David Michael Takitaki
| David Michael Takitaki | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 10, 1978 Grand Haven, Michigan |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🎓 Alma mater | Muskegon Community College, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | A Novel Conversation, Essentials of Democracy, The Contemporary Requiem |
David Takitaki (born September 10, 1978) is a politician, teacher, television host and musician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is currently a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 92nd district, which includes the cites of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights and North Muskegon as well as Muskegon, Laketon and Fruitland townships.[1]
Early life[edit]
David Takitaki was born in Grand Haven, Michigan and graduated from Grand Haven High School. During his high school years David was active in music, athletics and he was a columnist for Grand Haven High School’s award-winning student newspaper, the Buc’s Blade.[2] In 1995 David was elected as the Michigan (Wolverine) Boys’ State Governor.[3]
Education[edit]
David briefly attended Grand Valley State University before withdrawing from classes due to family and financial troubles. He resumed his education at Muskegon Community College where he became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and helped lead the International Affairs Club to a nationally recognized “Best Delegation” award at the National Model NATO Conference in Washington, D.C.[4]
After completing one year at Muskegon Community College, David transferred to Michigan State University where he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Shortly thereafter he was accepted directly into the Ph.D. program in Political Science at Western Michigan University where he has focused on comparative government, political theory, sustainable development and institutional design.
Television[edit]
In the fall of 2006 Muskegon Community College professor Kurt Troutman began hosting a literature-based television show on TV-98. Takitaki was featured as Troutman’s first guest, and after three episodes discussing books the decision was made to re-focus the show on politics and current events. Having discovered an on-air chemistry during Takitaki’s guest appearances, Troutman and the TV-98 management invited Takitaki to co-host the newly purposed “A Novel Conversation” in January of 2007. After filming two episodes Troutman relinquished his duties as primary host and Takitaki has anchored the program in all subsequent episodes.[5][6][better source needed]
Takitaki would again collaborate with Troutman to film a mini-series about American Government called “Essentials of Democracy”. This twelve episode series was designed as an educational examination of the U.S. Constitution and first aired in the fall of 2007. Since its initial broadcast “Essentials of Democracy” has been a regular feature on TV-98.[7]
Music[edit]
With vocal music a tradition in his family, Takitaki sang at an early age and joined performing choirs at both Grand Haven High School and Grand Valley State University. Though he began writing songs as early as 1990, Takitaki’s first recorded musical compilation was a holiday album with Grand Haven High School in 1995.
Thirteen years later Takitaki would team up with longtime friend and musician Mike Borgerding to form “Beyond Awaits” and in 2007 they released their first album “The Contemporary Requiem” on Borgerding’s “Fat Kat Rekords” label. Written as a musical journey through the grieving process, “The Contemporary Requiem” was inspired by the deaths of Kathleen Barbrick (Takitaki’s Mother) and John “Jake” Borgerding (Borgerding’s Father). Takitaki and Borgerding were joined by Ann Arbor vocalist/harpist Karen Mike for many of the tracks, and the album features guest appearances by Irish artist Seamus Kennedy and bassist Matt Di Rito of rock act “Pop Evil”. In honor of their parents, Takitaki and Borgerding donated a portion of the proceeds from the album to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon.[8][9]
Beyond Awaits has announced that their second album, "Chapter Two: A Brighter Day" will be released in the Fall of 2010.
Teaching[edit]
Initially hired by Muskegon Community College in 2006 to facilitate their International Affairs program, Takitaki began teaching political science classes in American Government and International Organizations in 2007 after he was hired as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science by the Social Sciences department.
While serving as faculty advisor for Muskegon Community College’s International Affairs Club, Takitaki met Adrian College faculty members Phil Howe and Sheri Bleam. After Howe and Bleam expressed an interest in developing a simulation diplomacy program at Adrian College, Takitaki volunteered to host a one day clinic to help prepare Adrian students for the Michigan Model Arab League conference. Takitaki’s clinic was held in early February of 2008. In late February of 2008 Adrian College offered Takitaki a position as an Adjunct Professor of Communication. Later, Takitaki would also become an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Adrian College.
An Adrian team prepared by Takitaki and program co-founder Phil Howe was selected for a Best Delegation award on the Social Affairs council at the National Model Arab League conference in March of 2010.[10][11]
Political career[edit]
On April 15th, 2010 Takitaki became a candidate for the 92nd District House of Representatives seat in his home state of Michigan. Current 92nd District Representative Doug Bennett has served three terms and is prevented from running for a fourth by Michigan term limit laws, leaving an open seat. He is joined by eight other Democrats and one Republican in the race. Using the campaign slogan “Think Big,” Takitaki is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for the 92nd District in the August 3rd Michigan Primary.[12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18]
Personal[edit]
Takitaki resides in Muskegon Township and is unmarried with no children. He has two sisters, Anna and Amanda. His father Malakai lives in Arlington, Texas. He is of mixed Tongan, Scottish, Irish and German descent.
References[edit]
- ↑ http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/05/democrats_in_crowded_92nd_
- ↑ http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/05/more_honors_for_award-winning.html
- ↑ www.michiganboysstate.org/yearbook/1995.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nato.int/education/model-050223.htm
- ↑ http://www.muskegoncc.edu/pages/2221.asp
- ↑ Muskegon Community College
- ↑ http://www.muskegoncc.edu/pages/414.asp
- ↑ Saturday, January 12, 2008,'Requiem' a musical exploration of healing and loss By Clayton Hardiman chardiman@muskegonchronicle.com
- ↑ http://www.beyondawaits.com
- ↑ http://www.lenconnect.com/news/education/x549593816/Model-Arab-League-program-offers-college-students-political-debate-opportunities
- ↑ http://www.adrian.edu/news/3_10MAL-nationals.php
- ↑ http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/05/voters_face_variety_of_candida.html
- ↑ http://www.mlive.com/opinion/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/06/letters_union_appreciates_publ.html
- ↑ http://www.whitelakebeacon.com/news.php?story_id=21483
- ↑ www.grandhaventribune.com:16080/paid/297194770149145.bsp
- ↑ http://www.michigannow.org/2010/05/10/sovereignty-battle-over-the-lakes/
- ↑ http://www.1037thebeat.com/wordpress/?p=593
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1-5zWH-VM0
External links[edit]
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