Name
Matthew Dantes
Education / Experience
Oakland Unversity
Phone
586-707-2343
I am a lifetime Fraser resident and I have a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, which gives me a strong understanding of government, policy, and community needs. This background helps me analyze issues, create fair solutions, and make informed decisions to best serve our city.
I believe the primary issues facing the city are high taxes and inefficient use of resources. I would work to lower taxes by reducing wasteful spending, prioritizing essential services, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and transparently.
The focus should be on cost-effective projects that provide real value without placing a heavy burden on taxpayers. My main priority is funding necessities first.
I’ve been a member of St. John’s Church for many years now. I also have volunteer experience.
Name
Crystal Fletcher
Education / Experience
Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Wayne State University
Phone
5868841998
I was born and raised in Fraser, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Fraser High School in 2007. I was active within the community, participating in many extracurricular activities through school and volunteer work through both school and church. I’ve always lived locally and lived here vicariously through my mother, who was a resident for 49 years until she passed away in February of this year. I love the community I grew up in, so my husband and I purchased our home in Fraser in 2021. My life has been deeply embedded within this community since the onset, giving me a deep desire to improve quality of life for my neighbors. My mother always taught me to give back and was such a proud resident, instilling within me the capabilities to do so.
1. Water rates are high, frustrating citizens. I’ve looked at grants that assist improving plumbing infrastructure and alternative measures for improved watershed management. We create a plan to improve plumbing and find alternatives to prevent flooding and standing water. 2. Priority Waste is dropping the ball. Having just renewed our contract, I’m unsure what our options are. I’m certainly willing to look into whatever options we may have to evaluate what we can do to ensure that these issues stop and that Priority is held accountable. 3. Many citizens are concerned about the downtown area related to Sheetz. I would like to focus on the 14 Mile/Garfield intersection to create a quaint little downtown area.
I would like to see our downtown area re-imagined as a place for the locals, anything from a weekend social district to a food truck rally. I have a number of ideas that I'm hoping to explore to bring business in and create a fun environment. From there, hopefully we can make a plan that we can turn into a reality.
I would also like to establish a small dog park with land owned by the city next to Meijer. There are grants available to cover the majority of the costs and a number of ways to ensure funds for park maintenance, such as establishing a yearly fee for private access with a key fob (and additional assurance of vaccination). I know there are many dog owners in the city and I think it would be a great addition for recreation!
During college, I worked with Teach 4 Detroit. We tutored students on the east side of Detroit at a community center. I worked with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team responding to house fires and natural disasters to assist victims, ensuring that they have necessary resources immediately following the tragedy.
I have worked with PAAW for 10 years doing many tasks within the rescue organization, including fostering. I’m incredibly passionate about animals, having adopted 5 myself. This service work means a lot to me, as my aunts have been avid animal advocates for as long as I can remember.
Now back in the city, I'm looking to get involved in the community! Dana Sutherland recommended I run and I truly feel I could make a positive impact!
Name
George-Michael Higgins
Phone
586-879-4746
I'm a lifelong Macomb County resident and proud Fraser homeowner in the Venetian Village neighborhood. I served as an IBEW union steward in two different locals, where I fought for fair contracts, and to hold our employer accountable to the agreements they made with employees.
I worked in constituent services in the Michigan House of Representatives, helping neighbors navigate state government and get support. I am an experienced advocate for residents who are just looking to see their government function for them and their families. Responsive and transparent city councils are key, not only to creating a sense of community, but also to working successfully with other levels of government to get the best outcome for Fraser residents.
Three issues loom large in Fraser:
1. Our property tax burden - I would work proactively with City Administration to ensure we are looking at the budget and focusing on paying down longterm liabilities like our unfunded pension liability before other discretionary expenses.
2. Water Bills - Advocate for state-led solutions to the worsening state-wide water and sewer affordability crisis - solutions that keep our dollars HERE in Macomb County and let our seniors age in place with a water bill they can afford.
3. Placemaking. Fraser is a vibrant small town, but we need to do more to create "third spaces," and use innovative and specialized zoning and planning to prevent gas stations from dominating multiple corners of major intersections.
A revived Parks and Rec Department, and a city that works more proactively to seek out public-private partnerships with non-profits like the Fraser First Booster club and Fraser small businesses that helped fund a portion of the cost to build McKinley Barieer-Free Park. I would like to see our library finally returned to its permanent location at ZERO additional cost to residents. Beyond that, the city needs a vision for a downtown that can function as a viable third space and home for events like a farmers' market and more without being cost prohibitive.
I have been active as a volunteer with Macomb Community Action and Meals on Wheels for over two years, along with being an active member of the Fraser First Booster Club and participating in neighborhood and roadside cleanups here in Macomb County.
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