Voter Guide

Find Your Races

Troy City Council Choose 3

The council is the legislative body; its members are the community s decision makers. Power is centralized in the elected council, which approves the budget and determines the tax rate, for example. The council also focuses on the community s goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement plans, capital financing, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervises the manager s performance. Vote for 3.

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Theresa Brooks (N)

Biographical Information

Education University of Michigan-BS Michigan State University-MD Mayo Clinic-Resident
Family Information Wife, Mother of three daughters
Length of Troy Residency 8 years
Prior Community Involvement Volunteer Firefighter Incentive Prog(Board), Employee Retirement System(Board), Retiree Healthcare Benefits(Board), Nature Center(Board)
Social Media Links Instagram: drbrooks4troy, Facebook: Dr. Theresa Brooks, City Councilwoman, X: @DrBrooks4Troy
Campaign Phone 248-781-0381

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

As a Physician, my life’s work involves looking at situations through a problem-solving lens: assessing a situation, coming up with a diagnosis, and then making critical decisions even under stress. As a physician, I am also held to the highest moral and ethical standards when caring for my patients. As a small business owner I also understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and working within a budget. The past four years serving on Troy City Council have been challenging yet fulfilling. I believe that myself and my fellow council members have made decisions that have been of great benefit to our community including increasing funding for our public library, arming our police officers with body cameras and investing in our parks and trails. We created an ethics ordinance to ensure the highest ethical standards for our elected officials. At the end of the day, it’s about being accountable and forthcoming to the residents who trust us with their hard-earned tax dollars.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

I believe the next four years will include challenges such as protecting our green spaces and improving our existing parks. I will continue to consider the impact of traffic and environmental damage when evaluating developments. We must respect residents while also promoting economic growth. In addition our city currently grapples with the allocation of resources to critical capital projects. It is imperative that we address our infrastructure needs with a judicious approach, prioritizing fiscal responsibility to sustain our city's financial health, including the maintenance of our coveted triple AAA bond rating. Opportunities for the city include the integration of sustainability practices into the fabric of our city. This is of great importance because it not only aligns with our environmental goals but also contributes to the long-term well-being of our community. Lastly, we must continue to rebuild trust in our elected officials to help strengthen the city of Troy.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

The issue of development remains a top concern among Troy residents. There is apprehension about diminishing green spaces. I believe in supporting development projects that are well conceived. In an effort to address resident concerns, the City has promoted cluster developments, encouraging developers to preserve green spaces. In addition, we are in the process of revising our Master Plan. This presents a valuable opportunity for residents to actively participate in shaping the vision and trajectory of our city's development. As a City Council member, I scrutinize each proposal that comes up for a vote. My evaluation considers not only how the project aligns with the neighborhood's character but also its impact on the health, safety, and welfare of residents. There is also consideration for the projects environmental impact. In the City of Troy we desire and welcome development, but it is paramount that growth is thoughtfully balanced with the well-being and desires of our residents.

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

The City Council position means representing the entire Troy community. In this non-partisan role, I prioritize the importance of serving our Troy Residents over personal political leanings. I am focused on what benefits Troy through actively listening to residents. Over the past four years serving on City Council, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to work with individuals from all political backgrounds. My respectful interactions with fellow Council Members have set a positive example for our constituents. This mutual respect facilitates our capacity to concentrate on our primary role: serving our residents to the best of our collective ability.

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Hirak Chanda (N)

Biographical Information

Education BS Engineering, IIT; MS Engineering, U of Minn; MS Engineering, U of Mich
Family Information Married to Debjani, 26 years; Son, Asesh, Troy High Grad and U of M student
Length of Troy Residency 24 years
Prior Community Involvement Troy Historic District Commission Board; Bharatiya Temple Member; longtime volunteer tutor for HS students in Troy; Past President of Bichitra
Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/hirak4troy, https://twitter.com/Hirak4Troy, https://www.instagram.com/hirak4troy
Campaign Phone 248-765-7524

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

As a 24 year resident of Troy, I have been proud to watch Troy grow as a destination for many families. I am running for Troy City Council because I want to lead our city in a positive direction, and make it a place where people feel valued and where businesses and young professionals want to call home. As an engineer, I understand how important it is to govern based on logic and data. I am inventor of 11 U.S. Utility Patents in the area of automotive safety and energy efficiency. I am a strong problem solver and will think outside the box while serving on the council. I serve on the Troy Historic District Commission, and am the former President of Bichitra (an Indian American Cultural Organization). I am a member of the Bharatiya Temple and have been extremely involved in the community throughout the years, including tutoring many High School students.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

