Questions & Answers in Harbor Light News of Candidates for City Council

QUESTIONS: FROM THE HARBOR LIGHT

Please tell us about yourself and what skills you believe you would bring to the City Council table.
What are the biggest challenges you believe the City currently faces? Are there additional long-term concerns you have that need to be addressed now– if so, please explain.
The City of Harbor Springs has more second homes than year-round residents. As a potential City Council member, how do you feel about this? How would you take this into account when determining budget and policy priorities?
There has been a lot of vitriol in the community over the last few years, with a group of citizens opposing everything from the updated zoning ordinance to the Harbor Springs Garden Club’s plans for a veterans memorial garden in Zorn Park. How would you approach community concerns, disinformation, citizen group demands, and long-term goals for “taking the temperature down” in City-related matters?
Keeping this in mind, the zoning updates Planning Commission has been working on since the original updates were repealed in 2024 are moving back through an approval process, and will likely come with an increase in disagreement that will ultimately land at the Council table. How as a Council member will you approach this, and approach recommendations from appointed boards/commissions?
What are some policy opportunities or positive opportunities for the City you would want to bring to the table for discussion?
Would you accept campaign funds from non-disclosed sources, or would you be okay with outside groups that do not have to disclose donors spending on your behalf? Why or why not?
Would you commit to a transparency pledge, including filing the necessary paperwork if you raise more than $1,000 for your campaign?
Because the City of Harbor Springs has more second home owners than primary residents, how would you handle making sure all stakeholder voices are heard?
Anything else you’d like people to know?

Jeanne Benjamin
Please tell us about yourself and what skills you believe you would bring to the City Council table.
I moved to Harbor Springs when I was 3 years old. I graduated from HSHS, earned a BA from MSU, moved out west for a year only to realize Harbor Springs is home. I moved home and spent 26 years working at The Outfitter. I took time off to raise my son, and now am back in retail, managing J. McLaughlin.
From the late ‘90s to present time I have served on many boards/commissions:Downtown Business Committee (later DDA); Zoning Board of Appeals (both for the City and West Traverse Township); City Council; Planning Commission (under 3 different city managers).While my son was in school, I also volunteered for the Ski Boosters board and the Steering Committee for our public school.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the City currently faces? Are there additional long-term concerns you have that need to be addressed now– if so, please explain.
I believe the biggest challenge the city is facing is how to manage the growth while preserving the quaintness and charm of our town. Working downtown allows me the opportunity to listen to the everyday conversations in town whether it is coming from a day tripper, a visitor, a summer or a year-round resident. This summer in particular was busier than ever with more comments of dreams of moving to Northern Michigan. The challenge is finding practical solutions when it comes to infrastructure and public services that support those that live here full and part-time. We will need to stay ahead of major costs like the substation and roadwork without overburdening taxpayers. Tough decisions will have to be made while keeping the public clearly informed about where their money is going and why.

The City of Harbor Springs has more second homes than year-round residents. As a potential City Council member, how do you feel about this? How would you take this into account when determining budget and policy priorities?
So much of what makes Harbor Springs unique is the community. We have many walks of life—full-time residents, seasonal residents and visitors who have been coming for generations.
Given I work in retail, I see every day how important seasonal residents and visitors are to our local economy. Their property taxes support our schools and many generously donate to everything from the Lyric, to the PAC to the fireworks on the 4th…the list goes on…
At the same time, city decisions affect year-round residents most, simply because we are here 365 days a year.
That doesn’t mean one group matters more than the other—it means our policies need to reflect a balance, we are a community. If we maintain the infrastructure and services that support everyday life—like functional utilities, safe streets and responsible budgeting we are then serving everyone who loves and depends on this town.

There has been a lot of vitriol in the community over the last few years, with a group of citizens opposing everything from the updated zoning ordinance to the Harbor Springs Garden Club’s plans for a veterans memorial garden in Zorn Park. How would you approach community concerns, disinformation, citizen group demands, and long-term goals for “taking the temperature down” in City-related matters?
The primary reason I am running is, as beautiful and quaint as this town is, what makes it so special are the people. This culture is new to this town. I refuse to point fingers on how/why/when it started, the fact is it is not how we got here, it’s how we fix it. Everyone refers to the “two sides”, “which side are you on?”. For those of you who wonder, I’m not on a side. I have spoken to so many confused people, “It seems both sides are saying the same thing”…
The fact is we all care (maybe a little too much sometimes) about this special place. I do not enjoy power or attention, I don’t have an agenda, I am running despite the fact I do not care for the spotlight. I am running because I spend 40+ hours/week on Main Street listening to ALL of the comments, some I agree with, some I don’t but the fact of the matter is everyone deserves a voice. The best decisions often come from opposing viewpoints, I am confident I can bridge the gap. I was lucky enough to sit on council under a fantastic mayor who gave me advice I live by to this day: always tell the truth, that way you don’t have to remember what you said; just because someone has a differing viewpoint than yourself does not mean you are not their friend.

