For Immediate Release

KALAMAZOO, MI, September 8, 2009 - Kalamazoo City Commissioner David Anderson will seek re-election for a third two-year term in November 2009. "I'm committed to fostering respectful dialogue in community conversations," Anderson said. "I think the quality of our conversations has everything to do with the kind of city we create. The political environment, even at the local level, encourages people talking at rather than with each other. We need connections that knit us together across neighborhoods and interest groups. Civic leaders have an active role to play in that process."

Anderson, 58, has taken the lead in collaborative efforts to address complicated issues during his first two terms of service, including the city's Sustainability Policy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Subcommittee, the development of the Local Housing Assistance Fund, and the language adopted for the city's panhandling ordinance. Most recently, Anderson chaired the City Commission subcommittee that invited community members to discuss and shape Kalamazoo's anti-discrimination ordinance. "I believe we can develop workable solutions to civic challenges," said Anderson. "The city needs thoughtful, experienced, pragmatic people to participate in setting policy and direction. I bring both finance and collaborative management experience to our City Commission deliberations - skills we will need to navigate challenges in the immediate future."

Anderson, a longtime city resident with decades of community volunteer experience, was first elected to the Kalamazoo City Commission in 2005. A building contractor for many years, he is currently Director of Housing and Facilities for Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, a local public agency. Anderson also serves as Board President of the LIFT Foundation, a countywide non-profit developer and owner of affordable housing, and as Chairperson and a founding member of the Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission. In the past, Anderson held leadership positions with the West Douglas (Fairmont) Neighborhood Association neighborhood, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, the City of Kalamazoo Housing Board of Appeals, and both the Hillside Middle School and Kalamazoo Central Parent-Teacher-Student Organizations.

Born and raised in the area and a city resident for more than 28 years, Anderson graduated from Kalamazoo Central and received a Bachelors degree in Accountancy from Western Michigan University. He is married to Cori Terry of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, and together they are the parents of four grown daughters, all Kalamazoo Central graduates.