As a growing community, we have an opportunity to work with our state and federal leaders to obtain funding for our local infrastructure. We must take advantage of our diverse population to attract global businesses and I believe we can be a destination for young professionals, families and businesses by understanding what amenities they would like to see in our city. Businesses and young people recognize the challenges of climate change and are moving towards carbon neutrality. We have opportunities to increase our sustainability initiatives as a city and attract businesses related to renewable energy. Maintaining our fiscal stability while navigating global economic uncertainty may be a challenge for many cities, including Troy. This challenge will need leaders who are prepared to work through complicated issues. Supporting our police, fire and EMS to maintain our stellar safety record while recognizing the budgetary challenges we may face as a city.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

Like many suburban cities in Metro Detroit, Troy certainly faces challenges regarding redevelopment. Business models have changed in recent years, and we have a unique opportunity to redevelop parts of Troy. As one of the most multicultural regions in the nation, our city has a unique opportunity to appeal to the global business market by highlighting our diverse community and livable city. There is a critical shortage of affordable housing across the nation, and we must be creative when developing Troy for new residents. I also recognize that preserving neighborhoods and investing in our beautiful parks is very important to many of us, so maintaining our existing neighborhoods while reimaging other areas in Troy should be considered. As Troy continues to grow and change, we are seeing our greenspace and wildlife affected by development. Development and redevelopment are a complex issue, and I will commit to considering the legal, economic and community effects while deciding.

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

As one of the many immigrants that chose to call Troy home, I have spent my life working with people from other cultures, countries and backgrounds. I know firsthand how to work with people, how to listen to different perspectives, and how to use reason and logic, rather than emotion, to solve a problem. As a first generation American, I have survived and succeeded in my career and my personal life by working and engaging with people from a variety of political perspectives and philosophies. I know that there is more that unites us than divides us, and that we all want a vibrant and safe community to call home. My job as your city council member will be to keep Troy a safe and prosperous city for all residents, regardless of political affiliation.

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Ann Erickson Gault (N)

Biographical Information

Education BA, Manchester University; JD, University of Toledo College of Law
Family Information Married 20 years to Tom Gault; one daughter who graduated from Athens
Length of Troy Residency 19 years
Prior Community Involvement Troy City Council Member 2019-2023; Vice Chair Stoneridge HOA board; Member of Troy Historical Society; Owner of law firm based in Troy
Social Media Links Facebook/Instagram: @Ann4Troy; X (fka Twitter): @AEricksonGault
Campaign Phone 248-320-5798

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

Since my election to Troy City Council in 2019, I have worked to restore ethics to our City government, to improve the quality of living, to maintain our excellent public safety, and to ensure fiscal responsibility. I am proud of our accomplishments including passing an ethics ordinance, fully funding our library, expanding the Troy Trails, equipping our police with body cameras and license plate readers, improving our parks, passing four balanced budgets, and steering the City through the COVID pandemic. The residents of Troy are telling me they are happy and believe that we are on the right track, and I am seeking re-election to keep us on track.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

Our biggest challenge will be maintaining and improving our high-quality public services and amenities while keeping our budget on track. Troy has a fiscally responsible but lean budget. We need to have a community conversation to decide how we will continue to invest in our infrastructure, public safety, parks, and other critical services while maintaining a balanced budget.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

Development can be a benefit to the City and its residents, but it can be harmful if not carefully controlled. Troy uses various tools to ensure good development including our tree ordinance and cluster development zoning. We are also revising the Master Plan to fix issues with Neighborhood Nodes and the Big Beaver Corridor. Both the Planning Commission and Council have worked to ensure that builders develop their property in a way that brings value to the City without harming existing neighborhoods. If re-elected I will continue to work to preserve green space and encourage beneficial development.

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

Most of what the Council does has no partisan angle. The kitchen table issues that we address, such as maintaining streets and ensuring public safety, are matters that people of all political persuasions can agree on. The current members of Council come from a variety of political backgrounds, we do not agree on everything, and yet we work together well to meet the needs of all 87,000 residents of Troy. I expect to have the same cooperative relationship with the new member of Council.

