Keith Curry

Keith Curry

Mayor


City Hall

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
Became interested in politics and history at a young age, volunteered in my first campaign at 13.
Became a county and then state youth commissioner when my guys won election.
Got involved with Hugh Flornoy's campaign for governor and met some great people like Stu Spencer.
Worked for Pete Schabarum, ran his campaign and then went to Washington with Reagan for 5 years.
Turned that into a job as a municipal financial advisor, later was in a group that bought the firm.
Got appointed to be a councilman after advising governments all over the nation for 24 years.
Re-elected 3 times, 2 terms as Mayor. Had the chance to provide great new facilities for the future.
Sold the firm and it allowed me to devote more time to public service and teaching at a Univ.

Career

Mayor

I set policy and tone for the city and provide a vision for the future.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Politics
Problem Solving

Day to Day

I stop at the office, sign documents, review the upcoming agenda with the city manager, and often write an Op-Ed. for the paper. This can involve setting strategy and anticipating problems and issues that may arise. I also appear at many community groups and occasionally make a speech on what is going on in the city.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

Politics is a young person's game. You can advance very fast and campaigns are always looking for volunteers. Study history and campaign strategy. With the new social media, you may be smarter already than an old hand like me. Decide why you want to be in politics or government, and answer President Kennedy's call to public service. Remember, it is a service and a privilege to serve the people.

Recommended Education

My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"You should be more partisan, or run for an office I didn't want to hold."

Challenges I Overcame

First-Generation College Student