Reasons to Elect Rich Gunther
Mayor of Walled Lake
1. Proven leadership bringing private sector experience to our community politics
I am bringing over 30 years of private sector leadership experience, including roles as Vice President at Stellantis and Director at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, I have managed complex industrial projects in multiple countries at multiple companies - with budgets up to $1.6 billion, leading diverse teams to deliver results on time. As a 55-year-old father of a 6-year-old son, my priority is ensuring a safe Walled Lake where he can grow up with friends safely, prosperously and having fun. Recent leadership behaviors, treatment of citizens in public forums. pursuit of over development, and personality driven differing treatment of citizens and business owners - especially by Employees that don't even reside in Walled Lake all highlight the need for change. Drawing on my expertise in operational management, I will collaborate with Citizens, Business owners, and our Neighboring Cities to enhance this community and implement data-driven initiatives. My experience in infrastructure projects, like launching flexible manufacturing systems and products in the automotive industry will ensure logical, cost responsible, and 21st century approaches to our city. Approaching all problems and projects through the use of structured problem solving skills and tools will be a positive change to the typical approaches of typical public sector career employees.
2. Innovative approaches and proven problem solving
My career includes pioneering predictive analytics and IOT strategies at both Ford and Chrysler. I have collaboratively worked with the various industrial unions (Millwright, Pipefitter, Electrician etc.) and extensively with the UAW, and CAW (Unifor). As the son of a 35 year UAW employee I have a respect, appreciation, and have always had great working relationship with Union and Non-Union labor. Individually and as a leader of teams I have developed industrial revolutionary approaches such as Laser Radar measurement (essentially eliminating CMM's) various Vision Guidance solutions and other Manufacturing solutions. I have delivered individually and as a leader my groups manufacturing automation systems nearly always at company benchmarks in safety, quality, schedule delivery, and at or under budget. Achieving cost reductions (e.g., 38% in fixture costs at Ford) and developing cutting-edge technologies at Automotive Assembly Plants across the globe (primarily in North America) are well known in the industry. As a newly retired executive and a father, I am deeply committed to protecting Walled Lake and to ensure a healthy future for our families and my 6-year-old son. I will always prioritize any past or potential environmental issues that pose a direct threat to our water quality and citizens well being. I can apply my data-driven problem-solving skills to partner with regional organizations. As an example - the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC) etc. - for environmental concerns and water quality. My promise to our citizens is that I will make our city hall amplify the engagement with our surrounding cities (Novi, Wixom, Wolverine, Commerce etc.) which for some unknown reason has historically had little interaction with the Walled Lake City Hall.
As the Chairperson of the City Tax Board of Review I have seen many new citizens shocked by their assessments and first property tax bill - sometimes in literal tears. It is very disheartening that the property tax bills our new neighbors are being assessed when compared to our neighboring cities or to the current long time walled lake residents who's yearly increases capped taxable values. I promise you all that my cost-optimization expertise will ensure efficient use of city resources and addressing city finances. I will continue my private sector reputation in a relentless pursuit of opportunities for reduction in our property tax millage and other charges such as the ever ballooning Water/Sewer/Refuse bills.
I firmly believe that savings in the city and subsequent reduction of Walled Lakes property taxes can be found and returned to the citizens but MUST be without any reduction in services that our community votes to keep..
3. Community-Centric Development to Build a Vibrant Future for all our citizens
My track record of launching major automotive programs, such as the Jeep Compass in Toluca, and improving community-focused facilities like Chrysler’s metrology centers, demonstrates my ability to balance growth with stakeholder needs. As a father, I want Walled Lake to be a place where my 6-year-old son can thrive in a strong, supportive community. Local businesses have faced challenges, including scams and economic recovery from the 2020 pandemic. I will leverage my supplier relations and cost-optimization experience to support small businesses, fostering economic stability that benefits families and neighbors in our city. Additionally, my leadership in World Class Manufacturing initiatives, my Board of Director positions in several Charities, and as a Founder of the Walled Lake Civic fund will translate into strengthening community programs and ensuring safe, engaging spaces for all the children of our community to live, learn, and play.
Let’s Work Together
486 East Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, MI 48390
E-Mail: gunther@guntherformayor.com
Tel: 248-761-9604