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Mark Gunn (N)

Biographical Information

Education Bachelors and Masters Degree
Family Information Married, Children graduate from Oakland University, Daughter is at U of M
Length of Troy Residency 38 Years
Prior Community Involvement Precinct Delegate, Helped lobby for the Wall along I-75. 12 years on Golf Trail Home Owners Association, Serve in Coast Guard Aux.
Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/markgunn4troy
Campaign Phone 248-862-8079

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

I am running for City Council to help lead the city and improve Safety. Currently the city of Troy is down 15 police officers and 6 dispatchers. We are also in need of several firefighters. This is a trend that is leading Troy to become an unsafe city. Too often the police officers that start in Troy but leave for better opportunities. Given the strength Troy has financially there is no reason we the citizens should be worried about a small police and fire fighter force. My strengths include leadership, creativity and problem solving ability will solve this problem A City Councilman should be experienced at leadership. • For 12 years I have served on the Golf Trail Homeowners Association. During this time we kept HOA Dues low. • I Currently serve in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary • I have built up 3 different businesses. Currently own an Insurance Loss Control company that operates in the Midwest. During that time I have employed over 700 employees.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

Opportunities 1. Economic development: Encouraging business growth, attracting new industries, and fostering innovation can create job opportunities, increase tax revenue, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the city. 2. Investing in infrastructure, including transportation networks, & public facilities, can enhance the quality of life for residents and attract investment. 3. Community development: Promoting community engagement, supporting local organizations, and improving public spaces can strengthen the sense of community and enhance the overall livability of the city.

Challenges 1. Managing the city's budget effectively and efficiently. 2. Traffic congestion: Addressing traffic congestion and improving transportation systems to accommodate population growth and enhance mobility can be a complex and ongoing challenge. 3. Community engagement and inclusivity: Encouraging diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring transparent and accessible governance.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

1. Regularly assess the housing needs and market conditions within the municipality to inform policy decisions and ensure that strategies address the challenges faced by the community.

2. Invest in physical infrastructure, including transportation, utilities, and technology, to support businesses' operational needs. 3. Review and update regulations to ensure they are business-friendly, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship while maintaining necessary safeguards. 4. Foster partnerships with local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and industry-specific associations to provide resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship for businesses. 5. Establish and support business incubators and accelerators, providing startups and businesses with mentorship, networking, and shared resources to foster their development and growth. 6. Implement strategies to revitalize and enhance commercial areas, creating vibrant spaces for businesses, residents, and visitors

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

The key is to approach these situations with an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a focus on the best interests of the community. By fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and open dialogue, it is possible to work effectively with council members who have different philosophical beliefs

1. Respectful communication: Maintain open lines of respectful and constructive communication with council members. 2. Focus on common objectives: Identify and prioritize the common objectives that all council members can agree upon. 3. Seek opportunities for collaboration and compromise. Encourage council members to find middle ground. 4. Actively involve the community in the decision-making process. Encourage public input, and consider community opinions and concerns. 5. Look for shared values and principles that transcend political or philosophical differences. Focus on issues that are important to all council members, such as public safety & economic deve

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Edward Kempen (N)

Biographical Information

Education MBA Oakland University, BS Engineering University of Wisconsin
Family Information Family man - Proud father of 6 children and 3 foster grandchildren.
Length of Troy Residency 33 years
Prior Community Involvement City of Troy Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Committee for Citizens with Disabilities.
Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552399045239
Campaign Phone (248)376-4735

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

I’ve been asked by members of the community to run for council. After personal reflection I determined that my creative mindset and experience would make a great addition to the city council.

My diverse education, work, civic, and personal life experiences would be great addition to the council. My unique perspective would complement the quality leadership of the city and would give our community an opportunity to spur new downtown development and enhance our parks and services while keeping costs and taxes down.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

1) Creating an achievable plan for building the long promised walkable downtown that everyone has been craving and has been promised for over a decade, but without fruition. 2) Enhancing our PARKS and services in a valuable but cost effective manner. 3) Ensuring our PEOPLE feel respected and understood in our community and by our city leadership. 4) Protecting our POLICE force and city staff. We need to ensure we have the best tools and staffing to continue safe and effective operations for our people.

Focusing on delivering transparency and value in government.

I want to utilize our planning and engagement tools to enhance and then market the value of our city in Southeast Michigan and on the world stage as an ideal destination for business, technical, and creative job creation.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT - we need to unite the community around a downtown platform that will inspire developers to invest in our vision, share risk, and reap the rewards that are possible here. Goals: EXCITING, ATTRACTIVE, DESIRABLE, SAFE. We can differentiate ourselves from many of the other communities vying for this title by utilizing our strengths and pushing our vision.

Our PARKS and RECREATION programs need a revamp. Parts are working well and over capacity while other areas are failing, underutilized, or abandoned. I expect to make this a key focus in the next year while serving.

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

I have a track record of working with members of both political parties to achieve positive results in our communities. I will never put partisan politics ahead of people. Troy residents should demand a council that is representing the best interests of the citizens and not playing politics. When serving, I promise to never put politics ahead of the vision for our city.

