VOTE411 Voter Guide

Four years so far on Douglas City Council. Also Chair KLSWA and Douglas Harbor Authority. Served on Planning and ZBA as well. Many years in business including IBM (technology and training) and University of Chicago Medical Center (facility planning, development and training.) Many boards and public service organizations including lakefront planning in Chicago. Masters degree in Project Management.

1) Roads repair and infrastructure including lead water line replacement as mandated by state. We are a small city with a small tax base so managing these very costly projects is a balancing act. Also, this requires careful attention to taxing and spending.

2) Attainable/workforce housing. We need to move forward more quickly, while still being thoughtful, on expanding the opportunity for our local workforce to live where they work. Many of our shops and restaurants have limited hours because they can't find workers who can also afford to live here. We need to address this, and while some efforts are underway, we need to move more quickly.

Communication/communication/communication. We, as a City do a good job of communicating through various channels such as social media, emails, etc. But communication is hard to over do. Also, we need to encourage more citizens to attend more meetings, particularly City Council and Planning Commission meetings. I think we could also leverage the local newspaper, the Commercial Record, more than we do. It's been re-vamped in the past few months, and is doing an excellent job. We should put more information there as well.

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I believe my combination of local government experience, business leadership, and education gives me a strong foundation to serve on City Council.

Local government experience: I have lived in Douglas for seven years and served on the Planning Commission for three years, where I currently serve as Chair. That experience has given me a practical understanding of zoning, development, housing, parking, infrastructure, and the importance of following our ordinances and making decisions based on facts. Training: I completed Michigan State University Extension’s Zoning Board of Appeals certificate course, strengthening my understanding of responsible and legally sound local decision-making. Business leadership: As a small business owner in the medical innovation field, I understand budgeting, accountability, planning, negotiation, and the need to make practical decisions with limited resources. Education and governance: I hold a Master’s degree in Health Economics and have served on a national nonprofit board.

I would bring thoughtful analysis, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and a strong commitment to Douglas.

Douglas is fortunate to be growing, but that growth needs to be managed thoughtfully. I believe several issues will require particular attention:

Responsible growth: New development should strengthen Douglas while protecting the character and quality of life that make our community special. Infrastructure: Roads, stormwater and drainage, utilities, waterfront facilities, sidewalks, public safety, and other city services must keep pace with development. We should address infrastructure needs before they become expensive emergencies. Housing: We need more attainable housing opportunities for young families, local workers, and people who want to remain part of the community long term. Short-term rentals: We need fair, common-sense rules that respect property owners while protecting neighborhoods and year-round residents. Parking and transportation: Parking should be planned proactively, especially as downtown development continues. Fiscal responsibility: Every major project has both an upfront cost and a long-term operating cost. Council must consider both and protect taxpayers from unsustainable commitments.

I believe community understanding starts with being visible, accessible, transparent, and willing to listen.

Meet people where they are: During the campaign, I have been holding informal “Talk to Tom” events to give residents an easy way to ask questions, raise concerns, and share ideas directly with me.

- Create opportunities for open conversation: I have also hosted a Meet the Candidate event because people should have the opportunity to hear directly from those asking to represent them—and to be heard themselves.

- Listen before deciding: City Council will face difficult decisions on growth, infrastructure, housing, parking, and short-term rentals. Those decisions should not be made in a vacuum. Community input needs to be part of the process.

-Be transparent about the “why”: Residents deserve to understand the facts, tradeoffs, costs, and long-term impact behind important decisions.

- Continue after the election: If elected, I plan to continue periodic “Talk to Tom” events so communication and listening do not end when the campaign is over.

My goal is to help make City government more approachable, transparent, and responsive, while building trust through regular communication and meaningful community input.

Greetings Douglas Voters! I am John F. O'Malley, I have lived in Douglas the last 32 years, raised 2 sons that attended Saugatuck Public Schools. I was involved in coaching and with the Athletic Boosters for 7 years, 5 as President. Work History has been in Food & Beverage from Restaurants to Distributors. Presently as a Sales Supervisor at IHS Distributing, overseeing a team of sales representatives and merchandisers within our area for the last 22 years. I have worked locally with Cow Hill Yacht Club on Chili Cook Off, Venetian Festival, and Golf Fundraisers. Saugatuck Douglas Rotary Club on Mount Bald Head Challenge and Venetian Festival. Community Pride on Pride and Oktoberfest. SaugatuckDouglas History Center on Douglas Socials and The Halloween Parades. I have been on the Douglas Planning Commission since January of 2022 and Douglas City Council since November of 2022.

Growth and Infrastructure!! Both topics kind of tie into each other, Douglas is Growing! We have room for growth, but we need to make sure that our ordinances are followed, and we grow the right way. Yes, we need affordable/attainable, our market and costs, ends up determining the price. We are working on this with the Wiley Property.

Infrastructure, from Roads to Water and Sewer, it has been passed on down for too many years. This is also a work in progress; Services and all local municipalities are working on these together. unfortunately, we don't have the magic wand to wave and fix it all in a year.

Honestly, if you have a question, write a letter to the Council, you should come to a meeting or join a Zoom meeting and during public comments raise your concerns. Read the Minutes of our Meetings so you stay informed. Subscribe to Constant Contact, Douglas Website for info on Meetings, Agendas and Events.

We all need to be involved to make the right, educated decisions. I have my ideas and you have yours, but if we don't communicate how will we make the right decision.