Campaign Phone
7343533667
Number of years as resident
9
As the CEO of a public transportation non-profit, I work closely with 18 local government units in Washtenaw County. I've gained valuable insights into how their decisions impact residents through discussions and collaborations. I've partnered with planning commissions on housing and transportation solutions and sit on the Washtenaw Area Study to identify road funding opportunities. Since 2020, I've been involved with the Washtenaw Commission on Aging, advocating for resources for older adults, successfully securing the older persons' millage passed. Additionally, I provide grant-writing and non-profit management services to support local organizations like MSHL, Aid in Milan, Compassion Ministries, as well as an $8m state earmark for the Dexter Senior Center and a $10m federal earmark for a Goodwill Workforce and Housing program. Before that I worked at MSHL for almost 7 years. Academically, I have a Master's in Social Work with a concentration in aging services and leadership.
My aim is to develop and strengthen partnerships. External partnerships include neighboring townships and cities (as we all try to develop balance and improve ordinances from chickens to fees to housing), MPOs (they support traffic studies and road funding), county government (economic development partnerships, shared grant writers, support against unwanted industries), and more. Local partnerships like the schools could allow our youth to do more volunteerism for credit hours, giving the schools the opportunity to offer additional courses during the day - attracting more students to our district!
The current mayor, council, and staff have created so much momentum to address our roads, water, and infrastructure - I'd love to support the grant-seeking and writing process to ensure this work continues. When residents haven't brought up roads and water as current challenges, they talk about our high property taxes. I'd like to get my hands into the master planning process, strategize on how to long term attract and keep businesses here that assist with the tax burden instead of getting it waived.
With downtown as an excellent example of Milan's small town growth potential, I'd like to encourage similar growth on Dexter St. Not only filling the vacant businesses, but also improving the facades and increasing accessibility and walkability. At a recent forum, several residents pointed out that at the Dexter Plaza could have additional sidwalk ramps, places where there could be more crosswalks, or speed limit signs that show the speed vehicles are actually moving. Growing businesses and enhancing resident access go hand in hand. Balancing housing development is important for that growth, but we'll need an intentional approach with the limited space we have left.
Number of years as resident
50
With 30 years of professional experience, business relationship management is one of my strengths, which I believe is necessary to participate in civic discussions with the community, township, rural areas, potential and existing partners. I hold an MBA and a MLIS that have supported my work experience in multiple industries specifically: Retail, Wholesale Distribution, Library Technical Services, Publishing, and Professional Services.
My goal is to improve affordability for residents which must come from diversifying our tax base. To accomplish this growth, I would expand upon the city master plan's land use which needs definition and fresh strategic objectives. Success to be measured by a plan that attracts new and expands residential, commercial, and industrial growth. I would seek public comment from Washtenaw and Monroe county residents and business owners.
Population stagnation and aging infrastructure are challenges to our financial welfare. I would address them by applying for the training and qualifications to certify Milan a MEDC Redevelopment Ready Community to assist zoning planning, community planning, capital improvement, and historic preservation planning needs. This designation would market Milan City via a model not dissimilar from our successful downtown revitalization.
I would approach certification as a Michigan Redevelopment Ready Community to acquire development planning service, expertise and eligibility for resource funding to revitalize our community for the long term. This program can account for the uniqueness of our geography to match Milan to applicable developers for each zone. Simultaneously, I believe in measuring Milan's cost and quality of services via a balanced scorecard to manage expenses aligned to value and commensurate usage of those services. A balanced scorecard can define objectives and link the city plan to an executable strategic map.
PHONE
7343681156
Campaign Phone
7343681156
As a former Milan City Council member, I sat on City Council for four years and helped our city through the pandemic. That gave me a crash course on the importance of a City government run effectively, efficiently and thoughtfully. During that time and in the years after I have had the privilege to sit on or be in discussions with numerous city boards. These include The Downtown District Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation and more. As well as city appointed positions, I was elected as the Commander of the Sons of The American Legion Post 268. Through my work in these groups, both in leadership and otherwise, I have learned the crux of effective leadership is conversation, teamwork and bridging the gap between those that may not agree. Working with a wide array of people who care so much about our town, there will always be disagreements. My strength is a willingness to listen to every voice and carry all opinions with the same weight.
