Jordan Kotubey Runs for District 2 in Rochester Hills

Three-year Rochester Hills resident Jordan Kotubey, 28, calls himself a pragmatist and a political independent. A newcomer to Rochester Hills politics, he’s running for the District 2 seat on city council.

“I’ve decided to run for City Council to restore dignity and respect to the political discourse in Rochester Hills,” he said. “We face some difficult decisions over the next couple of years and I feel that my background, my track record of involving stakeholders to create the best solutions for all, and my pragmatic approach will positively benefit the residents of Rochester Hills.”

Kotubey earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management at Northwood University and is working on a Master of Management in Strategic Leadership at Walsh College. He is employed at International Academy of Design and Technology in Troy as Director of Information Technology, Facilities Management and Security. He is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional and a certified Project Management Professional. 

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, where he chairs the Economic Development Committee and serves on the Sustainability Committee. His campaign Web site is www.kotubey.com.

WHAT’S YOUR TOP PRIORITY, SHOULD YOU GET ELECTED?

“My first priority it to build a respectful relationship with residents, many who no longer participate in city politics because of the lack of respect from some council members over the years. We need citizen participation as we face these tough decisions together. If we can build a relationship of trust and respect, we can draw upon the skills and talents of our residents to create the best solutions for everyone involved.”

WITH CITY REVENUES FALLING, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FUNDING PRIORITIES?

“My funding priorities are core city services. I define these as police, fire, EMS, and public works (roads, parks, sewer and drain, and snow plowing).”

THE CITY REDUCED ITS POLICE FORCE BY THREE OFFICERS IN 2011 AND PLANS TO DROP ONE OFFICER IN 2012 AND AGAIN IN 2013. DO YOU SUPPORT THIS STRATEGY? IF YES, EXPLAIN. IF NOT, HOW WOULD YOU FUND THE COST OF MAINTAINING POLICE STAFFING?

“I do not support this strategy. I would suggest we evaluate options to reduce our structural costs in non-core city service areas by privatizing, regionalizing, consolidating or outsourcing. Some of the areas where it may make sense are HR, IT, and the building department. We must make sure we bring stakeholders into these discussions early, build a cost/benefit analysis, and allow city employees affected to compete against alternatives.”

UNDER INTENSE PRESSURE, THE COUNCIL RECENTLY BACKED OFF A PLAN TO BUILD A WATER RESERVOIR AS A WAY TO CONTAIN WATER COSTS. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD THE CITY DO ABOUT RISING WATER COSTS AND DEMAND FOR WATER?

“The city should continue to negotiate with Detroit Water and Sewer Department to lower water rates for the city of Rochester Hills. With the recent changes to the oversight of DWSD there is an opportunity for us to make sure that we are receiving fair water rates. It is important to remember that because we are on DWSD, we are subsidizing the aging infrastructure in Detroit.”

IF THE CITY’S DEER POPULATION REBOUNDS AND CAR/DEER ACCIDENTS RISE BACK TO PREVIOUS LEVELS, WHAT (IF ANYTHING) SHOULD THE CITY DO ABOUT IT?

“I believe that we should continue to follow the recommendations of the Deer Management Advisory Committee which are: ban feeding of deer, educate residents, improve signage and roadside deterrents, monitor deer population, and monitor deer/vehicle collisions. We should not use sharpshooters to cull the deer or other lethal methods. If the rate of collisions with vehicles increases, we should ask the Deer Management Advisory Committee for additional non-lethal options.”

THE CURRENT RECESSION IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS. IN THE MEANTIME, WHAT SHOULD THE CITY DO ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE, SUCH AS ROADS AND BRIDGES?

“We need to discontinue the policy of reallocating capital funds destined for our roads and other infrastructure to other purposes. We could reduce of capital spending in other areas such as new city fleet vehicles, tools, and equipment by extending the useful life. The policy of diverting capital funds and deferring maintenance costs taxpayers more in the long run by making repairs to our roads or infrastructure more expensive as they fall into greater disrepair.”

THE CITY’S GREEN SPACE MILLAGE WILL EXPIRE IN 2015. AT THIS POINT, DO YOU SUPPORT ASKING FOR A RENEWAL?

“Possibly, I support the procurement and maintenance of green space in the city. However, it would be irresponsible to have a definitive position at this point with so many unknowns in our future financial position. In order for me to make a decision, I’ll need to have additional clarity on our actual revenue losses, expenses, and shortfalls.”

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ROLE OF A COUNCIL PERSON?

“Council members are representatives of the residents that they serve, they work for residents.  They are responsible for making decisions that are in the best interest of residents, the city as a whole today and in the future. They must always look to protect core city services, analyze city spending in depth, and protect the character of Rochester Hills.”

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

“I am a leader with extensive business experience that has involved making key decisions in the best long term interest of the organizations I’ve worked for. My background in project management has led me to make sure we include stakeholders early in any discussion to receive the best result. I believe in transparency, that is why all of my positions are posted to my website for anyone to review and make an informed decision.”

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

“I am not accepting campaign contributions from anyone. This allows me to be impartial and a true independent voice constantly doing what is right for residents and the long- term future of our great city. I am not endorsed by politicians, I am endorsed by residents. I continue to walk door to door to meet residents and discuss their concerns with them directly; I’d like to meet you if I have not – please e-mail me.”

Speak Your Mind

*