‘I would like this to be the most informed district out there.?
That’s one of David J. Lillis? main goals if elected as state representative for the 46th District, which includes Oxford and Addison townships.
‘The people will know what’s going on,? said the 57-year-old Democrat. ‘And it will be the truth.?
Lillis believes it’s an elected representative’s job to gather ‘accurate and honest? information about issues, disseminate it to his constituents, then really listen to what they have to say.
‘You have to listen,? he said. ‘I know politicians ask a lot of questions. It would be nice if they sat down and listened to the answers. They may be off-the-wall, but you never know what you’re going to pull out.?
A resident of Lake Orion for 19 years, he plans to conduct business like this to ensure the decisions he makes are on behalf of everyone in the district, from Democrats and Republicans to independents and non-voters.
‘I just want to do the job,? he said. ‘Basically, if you’re voting for me, you’re voting for yourself because you’re the ones that are going to tell me what to do.?
Being an independent voice for the 46th District is very important to Lillis.
That’s why he refuses to accept any campaign contributions or endorsements ‘unless freely given.? He doesn’t wish to be beholden to anyone.
‘I can’t have someone looking over my shoulder and stand in front of (a constituent) and say I’m representing them,? Lillis said.
Lillis, who works as an executive sous chef aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America ship, said he’s interested in fixing problems, not pointing fingers or engaging in partisan politics.
‘Both parties have great ideas,? he said. ‘Isn’t it logical that you take the best one? Or maybe mesh them together? The goal is (for) the people to come out better in the end.?
He noted a pothole isn’t a Republican or Democrat.
‘Fill it in and be done with it,? Lillis said.
To him, problems should be solved using the 4 C’s ? consensus, cooperation, collaboration and compromise.
‘You have to comprise all the time,? Lillis said. ‘You have to listen.?
Lillis described himself as a ‘Truman-Reagan-Hart Democrat.?
President Harry S. Truman because he ‘took responsibility for what he did.?
‘He may not have been the brightest person in the world, but he had good common sense and he stood up for what was right,? Lillis said.
Lillis admires President Ronald Reagan because, in his opinion, no one loved his country more. ‘He stood up for his country,? he said. ‘I stand up for my state.?
As for former U.S. Senator Phillip Hart (D-Michigan), Lillis appreciates his honesty and the fact he never let anything stand in his way as a public servant.
‘He worked for the people,? he said.
Lillis identifies with the Democratic Party because it’s supposed to have a broad base.
‘Democrats are supposed to be rich and poor, and everybody in between. You represent everybody,? he said. ‘Some actually do that.?
He wants to be a ‘public servant,? not another politician. ‘I’m here to serve,? Lillis said. ‘The attitude of some politicians (toward their constituents) is very demeaning. (It’s) as though they’re doing you a favor. No one’s doing you a favor. This is (their) job.?
If elected, Lillis guaranteed he’ll work ‘seven days a week, 12 hours a day? both in Lansing and throughout the 46th District.
He’s used to long hours given he’s worked 18 hours a day, seven days a week aboard a cruise ship since 2004.
He promised he’s not going to be one of those elected officials who’s only seen in the district every few years when it’s time to stump for votes.
‘I’m not doing that,? he said. ‘I’m going to do it the right way. If I have a personal goal, it’s this ? at the end of the two years, I would like to come to you and say ‘See? I told you it could be done.? You have to want to do it and that’s what I want. I don’t care if it kills me ? I’m going to do it the right way.?
Lillis plans to take a significant pay cut if he wins. He promised to keep the same amount state representatives earned in 1999 and donate the rest to various charities, schools and causes within the district.
During the 1999-2000 fiscal year, state representatives earned $55,054 annually.
Today, they earn $71,685 per year.
Lillis has been married to his wife Marcia for 23 years. He has four sons ranging in age from 17 to 30.