Lou Csordas…
Full Speed Ahead
by Bernie Fratto
December 2003
 

We might be known as the TV generation, but I think that’s a good thing.  It might in fact, be a very good thing for the residents of Novi.  Travel back with me to 1996… 

One evening Lou Csordas was flipping though the channels when he came across a “cable access on TV” program. There was a group of people conversing, and the setting featured a City of Novi symbol that was prominently positioned. It turned out to be a publicly televised meeting of the Novi Planning Commission, and Lou Csordas was hooked. 

He thought to himself, “my kids are in college, I have time to contribute and I’d like to get involved and give back to the community.” 

After researching what he’d have to do to get involved, he found himself among 10 applicants that were vying for a single position on the Planning Commission’s committee. 

“All of the candidates were well-versed and very prepared,” Csordas recounted. And he vividly recalls being asked tough, thought provoking questions during his interview. At the end of the 10-minute gauntlet, Lou Csordas made a short, yet compelling statement that ostensibly won the hearts and minds of his future constituents. 

“I may not be as knowledgeable and experienced on zoning laws, etc.,” he stated, “but if you’re looking for someone with common sense, good judgment, business acumen, and respect for people, then I’m your man.” And the rest as they say, is history. 

A Michigan native, Lou Csordas graduated from Detroit Cody HS, and then served his country in the Navy for three years between 1966-1969. He moved to Novi in 1977, and the #6 postal stop has been home ever since. 

Lou Csordas served on the Planning Commission for three years, and was even involved in chairing the commission until 1999, when he decided to run for City Council. He won of course, and his philosophy remained simple. “Don’t get outworked, and always take the high road.” 

This persona has served him well. Lou Csordas carried this demeanor into the recent Mayoral election, and on Nov 4^th, 2003, Csordas was elected Mayor for the City of Novi, Michigan. 

As you visit with him, you begin to realize that Lou Csordas is uniquely qualified to hold the position of Mayor. In addition to his multiple years of service in the Public Sector, the constellation of events that led to his most recent undertaking has truly contributed to his acumen. 

During the last three decades, Csordas has held a variety of sales, marketing, management and executive positions. This invaluable experience, one that required that he manage people and situations, while conducting business and overseeing a plethora of business challenges, has prepared him for Novi’s “Council Manager” type of government. 

Along the way, he obtained a Degree in Human Resource Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Given the fact that the position of Mayor in the city’s hierarchy is tantamount to the “Chairman of the Board” for a major corporation it becomes increasingly evident that Lou Csordas brings many dimensions to his new role. And although the role is a challenging one, his background invariably shows that he is imminently prepared to carry out the mission. 

“Full speed ahead,” Csordas proclaimed. “We have an excellent game plan and we need to stay the course.”

Csordas’ simple, yet profound ideas for Novi are refreshing. “We need to continue to make prudent decisions for the city, and we need to avoid any future lawsuits.” “We’ll make decisions based on fact of law and city ordinance, not emotion,” he stated. As such, he’ll keep a close eye on all Boards and Commissions.  

But his vision also includes an excellent master plan with appropriate zoning. A main focus will include attracting high revenue generating entities to the City of Novi. Attracting businesses with beautiful buildings is just the start. These entities employ people, eat in Novi restaurants, stay in hotels, pay taxes and bring great revenue to the City of Novi. 

Lou Csordas has already begun to work diligently on these, and other issues as he strives to lead Novi into this millennium as a first-class city in every respect. 

Given his eclectic background, history of success, and sound philosophy, Lou Csordas is not only uniquely qualified, but he’s imminently prepared to take on this challenge. Add to this the “Council Manager” style of government Novi utilizes, bodes very well for him. 

Working with City Manager/CEO Rick Helwig, and the City Council/Board of Directors… Mayor/Chairman of the Board Lou Csordas is a man about his business. 

…And it’s full speed ahead.