Keeping this in mind, the zoning updates Planning Commission has been working on since the original updates were repealed in 2024 are moving back through an approval process, and will likely come with an increase in disagreement that will ultimately land at the Council table. How as a Council member will you approach this, and approach recommendations from appointed boards/commissions?
The Planning Commission has put in serious time and effort on a very difficult task. I was appointed late in the game and I have a lot of respect for the members of the Planning Commission.
I believe most people in Harbor Springs actually want the same things: to preserve the scale and character of the town while making room for necessary growth. The disagreements tend to come down to how, not whether.
Reasonable minds often disagree about important matters and I would approach any issue moving through Council in a respectful, good faith and data driven manner. I believe the City Council should listen to ALL community members and fairly consider recommendations to help reach solutions that benefit the entire community.

What are some policy opportunities or positive opportunities for the City you would want to bring to the table for discussion?
Harbor Springs is a special place because of its residents and strong sense of community. I feel all of the controversy has its benefits, more people are paying attention and getting involved. When I was on City Council and Planning Commission in the past, most meetings were vacant. I do feel the best outcomes come from collaboration and cooperation. We have an opportunity to really listen and consider the most positive outcome for the whole community.

Would you accept campaign funds from non-disclosed sources, or would you be okay with outside groups that do not have to disclose donors spending on your behalf? Why or why not?
No.

Would you commit to a transparency pledge, including filing the necessary paperwork if you raise more than $1,000 for your campaign?
My hope is to not spend more than $1000, but I am happy to fill out required paperwork.

Because the City of Harbor Springs has more second home owners than primary residents, how would you handle making sure all stakeholder voices are heard?
Again, I feel I am in a prime position working downtown to be easily accessible for conversation/concerns. I have spent 55 years in town and have a wide range of friendships/clients/ relationships.

Anything else you’d like people to know?
The sole reason I am running for Council is the hope of being a voice for all. This town means so much to so many people, it’s nostalgic, it’s safe, it’s a place we call home, it’s special—it belongs to us all—at the end of the day, it’s the people, we are better than this.

William Donohue
Please tell us about yourself and what skills you believe you would bring to the City Council table.
I spent most of my career in publishing, mainly with business magazines to the baking and food-service industries. I have started five businesses all of which succeeded, and one of the more interesting ones was a cake bakery in Nashville, TN. If you like Sander’s “Lumpy Bumpy” cakes or Honey Baked Ham’s carrot cakes, they were mine. In 1998 I sold my first company to Penton Media, in Cleveland and we went public on the NYSE. I served on the board for two years. I have also served on the boards of three other companies and have experience both in day-to-day operations, but also strategic oversight responsibilities. The net effect of all of this is that I have successful experience in dealing with real-world issues and how to be effectively decisive.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the City currently faces? Are there additional long-term concerns you have that need to be addressed now– if so, please explain.
Clearly one of the biggest challenges facing Harbor Springs are the differing versions of where Harbor Springs should be. I recognize that we have to adjust to the times and changes that occur in communities, but no change should come at the expense of the culture and charm that is currently Harbor Springs.

The City of Harbor Springs has more second homes than year-round residents. As a potential City Council member, how do you feel about this? How would you take this into account when determining budget and policy priorities?
As one who has had a home here for 43 years, and until recently a second home, I gladly paid a roughly 40-percent premium in my property taxes. I didn’t mind because I loved living here, appreciated the way the city maintained the infrastructure, and the overall look and feel of the city. I think we have to be mindful of the contribution second home owners make to the city and recognize they have legitimate interests in the continued success of Harbor Springs. But, we have to be mindful of the role that all home owners play in our city – the year round residents, part-time residents and summer residents. We all have legitimate interests in the continued success of Harbor Springs.

What are some policy opportunities or positive opportunities for the City you would want to bring to the table for discussion?
Because I like Harbor the way it currently is, I have no policy suggestions, yet! Simply, I need to learn more.

Would you commit to a transparency pledge, including filing the necessary paperwork if you raise more than $1,000 for your campaign?
Since I am self-financed, I see no need to make a transparency pledge.

Because the City of Harbor Springs has more second home owners than primary residents, how would you handle making sure all stakeholder voices are heard?
Since most second-home owners don’t have the vote, I recognize that they contribute the most tax revenue to the city and as such, have a stake in the future of Harbor. My vote will take into account their hope for Harbor as well as those that do have the vote.

Anything else you’d like people to know?
I’m 81, a recent widower, and in good health, both physically and mentally. My 40+ years in Harbor make me emotionally as well as fiscally invested in the future of Harbor Springs. I will work to maintain what Harbor is.

