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Benzie County - Village of Elberta Village Trustee {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

4 Year Term

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  • Candidate picture

    Daniel H. Carter
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Arlene Sweeting
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Describe your background, experience and qualifications for this office and the reasons you are running for it. (limited to 1250 characters)

What are the top 2 (or 3) priority issues that this office should address and what actions would you take regarding each of them? (limited to 1250 characters)

Phone 407-864-4204
Occupation/Current Position Retired
Education Michigan State University, Frankfort HS
race Human
I worked in the construction industry most of my career performing purchasing, estimating or construction management.
Elberta has lost a substantial number of residents over the years and is suffering from an aging infrastructure. Economic development and revitalizing our housing inventory are important to stabilizing the village going forward.
Mailing Address PO Box 574
Elberta, MI 49628
Phone 941-545-5635
Facebook, X, Instagram NA
Occupation/Current Position Elberta Heritage Center Communications Director
Education BA in Political Science from UNC-Chapel Hill; MEd from James Madison University in Middle Education
I am running for Village Trustee because I care deeply about Elberta and want to contribute my experience and energy to its future. I have more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience including budgeting, fundraising and grant writing, strategic planning, program development, volunteer coordination, and building partnerships across a community. As General Manager of WSLR Community Radio and Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, I led a mission-driven organization focused on community voice, civic engagement, arts and culture. Since moving to Elberta, I have continued that commitment to community co-founding WUWU Community Radio and the Elberta Heritage Center, serving on the Elberta Parks and Recreation Commission, and chairing the Elberta Historic District Study Committee. I understand both the opportunities and challenges facing Elberta and believe effective local government depends on listening, transparency, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and thoughtful long-term planning.
1. Thoughtful waterfront and community development. Elberta currently has an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of its waterfront. I would advocate for a transparent, community-driven planning process that balances economic development, public access, recreation, environmental stewardship, and the needs of year-round residents.

2. Strong, effective local government. Good government requires clear policies, accountability, communication, and respect for residents and staff. I would work to strengthen internal controls, clarify roles and responsibilities, improve communication with residents, and ensure that decisions are made openly and consistently.

3. Financial sustainability. The Village needs a strong financial foundation to maintain infrastructure and services without placing an undue burden on residents. I would support careful budgeting, pursuing grants and outside funding, and exploring appropriate opportunities to increase the tax base while preserving Elberta’s character.