Campaign Phone
6164024091
Age
37
I bring leadership experience in business, education, and local government that uniquely equips me to serve Norton Shores. Professionally, I hold an MBA and have managed budgets and teams, giving me the financial discipline and organizational skills needed for responsible city governance. As a teacher, I’ve learned to listen, build consensus, and solve problems—skills that transfer directly to representing residents.
I also served as Deputy Supervisor of Algoma Township, where I gained firsthand experience in local government operations, public meetings, and the responsibilities of elected officials. That role taught me the importance of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and responding quickly to community concerns.
As a Norton Shores resident and parent, I understand what makes this community strong—safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and natural beauty—and where we must improve: repairing infrastructure, addressing housing needs, and protecting our natural beauty. I am committed to transparent decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring Norton Shores continues to be a safe and vibrant place to live for families today and for future generations.
The top issues for Norton Shores are clear from resident feedback and city data:
1. Roads and Infrastructure – Repairing roads and upgrading water and sewer lines are critical priorities. We need to secure outside funding and ensure projects are completed efficiently.
2. Housing – Our community faces a housing shortage that affects families and local businesses. While new developments are underway, we must encourage diverse and affordable housing options to meet demand.
3. Public Safety – Norton Shores is a safe community, but residents have voiced concerns about crime in certain areas. Transparency, strong police and fire services, and community engagement are key to maintaining trust and safety.
4. Fiscal Responsibility – With the lowest property tax rate in the county, we must manage taxpayer dollars carefully while still investing in essential services.
5. Community Vibrancy – Residents want more opportunities for dining, recreation, and events. Supporting local businesses and creating engaging community activities will help Norton Shores remain a great place to live.
I believe good government starts with listening and transparency. To build community understanding and support, I will:
Communicate clearly about city projects and finances in plain language so residents know how their tax dollars are used.
Create opportunities for input through neighborhood meetings, online surveys, and open forums so residents can share concerns before decisions are made.
Build partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations to ensure solutions—whether for housing, infrastructure, or public safety—are practical and widely supported.
Report progress regularly so people see what is being accomplished and where challenges remain.
When residents feel informed and included, they are far more likely to support city initiatives. My focus will be on keeping people in the loop, treating their input with respect, and making sure decisions reflect the values of the community.
Elizabeth (she/her) is a born and bred Michigander – a descendant of white European settler immigrants as well as Native American (Chippewa/Metis) grandparents. At work, she supports Michigan-based nonprofits rooted in community power-building as Data & Systems Director for BOOM LLC (Back Office for Organizing in Michigan). Elizabeth earned degrees from the University of Michigan (BA) and Western Michigan University (MA). She lives with her partner, Kal, their three young-adult children, and a couple of wily dogs in the Norton Hills neighborhood of Norton Shores. She is proud to be the first openly gay elected official on Norton Shores City Council. Her favorite thing is a walk in our neighborhood coastline trails during every season of the year.
The City of Norton Shores is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. To maintain this, we should continue to focus on equitable city services which provide a desirable, fair, and welcoming community. Transportation services meet residents' needs fully. This means not only road repair and resurfacing, but also planned shared bicycle routes, family friendly off-road trails, and public transit services in partnership with MATS. These plans prioritize safe and high-quality local recreation, which I support fully as a way to honor the gifts of our natural environment.
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Campaign Phone
2317222042
Age
56
I've been involved in local government since 1999, first on the Roosevelt Park City Council, then Norton Shores Planning Commission and finally as a member of Norton Shores City Council since 2014. This extensive background in the operation of local government has prepared me to deal with any type of issue that comes before the Council. Additionally, as a small business owner, I have an extensive background in purchasing and finance which transfers extremely well to insuring the City of Norton Shores remains on exceptional financial footings. During my past 11 years on City Council, our City has experience tremendous growth in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors and our council has always struck an excellent balance in overseeing this expansion while maintaining the beauty and character of the City that our residents have become accustom to. My wife and I have raised four wonderful children in Norton Shores. I want to make sure that the City remains as successful and vibrant for them as it has for the generations that have come before.
The basic function of local government is always to insure that our residents receive exceptional services for their tax dollars. I take that responsibility very seriously and always insure that all of our purchases are a wise use of our resident's taxes. The costs of operating the City are always increasing; however, our revenue stream from local property taxes and state revenue sharing is not guaranteed to follow suit. I will always insure the city makes proper financial decisions and has appropriate reserves so that we are never in an unsound financial position. A huge issue facing many Michigan cities is their unfunded pension and health insurance costs. We have taken steps to eliminate all of Norton Shores' long term debt without cutting any benefits for current retirees and without any additional taxes. If I am reelected I will insure we continue this program that both eliminates our liability and protects our retirees.
Communication and information are the keys to being an effective Council Member. First, you have to make sure all the residents have the proper information on any issue that comes if front of council. I am always available to answer residents questions and find out any additional information that they may require. Second, you have to listen to the people that elected you. As an elected official, you have to always remember that you are in your position to represent the residents of the community. Finally, you have to explain the reasoning behind your vote. I will always take the time to explain exactly why I voted for or against something. If you follow these three rules, even if a resident doesn't agree with the position, they will respect and understand why a Council Member voted a certain way.
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Age
49
Candidate Information
I have served as an educator of 25 years. I have a masters degree from Calvin University in education. I currently serve as the Director of Student Affairs at Baker College. My role is to help remove barriers students have to support them in degree completion.
I am currently serving as a member of the Norton Shores City Council and I will be running as an At Large incumbent in the upcoming election. Previously, I have served on the Norton Shores Zoning Board of Appeals, and currently serve on the Board of Review. I work closely with the Parks and Recreation department on the city festival Arts and Drafts as the 5k race coordinator.
I am a parent to two Mona Shores students, and I have a long-standing history of leadership capacity roles. I am deeply engaged in the community and believe in service above self. I will give due diligence to matters prior to reacting and I am hardworking, dedicated, and pragmatic.
Decisions I have made in current and past positions are always with families and children in mind. I am an advocate for those that are the most vulnerable. I have genuine regard for others, and model for my children, and young college students civic engagement. I care deeply and passionately about civil discourse, and respecting all community members. Our current council is divergent in our way of thinking and approaching matters, but we have a mutual goal of service to our community. I think it is important to listen to our community at large and our constituents and work together for the common good.
Our beautiful city faces the same issues all communities are with ensuring we are good stewards with tax dollars to support our infrastructure needs, housing, economic development, maintaining the incredible parks and recreation , and maintaining our safe community. With rising costs, it is imperative to honor and support the hard work of city staff, while recognizing the need to prioritize our projects
Civic engagement is a hallmark of a successful community. We have an incredible community outreach team to promote city ongoings. The newsletter is well organized and detailed as a tool to inform the community. An advantage to being in a community our size, and being involved, is accessibility to community members to listen and address concerns.
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