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Keith Curry

Keith Curry

City Hall

Career Roadmap

Keith's work combines: Government, Politics, and Problem Solving

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Day In The Life

Mayor

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

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    California State University-Long Beach

  • Graduate Degree

    Political Science and Government, General

    California State University-Long Beach

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Legislators:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Political Science and Government, General

Graduate Degree: Public Administration

Certification: Law

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Became interested in politics and history at a young age, volunteered in my first campaign at 13.

  • 2.

    Became a county and then state youth commissioner when my guys won election.

  • 3.

    Got involved with Hugh Flornoy's campaign for governor and met some great people like Stu Spencer.

  • 4.

    Worked for Pete Schabarum, ran his campaign and then went to Washington with Reagan for 5 years.

  • 5.

    Turned that into a job as a municipal financial advisor, later was in a group that bought the firm.

  • 6.

    Got appointed to be a councilman after advising governments all over the nation for 24 years.

  • 7.

    Re-elected 3 times, 2 terms as Mayor. Had the chance to provide great new facilities for the future.

  • 8.

    Sold the firm and it allowed me to devote more time to public service and teaching at a Univ.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

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

  • How I responded:

    Decide who you are and be that person. The public can tell a phony. You will also regret decisions that you make to accomodate others at the expense of your true feelings.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • My parents grew up in rural Texas. They had not been to college and I was the oldest. I had to find my own path, but they always supported me and things worked out great. This is why you study the paths of others. It's a common theme.