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Dale Murrish (N)

Biographical Information

Education BSMechEngr, MSME, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Family Information Two married children, four grandchildren
Length of Troy Residency 35 years
Prior Community Involvement newcitypc.org church choir, member of Troy Community Center (weight room, volleyball)
Social Media Links usameltingpot.org,Archive, https://www.dailysignal.com/author/dale-murrish/
Campaign Phone 248-431-9537

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

• I am a retired GM engineer with decades of experience solving complex technical issues and will apply that thinking process to city business • I have lived in Troy since 1988 and want to give back to the community. • I‘ve traveled by bicycle 7500 miles in Europe during two summers, including behind the Iron Curtain. Seeing how Eastern Europeans lived made me appreciate the opportunities and freedoms we take for granted here.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

• Filling police jobs (currently more than 10 openings)

• Volunteer firefighters incentive fund (IRS ruling) needs to be sweetened.

• Vacancies in office buildings may hurt tax receipts.

• Brownfield redevelopment like Kmart HQ should have input from the city

• Sustainable development for undeveloped land parcels, retaining forest & wetlands if possible, not merely meet zoning requirements but fit in with nearby neighbors being happy with it. * Deer overpopulation will become more of a problem as the land is developed and the habitat is reduced. Deer-car collisions will increase unless something is done.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

• We don’t want more 5 story buildings overlooking existing backyards. We may need zoning law changes to accomplish this. • Troy is not Royal Oak. Prefer to maintain the roomy suburb we love and enjoy.

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

• Treat everyone (council members, residents, city employees, etc.) with respect and dignity. As an Eagle Scout, I still try to live by the Scout Law: be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

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Edward Ross (N)

Biographical Information

Education B.S. Computer Science (Wayne State University), MBA (University of Monaco)
Length of Troy Residency Since 2012
Prior Community Involvement Troy Volunteer Firefighter since 2019. President of IA East's Music Parents' Association (2017-18)
Social Media Links www.facebook.com/edwardross4troy
Campaign Phone (248)509-0292

Why are you running for City Council? What personal qualities, skills, and experiences make you the best candidate?

I am running out of a desire to serve my community as I have done as a Troy Volunteer Firefighter.

Our city is at a turning point on several major issues including housing and development, maintaining our emergency response services, and making sure city hall is listening to all voices in our city. I believe we can work together to build the thriving, resilient community that we all want to see.

My professional background includes working to ensure accountability and efficient use of public funds. In Afghanistan, I was responsible for monitoring and evaluating infrastructure projects, ensuring they adhered to the highest standards. My experiences living and working in diverse international settings have prepared me to navigate and appreciate our cultural diversity.

I never saw myself as a politician. I am just a neighbor that wants to see thoughtful decisions that focus on our residents. I want them to be able to trust that the city council has their best interests at heart.

What do you see as the major opportunities and challenges for Troy during the next four years?

Troy's emergency response services are facing significant challenges.

We are struggling to address a shortage of police officers, and we no longer have even a single dedicated ambulance to service our city.

The city council’s recent changes to the volunteer firefighters’ incentive system have put our residents safety at risk.

We need to take action to prioritize community safety instead of just talking about it. The first step we can take is providing police pensions. We must also address our shortage in dispatchers, who serve as a vital link between residents and first responders, and we need an emergency services contract that guarantees dedicated ambulance coverage.

We need affordable senior housing. People who want to downsize or return to Troy to be near family need housing options, and that requires action from the city.

We should also learn from nearby communities that have enhanced services and activities for seniors who form an important part our city.

What are your priorities and/or concerns regarding development / redevelopment in Troy?

As we grapple with the challenge of preserving our green spaces while accommodating necessary development, our key focus should be engaging with our community to understand the full range of concerns and to develop innovative ideas for meeting our challenges.

We love the trees and our dwindling green spaces. No city-owned green space should be sold.

We should consider incentive-based approaches that encourage developers to reinvest in other areas of Troy, and aggressively seek external grant funding to improve our parks, especially through engagement with our state & federal representatives.

Dense development in certain areas to help address our housing needs, but this must be carefully planned and aligned with priorities of the community.

The future of development and redevelopment in Troy should be shaped by the collective vision of our residents.

Engaging with the community, listening to concerns, and involving them in the decision-making process is essential.

Since Troy City Council Member is a non-partisan position, how will you work with council members who may have different political perspectives or philosophies than yours?

My international work and studies have enriched my perspective and enhanced my ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. I hold a deep respect for the service of our council members, and I am fully committed to working collaboratively with everyone, regardless of political differences.

I believe that the nature of local governance transcends party lines and that our shared interest in serving Troy will guide our decision-making process.

The ability to actively listen, engage in constructive dialogue, and seek common ground is essential in reaching solutions that benefit all residents of Troy.