Dave Frederick

“It is simple-minded to think that a single dictatorial, unaccountable, minimally trained individual can adequately replace the combined knowledge that local citizens have about their own community or school district. Taking away the people’s right to elect and hold accountable their representatives is undemocratic, unconstitutional and exemplifies an abuse of power.”

Dave Frederick is a lifetime Michigan resident and currently lives in a small energy-efficient home in Montague. He retired after 40 years as a teacher and administrator in Michigan public and private schools. Dave served a term on the Executive Committee for the Sierra Club West Michigan Group and has volunteered with Earth Institute of West Michigan since 2007. Dave is a founding member and current co-chair of Reviving Our American Democracy, a West Michigan civic action group.

Having served on numerous non-profit and community boards and also operated as the CEO under other boards, Dave has experienced the wisdom and experience provided by a diverse group of citizens. Dave votes in every national, state and local election. He finds it unbelievable that, in America, his votes on issues and candidates could be overruled by an unelected bureaucrat.

“I have never wanted for food, shelter, education or work. For most of my life I have enjoyed freedoms and a way of life that others in this world don’t have and for which many are willing to die. I cannot begin to understand why I have been given such abundance and happiness while others live under oppression, poverty and despair. I am greatly disturbed that powerful people in our country do not want to share the good and just life with others. In their quest for wealth, they seem equally intent upon destroying our democracy and taking rights, freedoms and a reasonable standard of living away from their fellow citizens.

“I am driven by my perception that I must show appreciation for the exceptional life I have been given. To be who I am, I must give back and I must fight back. This is my personal stake in this lawsuit.

“While I have only lived in this community for four years, I consider my towns to be the twin cities of Montague and Whitehall. Each of these cities seems to have its own identity. Likewise, the two school systems in Montague and Whitehall have their identities. I am concerned that the bigger-is-better corporate thinking of the Snyder Administration, cuts to municipal revenue and school funding, and an eventual emergency manager takeover will bring consolidation to one or all of these entities.”