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Howell City Council {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The City of Howell has a seven-member Council. Voters elect three persons to serve a four-year term on the City Council in bi-annual, odd-year elections. The voters also elect a mayor for a two-year term. The Council, as the City s legislative body, determines all municipal policies which are not set forth in the City Charter or by state legislation, adopts ordinances and resolutions, votes appropriations, approves the budget, and determines the tax rate. The City of Howell operates under a Council/Manager form of government.

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    Jeff Amayo
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael Gaitan Flores
    (NP)

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    Jan Lobur
    (NP)

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    Stacy Rutledge
    (NP)

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    Jacob Schlittler
    (NP)

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    Luke Wilson
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Please describe your qualifications and experience relevant to this office.

What motivates you to seek this role?

How would you improve outreach, communication, and engagement to ensure all residents feel informed, included, and represented?

What do you see as the City’s most serious challenges, and how would you collaborate with local and statewide experts to address them effectively?

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Campaign Phone 248-820-5419
Number of years as resident 6
Education Michigan State University; Double Major - B.A. International Relations 2016 and B.A. Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy 2016
For the past nine years of my professional career, I’ve connected with people from all walks of life, strengthening my active listening, collaboration, and decision-making to serve the whole community. My education at Michigan State gave me a strong foundation in political systems and effective problem-solving, which I now apply in my role as Director of Industry Relations at the University of Michigan. There, I partner with startups, municipalities, nonprofits, and corporations to identify challenges, build partnerships, and connect them with the right resources while navigating complex systems with persistence, creativity, and integrity.
I’m running because I care about the future of our city. Howell is where my wife and I plan to raise our family and it's a community we’re proud to call home. From chatting with neighbors on our front porch to showing up for local events, we’ve rooted ourselves within the community. I want to bring a collaborative, transparent, and respectful approach to city government, and I’m motivated to build bridges to represent our neighbors, families, and small businesses. This involves prioritizing listening to residents, building trust, and making thoughtful, community-driven decisions.
One of my top priorities is increasing transparency for all Howell residents. I will work to ensure clear communication about how tax dollars are used and how decisions are made. I’ll support development that respects neighborhoods while preparing for future needs like sidewalks, roads, and tree maintenance. I’m also committed to supporting small businesses and expanding opportunities for residents to engage by improving the city’s website and adding virtual meeting options, making council meetings more accessible to all.
One of Howell’s biggest challenges is managing growth while preserving our small-town character. As developers and new businesses take an interest in our community, we have to ensure infrastructure, housing, and green spaces grow responsibly. Another challenge is strengthening transparency in how projects are funded and prioritized. To address these issues, I would actively seek out local and statewide experts rather than wait for them to step forward. I may not have all the answers, but I know how to find them- by listening, learning, and working alongside experts and community voices.
Campaign Phone 517-404-1062
Number of years as resident 49 years
Education University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Cleary University, Ypsilanti, MI
I was appointed to City Council in 2016, elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. I've lived in the city for over 45 years and have been a public servant and volunteered in many community and county service projects. I'm a former business owner and co-recipient of a Preservation and Design Award on the building at 223 W. Grand River. I am on the City of Howell's Planning Commission, and am an executive member of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Because of my first-hand experience, I would continue to be an asset for speaking up for the citizens of Howell. I have a reputation for being dependable, hard-working and reliable.
I love living in the City and realize that dedicated leadership and city staff is crucial to a safe and welcoming community. I understand the responsibility that the City Council position requires. I'm not a seasoned politician, and I don't have an agenda. Being active and involved in the city is important to me and I hope to continue to be if re-elected to council.
I would like to see more participation from the public at our city council meetings. Even though we post notices and agendas, it seems folks are only aware of our actions when they are personally affected. I am one person on a council of seven. I have one vote, but it matters for all citizens in the city. I am constantly aware that the money we spend belongs to the citizens and businesses that live and work in the city and should be put to the best use possible. Come to our meetings, send me an email or let's have coffee. Your voice is important and I'm willing and ready to hear what you have to say!
I believe we need to maintain a balanced budget and healthy fund balance in case of emergenies. We need to continue to pay into the City's retirement fund to keep the City above the state-mandated 60% threshold. I believe we should continue to look for ways to replace or improve the City's infrastructure and neighborhood streets and sidewalks. I believe our City Police is a valauble part of our community and should be a top priority in funding. We need to continue to collaborate with state and federal agencies pursuing grants and assistance which we are entitled to.
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