Troy City Council Candidate Survey: Steven Gottlieb

Could you tell us about your education, relevant to this position?

BA in Education, University of Michigan; MA in Administration, Central Michigan University

Could you tell us about your personal or professional background, relevant to this position?

I have strong insights into development and growth that will enhance the City of Troy – through my experiences as teacher, realtor, broker, and developer. This unique perspective will support the synergy between education and business in our community.

For how long have you lived in Troy?

I have lived in Troy for 35 years.

Do you have an activity relevant to this position or an endorsement which you would like readers to know of?

As a Troy teacher (39 years), I have been involved at the district level with continuous improvement work, which develops the mission and vision of the district, prioritizes goals and initiatives, and guides the accreditation process of the Troy School District. This work is parallel to the work the City of Troy does through the master planning process.  

Could you summarize why you are running for city council?

As I have lived, worked, and grown a business in Troy, I have experienced 39 years of Troy’s strengths, and I want to ensure that we, as a community, continue to build upon them.  In Troy, I have found a safe environment for raising a family, one of the finest school districts in the country, and a sense of community that is unparalleled.  As Troy grows, I will ensure that we continue to promote environmental stewardship, strong public health and safety, and make smart land use decisions.  I will work with the other council members to provide informal opportunities for Troy citizens to share their views and concerns.

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

Troy’s biggest challenge is to create a positive and inclusive environment for all residents.  To this end, the city council must determine the actual needs of the community, balance future growth in a fiscally responsible way, seek creative ways to enhance our existing services, and maintain open lines of communication with residents. 

The vision of the Troy City Council is to honor the legacy of the past and build a strong, vibrant future and be an attractive place to live, work, and grow a business. Our budget priorities must be aligned with this vision. It is essential that financial decisions are made from an informed position that is responsive to the needs of the community.  I am a creative problem solver, and am able to explore multiple options when it comes to making hard decisions.  Currently, Troy has one of the lowest tax rates in Oakland County, and I will work to maintain that as I work toward Troy’s future.