VOTE411 Voter Guide

We need to be proactive about maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure and public facilities. I will work with the Council and staff to establish clear priorities, pursue state/federal funding and coordinate projects as responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. Housing is essential to our community’s future. I support practical approaches that work for people at different stages of life and income levels, make use of underutilized property and work with developers and regional partners to reduce barriers to projects. I would work to make the city a responsive, predictable partner for business. That means maintaining clear development processes, communicating effectively with applicants, helping identify available grants and continuing to invest in the areas that contribute to a vibrant local economy. We need to preserve what makes our community special while making thoughtful investments that position us to remain an affordable, welcoming place to live, work and raise a family.

Transparency is an important issue that has struck a cord with many citizens. I think having live recorded meetings and conducting regular surveys on issues is an important part in encouraging community involvement. As a city council member, I have pushed for and supported the live recording and broadcast of all city council meetings. I think we could go a step further to include planning commission and zoning board meetings as well. I hope to see that come to fruition as mayor.

Another issue that is important in Negaunee today, is fiscal responsibility. As mayor, I aim to make sure that our tax dollars are going where they are needed most for Negaunee, to serve all citizens. I would do this by being more hands on with greater oversight of how money is being handled, and working with appropriate city staff within my scope to ensure accounting for all spending is being handled accurately and responsibly, and that we are following the corrective action plans of recent audits.