If I am elected, I have the knowledge and skills to hit the ground running right from the start. I am proud to have been a part of the council that began work on many of the projects we have seen come to fruition over the past few years. The reality is that city government has a tendency to run at a slow pace. While it is rewarding to see so many completed projects, I would love the chance to work with Council towards seeing many more goals completed. It is important to note that a City Council does not work in a vacuum. While Council gets the credit for visible improvements and additions to our town, the city staff works incredibly hard to run the city behind the scenes day to day. By working together as a team and securing millions of dollars in grants, we as a city, have ensured that we are in the fortunate position to boast exciting new projects as well as dig in and fix the foundation to guarantee the future of our city is bright for the generations to come.
Thanks to the previous and current City Councils, our City is in the best financial position it has been in in recent memory. We have a creative and thoughtful council, but more importantly an aggressive and driven city staff. They are dedicated to applying and winning every available grant they can to improve the quality life for our citizens. I am excited for the opportunity, if elected, to work hand in hand with this dedicated team to secure as many wins as we can for our community to benefit current and future residents. I am confident, as challenges arise, the city will be up to the task. With my ability and passion for open communication and endless conversation, I would be an asset toward coming up with effective and responsible solutions. I am proud to have been on the council that repaired our water treatment plant and improved roads, because In the end this job is about teamwork. It would be disingenuous to say any one person can come in and singlehandedly solve any issues.
Growth and development should always be in the forefront of any City Council's mind. Strategic and smart growth remains the challenge we face. Working on the Zoning Board of Appeals opened my eyes to the opportunity we have to grow as a community as well as the safeguards that must be in place to maintain what makes us Milan. Growing our town responsibly includes attracting both new businesses as well as homes. A responsible growth rate is imperative to ensure an economy that we can confidently maintain. With our landlocked footprint and finite spacial limitations, we need to focus on diversifying our tax base and making sure your tax dollars work for you. Many of us remember the vacant buildings downtown. Those are full and vibrant now, not because of luck but because of hard work and thoughtful planning. My goal is to apply that same energy and focus to other parts of the city including the Dexter corridor. With these goals in mind, I am confident we can continue to make Milan shine.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
734-732-6439
Number of years as resident
21
Over the past four years on City Council, I have gained valuable insight into local government, currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem and as Chair of the Downtown Development Authority. I also represent City Council on the Beautification Commission and Milan Seniors for Healthy Living. Professionally, I have nearly 30 years at Ford Motor Company, most recently as a Warranty Cost Reduction Manager, with experience in Global Strategy & Planning and consensus-building during UAW-Ford National Negotiations. Academically, I hold a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State, two master's degrees, and I am completing my MBA at Lawrence Technological University. My husband, Kevin, and I have three children: Flannery, Mary-Kate, and Kevin. We are active community volunteers, especially in youth sports and through Immaculate Conception Parish. My leadership in industry, public service, and education has prepared me to continue serving Milan with dedication, vision, and results.
My top priority is to continue Milan’s positive momentum by investing in parks, facilities, and infrastructure. In the past four years, we secured nearly $7 million in grants and state/federal funding—modernizing the water treatment facility, transforming Wilson Park, and improving the Riverbank Center. These successes show we can achieve big goals without increasing the tax burden. I’ve become a stronger fiscal conservative, committed to pursuing alternative funding, partnerships, and grants. Moving forward, I will focus on fairness and consistency in city government by ensuring contracts are current and equitable, while supporting nonprofits as true partners. Equally important, I believe in fostering a community where every resident feels included and valued. By combining fiscal responsibility with inclusive decision-making, we can continue building a stronger, more vibrant Milan for everyone.
Infrastructure will remain one of Milan’s greatest challenges and is one of my top priorities. To save costs, the city prioritizes road projects based on roadway and water main conditions—fixing both together to avoid duplicate work and maximize taxpayer dollars. By pursuing state and federal matching funds, we can stretch resources and complete more projects, as seen with improvements on Michigan Avenue and Ann Marie. Another challenge is managing growth while preserving Milan’s small-town character. As we attract new residents and businesses, development must be thoughtful and balanced—protecting green spaces, investing in downtown, and expanding housing while maintaining what makes Milan special. Growth should serve the whole community by reflecting the needs of families, seniors, and longtime residents.
A vibrant downtown is at the heart of a strong community, where people gather, build relationships, and form the bonds that make Milan a great place to live. Through my work on City Council and as Chair of the Downtown Development Authority, I will continue supporting local businesses and creating events that bring our community together while attracting visitors and boosting the local economy. Beyond downtown, growth and development must be guided by long-term benefits, considering not just financial costs but also social, environmental, and quality-of-life impacts. By taking a balanced approach, we can ensure that new initiatives support families, respect our small-town character, and contribute to Milan’s long-term success. As we continue the journey, I will work to ensure that my decisions are fiscally responsible, positive, and inclusive for all residents.
