VOTE411 Voter Guide

My name is Cindy (Gustad) Lundberg. I’m a lifelong Manistee resident, Manistee High School graduate, and educator with 27 years of experience in education. Today, I’m proud to serve our young Mariners as a kindergarten teacher at the Manistee Early Childhood Center. I’m running for City Council because I believe it’s my responsibility to use my experience and skills to give back to the community I love. I’m a positive, collaborative listener who believes the best decisions come from understanding different perspectives, asking questions, and working together. I care deeply about Manistee’s future. I believe we can encourage strong, healthy growth while preserving the charm and character that make our community special. I want to help Manistee thrive while remaining the place we’re proud to call home.

My priority is to make sure state and federal dollars coming back to Manistee are invested in projects that have a direct, measurable impact on residents and strengthen the community for the long term. I want to see state and federal dollars used where they will make the biggest difference for the people of Manistee. My priorities are improving our roads and infrastructure, keeping our community safe, supporting local businesses, ensuring good-paying jobs and the right mix of housing options for the families in our community. I want to make sure these funds are used wisely and benefit our community for years to come.

I believe clean, safe drinking water is a basic responsibility of the local government. I support continued testing and protection of our groundwater, replacing aging water and sewer infrastructure, and keeping our wastewater system properly maintained. I also support responsible waste management and recycling while making sure these services remain affordable for residents. Manistee has strong water and wastewater systems, and I want to protect that investment for future generations.

1. Natural Resources/Infrastructure: Some of what makes Manistee so great are the natural resources we enjoy every day. We need to work hard to protect and maintain our rivers, lakes, beaches, and trails. While also managing our roads, water and sewer systems to keep us safe and caring for our basic living needs. I will support long-term decisions that improve and maintain these important systems without add unnecessary costs to our local taxpayers. 2. Housing and economic growth: I want Manistee to be a place where families, young people, and seniors can afford to live and where people can find good jobs. I would support practical housing opportunities, responsible redevelopment, and efforts to attract and retain local businesses. I believe we can grow Manistee while still protecting the small-town character and community we all value.