Candidate Profile: David Anderson for Lakewood City Council

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Name: David W. Anderson

Age: 44

Professional background: My resume indicates more than 20 years of progressive work in private sector and nonprofit management.  Highlights include demonstrated effectiveness in program development and implementation, strategic planning, communications planning, budget management, fund raising/development, staff and cross-functional team leadership and entrepreneurial judgment.  In addition, I have been effective in public policy advocacy during my work for United States Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and now as a councilman for the City of Lakewood.  

Education: BA, Kent State University, 1991; MBA, Cleveland State University 2001

Political affiliation: Democrat

Office sought: Retain seat as Ward 1 councilman

Previous political office sought or held: None

Candidate statement: The primary responsibilities of Lakewood's include making laws, overseeing the budget and operations and connecting residents and local government.  However, the bottom line for me is that Lakewood is the greatest city in which I’ve ever lived.  The people, homes, services, libraries, shops, sidewalks and recreation make this an amazing place to live and raise a family.  My experience as a long time Ward 1 business owner and resident, and one who has held an eclectic blend of public, private and non-profit positions, I have hit the ground running on Council to preserve Lakewood's neighborhoods and "character" by offering creative solutions to pressing issues and problems.  For example, upon hearing concerns over the next generation of development along Lakewood's commercial corridors, I called for a review of Lakewood's zoning codes to ensure our city has the best tools to shape how its major commercial districts should look, feel and coexist with surrounding neighborhoods.  This has resulted in changes to our code pertaining to conditions to allow new drive thru facilities in Lakewood which are now in effect.

For example, upon hearing concerns over the next generation of development along Lakewood's commercial corridors, I called for a review of Lakewood's zoning codes to ensure our city has the best tools to shape how its major commercial districts should look, feel and coexist with surrounding neighborhoods.  This has resulted in changes to our code pertaining to conditions to allow new drive-thru facilities in Lakewood which are now in effect. 

I have responded to hundreds of concerns brought to me by residents via email and phone calls since this past March demonstrating my commitment to community service and neighborliness.  I feel confident I can continue to serve Ward 1 and all of Lakewood.