By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – David Spurlock has announced his candidacy for Niles Township supervisor in the Aug. 5 primary election.
Spurlock, 58, is running against Jim Kidwell, Niles City police officer, and Kevin Tonkin, township trustee.
Spurlock, who has been a resident of Niles Township for 23 years, is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"A priority for me is the will of the people. I will work diligently for the best interests of the citizens of the township and the future of the township," Spurlock said.
He added he would like to see more citizen input in their local government.
Spurlock ran for township supervisor four years ago and lost to current Supervisor William Myers by 77 votes. He said his choice to run again came after former supporters encouraged him to give it another shot.
"I've had so many people ask me to run again and I figured, 'Why not?' I wanted to be part of the township then and I still do today. I know what the people of the township want to see and I will listen to their views and thoughts about what they want. I'm here for the people," Spurlock said.
Spurlock expects to be in the township on a fulltime basis, if elected. "The job of supervisor will be my only fulltime job. I will be available to citizens of the township as much as possible. Listening to the people and addressing their concerns is very important to me," he said.
Spurlock has many goals for the township, one being growth of business along S. 11th Street, which would have a positive effect, he said. He would also like to continue to explore options for the Eastgate Shopping Center property and he would like to see a resolution for its use that would be of benefit to the township and its residents. "It is important to work closely with the township board and citizens in providing the best services possible with the money available," he said.
Spurlock has been an adjunct instructor of electronics and math for the past 10 years at Southwestern Michigan College. He currently sits on the board of directors for the Berrien County Youth Fair and is also a board member and treasurer of his church, Abundant Life Fellowship. Spurlock also works in environmental services at West Woods of Niles.
He is a past president of the Niles Civitan Club and a past board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Spurlock said he will bring several years experience in law enforcement, including work as a fulltime police officer in Indiana.
Spurlock enjoys radio broadcasting as he was associated with WNIL for 20 years and is currently with WGTO radio.
Spurlock and his wife, Tina, have been married for 20 years. Together, they have six adult children and 17 grandchildren.