Candidate Questionnaire: Keith Stickley for Colon village trustee

The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for November’s Colon village trustee election. We will run all completed questionnaires from candidates in contested general election races in the order they’re received prior to Election Day. ​

Keith Stickley filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers. Stickley, an incumbent, faces fellow incumbent Mickey Blashfield and challengers Donald Scott D’Water, Jan Jones, Matthew Smith, John Sterlini, and Carl Thornton. The seven candidates are running for three village trustee offices.

Name: Keith M. Stickley 

Age: 45  

Address: I would prefer mine not published.

Party affiliation: Non-partisan. I’m a fiscally conservative independent. 

Are you an incumbent? Yes. Appointed May, 2023 

Family (optional): Married and proud father of a wonderful 4-year-old daughter.

Background/Bio:

I am an attorney and currently serve as the Chief Public Defender for St. Joseph County. In this role, I manage a budget of over one million dollars for indigent defense, working through the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and St. Joseph County.

In addition, I maintain a small law practice in Hillsdale County, focusing on public defense and real estate/transactional matters.

Before becoming an attorney, I worked as a professional magician, touring globally with my show on cruise ships, at resorts, and for corporate events. My involvement in magic and entertainment brought me to the Village of Colon during its annual magic celebrations and at other times. I fell in love with Colon’s charm, nestled between two lakes, and when the opportunity to work for St. Joseph County arose, it was the obvious choice for my family to settle here.

Beyond my legal career, I also have business interests in farming, entertainment, publishing, and real estate.

Why did you choose to run for village trustee?

Our village is blessed with incredible opportunities thanks to its geography and rich history. Nestled between two lakes, we have the potential for significant growth, particularly for businesses driven by both seasonal and full-time residents. Being known as “The Magic Capital of the World” provides us with a unique brand and name recognition that most small rural villages could only dream of. However, without intelligent fiscal and infrastructure management, our growth will be limited, and we risk a decline in services, population, and business.

Our village has long faced deferred maintenance issues, particularly with systems like our water, sewer, and dam infrastructure, much of which is far past its intended service life. Previous village councils mismanaged financial resources by not properly investing and overseeing the village’s financial holdings, costing us over $100,000 in revenue annually for several years. Residents have also voiced concerns about services like trash collection, yet little action has been taken.

Additionally, upcoming overhauls to our zoning ordinances will have a major impact on the business environment for those looking to establish themselves in our community, as well as the potential for new housing construction within village limits. Without addressing these critical issues, Colon risks losing its appeal for both current and future residents.

These challenges are my priorities and the driving force behind my decision to run for Village Trustee.

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?

I have served on the Colon Village Council as Trustee and President Pro-Tem since being appointed in May 2023.

During my time on the council, I have prioritized addressing issues that affect the quality of life for village residents, as well as focusing on the village’s fiscal and infrastructure needs. One of my key contributions was drafting Colon’s “Chicken Ordinance,” which allows residents to keep up to four hens for domestic egg production and as pets. I am also actively involved in the water and sewer committee, as well as the marijuana licensing committee.

What are the three most important issues facing your village and constituents?

1. Public Work & Infrastructure
   Our water, sewer, and dam systems have largely been neglected in terms of both ongoing and preventative maintenance for many years. While these systems may not always attract the most attention, they are absolutely vital to the quality of life for our residents. Without reliable clean water and properly functioning pumping and lift stations, a village cannot thrive. These systems need serious attention, and I am committed to addressing these issues.
   
2. Fiscal Responsibility & Public Safety
   This village council has taken an important step toward being good stewards of public funds by implementing an investment strategy through the Michigan CLASS system, which is expected to generate around $100,000 annually by safely investing the village’s assets. I have been, and continue to be, a strong proponent of this change. It’s also crucial that we explore other revenue streams, such as marijuana licensing, and improve our efforts to seek competitive bids and prioritize spending. Without fiscal responsibility, we won’t be able to fund essential public works projects or enhance public safety. While we’ve made progress, there’s still a lot of work to be done, and I intend to continue focusing on our village’s fiscal needs.
   
3. Zoning
   Our village is undergoing significant changes in zoning, which may have a profound impact on where businesses can operate, what types of housing are permitted, what signage can be used, and much more. Zoning regulations have a major day-to-day impact on residents and businesses alike. Unfortunately, there are some in village politics who seem willing to push these new zoning requirements through without proper consideration. Many of these rules are cookie-cutter regulations developed by think tanks and unelected bureaucrats, without regard for how they will affect our village’s unique character, needs, and history.

I will always advocate for minimal restrictions on legal businesses and safe housing, while ensuring the least amount of government interference. To keep our village viable, we must encourage economic activity and new housing development whenever possible.

How will you work with your fellow village citizens, village leaders, and/or county leaders if elected?

As one of seven village trustees, building consensus can sometimes be challenging. However, it’s just as important to listen to and understand those who may not agree with me as it is to advance my own ideas. I am always open to hearing the concerns and suggestions of village residents, whether during meetings or in everyday encounters—whether in line at the grocery store or grabbing a cup of coffee at Shell.

Whether it’s a seemingly small issue, like the chicken ordinance I was asked to address and successfully implemented, or a larger issue, such as dealing with water and sewer infrastructure, I am committed to listening to all viewpoints. My goal is to make informed, thoughtful decisions that are in the best interest of our community, while treating everyone with respect.

How would your term in office differ from previous terms, including your own, if applicable?

Since my appointment in May 2023, I believe the Village Council has made significant improvements in its day-to-day operations, thanks in large part to a new set of trustees who are dedicated to doing the real work of governing and improving residents quality of life. Unlike previous administrations that were often distracted and prone to tabling issues, we have focused on addressing real needs and problems head-on. I’ve made it a priority to keep things moving forward and engage in compromise when necessary to get things done.

However, this is only the beginning.

During my term, I will continue to push for much-needed improvements to our infrastructure and dam, both of which are in desperate need of attention. I will remain committed to listening to residents regarding service concerns, such as trash collection and public works. I will also continue to support the investment of village assets through the Michigan CLASS system, which is currently projected to generate an additional $100,000 in revenue for the village annually.

Additionally, I will actively participate in discussions about our newly proposed zoning ordinance, advocating for common-sense changes while opposing cookie-cutter regulations that impose unnecessary burdens on residents and businesses. I am also dedicated to improving public safety by restoring funding and resources to our police department and supporting the Department of Public Works.

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?

I first came to the Village of Colon in 1992 as a kid with a passion for learning more about magic and studying under the greats who frequented this area. Over time, I visited as often as I could, made local friends, and spent as much time here as possible. Before long, Colon felt like a second home, so my family and I became full-time residents. That same passion for this village has extended to my family and friends, some of whom have even purchased homes and property here as well.

Now, as a father, it is more important than ever for me to help ensure that my daughter grows up in the best possible environment. Maintaining the stability and fostering the success of the village she will grow up in is a priority for me. A safe and thriving village ensures a good quality of life for all Colon residents and their children.

I am asking for your vote to continue the work I have started in improving this wonderful village we call home, so we can secure a bright future for generations to come.