David Lamarche
Please tell us about yourself and what skills you believe you would bring to the City Council table.
My wife and daughter and I have been full-time residents of the Harbor Springs Area since 2014, the last five within the city proper. I believe strongly in serving the greater need and giving back to the community, which I have done by serving on the boards of Northmen Den Youth Pantries, Little Traverse Sailors, and The Harbor Springs Area Sewage Disposal Authority. Through my service at the Sewer Authority, I’ve gained an appreciation for working with municipalities and I feel joining city council is the next logical step. I have 25 years of experience working in the restaurant industry and 10 years in the accounting field, strong critical thinking skills, and a willingness to consider all sides of an issue.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the City currently faces? Are there additional long-term concerns you have that need to be addressed now– if so, please explain.
Divisiveness. It undermines the very character that we seek to maintain. We must be diligent in pursuing compromises if we want to serve the best interests of our community. I believe we also must prepare for the expense of future infrastructure improvements. Rather than relying on debt to fund projects, we should be saving now for what is surely to come with the road, sewer and electrical systems.

The City of Harbor Springs has more second homes than year-round residents. As a potential City Council member, how do you feel about this? How would you take this into account when determining budget and policy priorities?
We are certainly in rarefied air where this issue is concerned. The national rate of second home ownership is less than 5%, so Harbor Springs is an outlier at 62% and it requires us to think differently about how to best represent them. While true that they cannot vote here, I do believe we owe second homeowners due consideration when determining budgets and policies. Should we make decisions solely to benefit them? No. Should they be a part of the calculus? Yes.

What are some policy opportunities or positive opportunities for the City you would want to bring to the table for discussion?
I would like to see some modifications made to how city council meetings are conducted. Educating the citizenry about proper form would be a good start but I also feel there should be an opportunity for council and citizens to truly dialogue. That could mean modifying the current structure or having a different style of meeting on a regular basis, say something along the lines of a New England Town Hall meeting.

Would you accept campaign funds from non-disclosed sources, or would you be okay with outside groups that do not have to disclose donors spending on your behalf? Why or why not?
I am not accepting any outside funds for my campaign and would not be okay with outside groups spending on my behalf if they don’t have to disclose their donors. If I expect transparency from the city and its citizens, then I need to abide by that as well.

Would you commit to a transparency pledge, including filing the necessary paperwork if you raise more than $1,000 for your campaign?
Yes, of course.

Because the City of Harbor Springs has more second home owners than primary residents, how would you handle making sure all stakeholder voices are heard?
As much as surveys, polling, and public comment are useful tools to determine how our citizens feel about certain issues, I really think direct dialogue is the best way to understand what the people want and how the city can best serve them. As I mentioned above, I would like to see a forum where city council and citizens could dialogue on a regular basis, something akin to open houses but more formal.

Anything else you’d like people to know?
I believe in open, honest leadership focused on doing what’s best for our community.

Kathy Motschall
Please tell us about yourself and what skills you believe you would bring to the City Council table.
I am a retired CPA, with 40+ years working in public practice and private industry. I retired as CFO of Walstrom Marine in 2019. I have lived in Harbor Springs for 14 years, and 38 years in Northern Michigan. I have served the last two years on the city council, two years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, and one year each on the Harbor Commission and Tree Board.
My financial experience has been vital in reviewing and approving the City budgets, in implementing new financial reports and in approving capital expenditures. I have learned so much about City operations, responsibilities, City Staff responsibilities and City Council procedures; I would hate to abandon that experience and knowledge after only one term.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the City currently faces? Are there additional long-term concerns you have that need to be addressed now– if so, please explain.
The biggest challenges for the city at present include:
–Establishing a zoning code that will work for all citizens now and into the future
–Change rules regarding short-term rentals in order to regain more year-round residents,
–How to actively involve and communicate with all city residents, and to receive useful feedback from all, not just from the most vocal,
–Construct new electric substation that meets city’s needs into the future,
–Establish electric rates that are fair to all customers and provide funding to maintain the system into the future.

The City of Harbor Springs has more second homes than year-round residents. As a potential City Council member, how do you feel about this? How would you take this into account when determining budget and policy priorities?
I would really like to see more residents year-round, as the city can be a lonely place in the winter. During the ice storm we needed to rely on our neighbors more than ever, and the proximity of neighbors was important. Police and Fire department staffing was critical, and participation by local volunteers was required to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing. Many of us spent several nights at the shelter at Shay. Any further loss of this local population could be devastating to year-round residents who may need immediate assistance.
Tightening of the short-term rental rules could impact this. I believe more attainable housing options must be considered, and creativity in addressing this issue must be used. New problems cannot be resolved with old codes and rules. Planning by city staff and city council for future emergencies can be based on lessons learned in March and April.

