VOTE411 Voter Guide

As a community, I hope that we embrace and encourage all forms of mico-transportation. Sharing the multi-use path and sidewalks safely is the responsibility of every user. Continual education for youth, parents, and the community at large is essential. As a city, we can post signs in high-concentration areas that slow traffic and inspire courtesy. We can also pass an ordinance that addresses reckless riding and riding too fast for conditions.

The State of Michigan has not caught up to the proliferation of e-bike usage, and the commission can work with legislators to implement guidelines. For example, the State has specific rules for ORVs that state “Youth under the age of 16 are required to pass an approved ORV safety course, and must have their safety certificate on them…” They also require helmets.

Affordable housing is housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross income for housing costs, including utilities. We often think about these as subsidized housing. Marquette just added 50+ units of subsidized housing with the opening of Blackrocks Crossing. This brings our total subsidized housing to around 700 units in the City.

People are often concerned about attainable housing, which refers to market-rate homes or rentals that are within the financial reach of middle-income households, earning between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Michigan has a new tool to encourage attainable housing that works through the Brownfield Redevelopment Program. I anticipate that the Commission will be considering proposals from developers to use this new tool in the near future.

Our city’s fiscal health remains the number one priority. It impacts our core services and our capacity to fund capital improvement projects. The commission and staff are continually vetting new avenues for revenue so we can transition to a healthier financial position. I am happy that we negotiated a revenue share with our Downtown Development Authority this year. Continuing our advocacy at the State level for other revenue sources, such as a tourist tax, is of utmost interest to me. Transportation and safety are top priorities as we address the condition of our streets, high-traffic areas, and all forms of micro-transportation. I support street improvements to the degree we can bond or use our fund balance. Increased volume and flow of traffic around the old hospital site and the area of NMU’s new expansion on Presque Isle is of concern. It needs serious study and continual improvement as our community adjusts to the developments.

As walkers, bikers, and vehicles share more space with e-bikes, we need to find balance between safety and enjoyment for all users. While I don’t have the final answer, I support exploring speed limits on multi-use paths, adding clear signage and expanding education about yielding and trail etiquette. Beyond our trails, more young riders are using e-bikes on city streets. That raises new challenges. I would support working with schools and parents to help these riders understand rules of the road, signaling, and safe riding practices. The City’s E-Bike and Multi-use Path Task Force is currently studying these issues. Whatever their conclusions might be, e-bikes have clearly expanded trail access, giving people of all abilities new ways to enjoy our city. I look forward to helping the community navigate this space as e-bikes gain more traction in the years ahead.

Affordable housing remains one of Marquette's toughest challenges, yet I believe there are a few things we can consider. While our land development code has seen recent updates, we should continue working with our city planning staff and the Planning Commission to explore where else we can accommodate housing. That might mean encouraging more mixed-income and multifamily development. It could also include reducing parking requirements further where appropriate, or streamlining approvals for projects that include affordable units. The City can also work to strengthen partnerships with our Housing Commission, area nonprofits, and developers to pursue state and federal funding when available. Even as more housing comes online, whether on the old hospital site or the NMU apartments that have broken ground on Presque Isle Ave, we need to continue to have thoughtful discussions and take actions that lead to more homes which fit the needs and incomes of Marquette residents.

Two priorities stand out. First, we need to continue investing in our infrastructure. Roads, water, sewer, and stormwater systems are critical to daily life. As Commissioner, I will support budgets that prioritize maintenance and support efforts to secure state and federal funding to reduce burden on taxpayers. Second, we must support workforce development so Marquette remains a place where people want to live and work. That includes attracting and retaining talent, supporting small businesses, and investing in amenities that make our community vibrant. Childcare is also an essential consideration in our local workforce. Without reliable childcare, families may struggle to participate in the workforce and employers may have challenges in retaining workers. While the city doesn't run childcare facilities, we can work with providers and promote efforts like the LSCP Childcare SPARK program to expand availability to improve the quality of life for residents.

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