allow tax increases to the citizens of Novi while Mayor and Councilmember.  The fact is, Mr. Csordas was ONE of SEVEN voting members on the City Council.  The ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL worked together to prevent tax increases.  AGAIN, Mr. Csordas did NOT do this alone. 

3) Maintained a balanced budget and a budget surplus while Novi Mayor and councilmember.  The fact is, as stated above, Mr. Csordas was ONE OF SEVEN voting members.  The ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL worked together to maintain a balanced budget.  IN FACT, AS MAYOR, MR. CSORDAS ALMOST ALLOWED THE CITY TO BE SHUT DOWN FOR FAILURE TO APPROVE THE BUDGET.

4) Saved the City of Novi taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars on city employee health costs without reducing employee benefits. The fact is, Mr. Csordas, as an elected official, never once negotiated with a group of employees for anything to do with benefits.  That job is handled by full time staff members.  The ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL took a tough stance on bargaining issues.  Administrative employee benefits WERE cut.  A fiscally conservative posture was taken by THE ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL.  IN FACT, WHILE MAYOR, MR. CSORDAS IDENTIFIED THE RISING COSTS OF HEALTH CARE AS BEING AN IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL THREAT TO THE CITY.  HE DID NOTHING TO REDUCE THOSE COSTS.  HE ALLOWED THEM TO CONTINUE TO ESCALATE. 

5)  Saved the continuation of health benefits for City of Novi Retirees without raising taxes.  The fact is, The City of Novi retiree benefits are protected, in most cases, by union contracts.  Mr. Csordas had NOTHING to do with saving City of Novi Retiree benefits.  Mr. Csordas did work to reduce the benefits of a long time City of Novi retiree who got re-married after her spouse passed away.  He was unsuccessful in that endeavor.

Furthermore, the fact is, the City of Novi Retirees have endorsed KIM CAPELLO for the office of Oakland County Board of Commissioner. 

Kim Capello is an attorney who lent his legal expertise and legal opinion in the settlement of the Sandstone suit.  Kim Capello is the Mayor Pro-Tem and is intimately involved in moving Novi forward in these troubled economic times.  Kim Capello is a team player, a team member, and knows the value of assigning credit to his teammates and not seeking praise for his individual accomplishments.  Kim Capello is a fiscally conservative man who runs a successful business IN NOVI.

Kim Capello has a plan to raise Oakland County’s involvement in our own City Government.  Kim Capello has a plan to increase County Sheriff patrols and will lobby to bring more county dollars to our roads, parks and other needed areas.  Kim Capello is a friend to the Senior Citizen, the retiree, and to the young.  Kim Capello is the clear, best choice for our Oakland County Board of Commissioners.  Ignore the rhetoric.  Vote based on FACTS.  Kim Capello…..Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

Bob Gatt