Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to our fellow residents of Huron Township. I am David Haener and I am a Democrat running for Huron Township Trustee. I was born and raised right here in this great community. I attended grade school here and started volunteering at a very early age. Service above self is something I learned from a large loving family and close friends.
I am a proud graduate of the University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. While in college I also studied Economics and Education and was offered jobs by two of my professors, one to work in economics studying the effects of NAFTA and the other to teach in the math department. After graduating, I secured a position as a software developer with an early internet startup. I worked on projects for the PBA, 1996 Olympics, AirTran, and many others in my early years.
With my 24 years of experience in business and technology, I've worked hand in hand with small and large businesses, government entities, and non-profits. I've continuously proven my ability to help them grow, prosper and create jobs. I have a keen knowledge of technology and marketing, and an out of the box business acumen. I have been responsible for budgets, contracts, timelines and projects for companies like Xerox, Home Depot, MCI, Roche, IBM, Motorola, as well as small Mom and Pop shops. On occasion, I was able to help those small businesses generate over a million dollars in new revenue.
In 2011 I refocused my career and began volunteering more and working with non-profits. I saw working with non-profits as a way to start giving back to the community and working to make things better. I brought my business and technology background with me to help reduce costs and enhance services. Having new access to research has reminded me of what I learned in education courses while studying in college: education is key to the long-term prosperity and opportunity for individuals and their community.
Born into a family with strong beliefs, I learned about God and service to others very early. I am a member and volunteer with the Sons of The American Legion and the Yankee Air Museum, in honor of my father, who fought in WWII and was a member of both. I currently serve as a member of the parish council at St. Stephen’s in New Boston, where my mother and father were both active members and volunteers. I am a member and volunteer with:
- Michigan Democratic Party (Elected precinct delegate)
- Southwestern Wayne Democratic Club (VP)
- 12th Congressional District Democrats (Executive Board)
- Huron Township Historical Society
- Huron Township Rotary
- Sierra Club
These organizations have helped me serve the community and form friendships with community leaders as well as local, state, and federal policymakers. Building these relationships is essential for helping our township move forward. My family has lived in Huron Township since 1918 when my grandparents moved from Detroit to farm, bringing 7 children. It had been a blessing growing up in such a family oriented community and living within a mile of my aunts, uncles and so many cousins. Haeners have been very active in their communities whether in the Military, Church, Politics, Unions, Volunteering or Education. I will bring that kind of service above self to the position of Huron Township Trustee.
In closing, I will make sure our township is living within its means and being fiscally responsible while keeping our residents and visitors safe. I will not allow wasteful spending on projects that are not needed or ill-conceived. I will work hard to stop the deterioration that is going on in our community. I will be your strong voice on the board. I will ask and answer the hard questions our residents want to be answered. I will make myself available when it is good for you! I will not duck out the back because you are my boss and I will be accountable to you!