Occupation/Education/Background
Educator
Number of years as resident
18
Campaign Phone
906-370-7280
If elected to serve on the city council, I pledge to work collaboratively with our city employees and the other council members to ensure Hancock remains a safe, healthy, livable community that works for all our residents.
My priorities include:
1. Saving our excellent HANCOCK LIBRARY (hancocklibrarymi.org), which serves residents of all ages, especially our young families and elders, adds real value to our students' education, and delivers a huge return on investment. I encourage everyone to VOTE YES on the HANCOCK LIBRARY MILLAGE on Nov 3.
2. Ensuring that the PUBLIC TRANSIT system meets the needs of residents.
3. Attracting more BUSINESSES to Hancock and helping them thrive.
4. Exploring ways to bring COMPOSTING services to our area.
I was born and raised in the UK and completed my education there, earning two degrees from Cambridge University. I moved to the US in 2001 and became a naturalized citizen ten years later. My husband and I have been happy to call Hancock home for almost twenty years and to raise our two sons here.
The very first thing I did after becoming a US citizen was to register to vote, and I take my democratic responsibilities very seriously. I regularly attend local government meetings in order to keep informed about issues affecting our community. I am an active member of our local League of Women Voters chapter, as well as serving on the Hancock Cemetery Committee and the Committee in Support of a Hancock Area District Library Millage.
Occupation/Education/Background
Business Owner, Nonprofit Director, PhD, MPH
Number of years as resident
29
Facebook/Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/sara.lahti.71/
Hello, my name is Sara Lahti. I am running for City Council because I care deeply about Hancock, and I want to be an active participant in making sure it is a strong, connected and thriving community. If elected, I would prioritize transparency and public access in city government by making sure residents know what is being considered by the Council, can understand the decisions being made, and have meaningful access to public meetings and information. I would also promote community engagement and open dialogue, by creating avenues for community members to be heard. Finally, I would promote a vibrant city through continued support for public events and community partnerships.
My #1 qualification is my passion to serve the people of Hancock to make it the best place it can be to live, run a business or raise a family. I am a small business owner, so I know how important it is to invest in our local economy. My nonprofit work with the Hancock Community Hub allows me to connect with lots of people doing amazing work, and I believe it gives me a unique perspective on the strengths of our community as well as opportunities where stronger partnerships could help fill existing gaps. Finally, my academic training is in anthropology, where I learned to ask good questions and listen to people, to foster communication across differences. I am excited to put these things to work to support the City of Hancock!
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation/Education/Background
Church administrator. B.A. in Communicative Disorders and I was a special education teacher for over 10 years.
Number of years as resident
9
Campaign Phone
4153204094
1. I will be a voice for the community with my willingness to listen to the residents’ concerns and views in order to implement change.
2. Making Hancock a destination for new residents and tourists for years to come while keeping the hometown feel for current residents.
3. I will investigate paths to help the city find ways to continue to be fiscally responsible.
4. I will help to strengthen the bond between the city and our local schools.
5. I will reach out to people in our area, from all backgrounds and life stages, to facilitate better community engagement.
I am a long time resident of Hancock. I worked as a special education teacher for over 10 years before transitioning to an administration role at a local church. Because of my background, I am able to adapt and think outside of the box which will help me to solve any problems that arise. With my administration role, I have experience in creating healthier finances allowing for the prioritization of the needs and wants of the community.
I am the current President of the Hancock Rotary which has given me the ability to facilitate community engagement. I have participated in multiple community events and I recognize what outreach means to the future of our city.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation/Education/Background
Occupation: Trust Officer, Superior National Bank / Education: NMU Master of Public Administration / Background: Thirty year career in business, education, and management.
Number of years as resident
4
Facebook/Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DXmJozXz4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
There are two goals that I would bring to the table once elected for the city: developing public & private partnerships and promoting revenue generating opportunities. With public & private partnerships, we can create advantages for economic development, infrastructure replacement, and asset management from the combined dynamics of both groups. When considering revenue generators, like better public parking or other amenities (such as a YMCA or fitness park), charging moderate user fees would generate new funding streams to offset city costs. Guiding sustainable development of public property and services along this path would improve property values and attract new business investment, setting up an economy fit for the 21st Century.
Having a thirty-year career in business, education, management, and now as an investment banker, I have skills for cost-benefit and cash-flow analysis to find the best return on investment, multiplying dollars earned for each one spent. These skills, along with my MPA Master of Public Administration degree, which focused on public budgeting, would be brought to bear on economic and community development issues facing Hancock residents. Finding cost effective, entrepreneurial solutions that generate public revenue, reduce budget outlays, and benefit the city as a whole would guide my actions and accountability with taxpayer funds.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
