To Be a Freshman, Again
by Bernie Fratto

As a hard working student at Central Michigan University (where he graduated in 3 years with a degree in Finance), he was doing his best to balance his activities and responsibilities. In addition to his studies, he worked at a Motel from 11pm to 7am to earn extra money. One day, he answered an ad that was looking for an assistant during a congressional campaign. The ad was particularly enticing because it offered food and gas as part of the compensation… Pizza to be exact! What enterprising college student would pass on that?

Craig DeRoche embraced the opportunity and found his true calling. "I learned that every individual makes a difference," he stated. From there he became a fellow in Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP). This organization fostered leadership among partisans that truly demonstrated a long-term commitment to their communities and improving the quality of life in the state of Michigan. During this tenure, DeRoche interacted with Tom Watkins, who now serves as the State Superintendent of Schools.

In 1996 he ran for State representative against Nancy Cassis, and although he was defeated, he supported her and emphasizes he learned a lot in the process. At this point he started to build a constituency, and even authored a vision statement entitled "Novi 20-20." His goal was to bring about a focus on the future that would extend for 20 years, and although the project was shelved, Craig DeRoche, once again, learned something.

"To really make a difference, you need to be an elected official," he believed. DeRoche was determined. He ran for City Council in 1997 and 1999, and won both times.

His commitment to public service, and his genuine desire to help other people has resulted in an outpouring of support. A devoted family man with a common sense approach to his work, he has definitive ideas and goals. As far as the Budget Deficit, he believes spending cuts should come first, long before raising taxes is even considered.

"Some years you earn less, so you spend less," he pointed out. His common sense approach also extends to much needed road transportation projects over the next 3 years. "I'll do everything in my power to get them done," DeRoche insists.

In addition, he believes every Police car should have a defibrillator (this saves lives!), and that each city should have the right to negotiate their own tax abatement, rather than have one forced upon them by higher government.

A highly responsible individual, and one that still finds time to be an elder in his Presbyterian Church, under his watch you'll find a diligent man that is very resourceful. Graduating from college in 3 years is an amazing achievement. But in doing so, he also, "Saved over $20,000 in tuition."

His parents instilled in him an important belief... "You can do anything," they emphasized

"I have something to offer," Craig DeRoche reiterated.

Actually Craig DeRoche has a lot to offer. Not bad for a Freshman...