Keeping this in mind, the zoning updates Planning Commission has been working on since the original updates were repealed in 2024 are moving back through an approval process, and will likely come with an increase in disagreement that will ultimately land at the Council table. How as a Council member will you approach this, and approach recommendations from appointed boards/commissions?
I have followed the zoning issues for two years, and will continue to attend Planning Commission meetings and events to have a clear understanding of the proposals. I take the recommendations of the Planning Commission in this matter very seriously, but will continue to ask questions about their recommendations based on my observations at public meetings.
I respect the work and recommendations of all commissions and study those very carefully. In my final analysis, I may disagree on what a commission decides is best for the city, but I arrive at my decisions rationally, and with as little emotion as possible.

What are some policy opportunities or positive opportunities for the City you would want to bring to the table for discussion?
I will continue to propose suggestions regarding financial reporting to council and the public. I will push for emphasizing budget considerations by city staff to encourage thoughtful monetary decisions. I would like to consider the possibility of moving parts of the budget process to earlier in the fall, so that the council has more time to hear presentations from the various commissions and boards. I would suggest that council have work sessions to discuss in detail larger financial issues. I would start by consulting with staff on the practicality of working this in with their other responsibilities.

Would you accept campaign funds from non-disclosed sources, or would you be okay with outside groups that do not have to disclose donors spending on your behalf? Why or why not?
I would not accept campaign funds from any undisclosed sources. I have not yet received any funds during this campaign from any source. I may require funds, but I expect they will come from other local residents and voters. I do not understand the need for outside, undisclosed money in this small town. Running for election in Harbor Springs requires connecting with residents where they are, which might not be on social media. It may well be at the Harbor Market, in the parks, at the coffee shop.

Would you commit to a transparency pledge, including filing the necessary paperwork if you raise more than $1,000 for your campaign?
Yes. I plan to file all necessary paperwork in a timely manner.
Because the City of Harbor Springs has more second home owners than primary residents, how would you handle making sure all stakeholder voices are heard?
I believe all stakeholders should have a voice in our community. If those stakeholders do not live here year-round, it is their responsibility to stay in touch with the actions of the city. The City of Harbor Springs has added many resources to enable and improve communications with constituents. I will continue to encourage the city staff to improve and enhance these communications within a reasonable budget.

Anything else you’d like people to know?
I would like to encourage the public to focus on big picture issues that affect all citizens, and dial down the rhetoric on cosmetic issues such as flower gardens. Our residents are from all economic strata, and a small matter to one may be a matter of significant financial consequence to others. I believe our responsibility is to all citizens of our community.

Nancy Rondel
Please tell us about yourself and what skills you believe you would bring to the City Council table.
I have lived here since 1979 and been a voter since 1980. I have worked, played, raised a family, joined a church, owned a business, made friends, entertained visitors, volunteered and helped neighbors in our city for over 40 years. Harbor Springs is my home and I care about the people that live here.
I served for 4 years on our City Council from 2020-2024. I also was a member of the Tree Board and the Planning Commission during this time. Most of my work life has been in the nursing world which demands team work, listening skills, compromise, collaboration, organization and preparation, all of these will come with me to the Council table. It is very important when serving in city government to understand that you are there for your constituents, not for yourself. You must speak and act for the common good of the people you represent, not for yourself or your personal agenda.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the City currently faces? Are there additional long-term concerns you have that need to be addressed now– if so, please explain.
Our City is facing a number of challenges, some of them demand immediate attention. One of my concerns is the lack of respect that some people are displaying for our City government, staff and volunteers. It is very difficult to get the business of the City done when so much time, energy and money is being spent on reacting to accusations and incorrect information. Personal attacks and name calling have no place in our City government. Another concern is Harbor Springs’ lack of housing for elders, employees and young families.

The City of Harbor Springs has more second homes than year-round residents. As a potential City Council member, how do you feel about this? How would you take this into account when determining budget and policy priorities?
Our decreasing number of full year residents is certainly a concern. When someone only spends a portion of their year in a community it gives them a different perspective on the needs and concerns of the City. Our second homes make up about 2/3 of our total households. I do not think this is in the best interest of the City of Harbor Springs. This has been a major change over the last 40 years. This is reflected in our voter role and in some of the decisions that have been made. Our policies and budgeting must reflect our year round status as a public city.

Keeping this in mind, the zoning updates Planning Commission has been working on since the original updates were repealed in 2024 are moving back through an approval process, and will likely come with an increase in disagreement that will ultimately land at the Council table. How as a Council member will you approach this, and approach recommendations from appointed boards/commissions?
I will approach this issue as I would any other issue that comes before Council. I will be well-informed about the issue and current work being done by boards and commissions. I will attend meetings of our boards and will do my own research to be sure I have a good understanding of what is being discussed. I will reach out to City staff and our consultants to be sure I have the complete picture. I will listen to public comments and my fellow Council members and then decide what is best for our City and vote accordingly.

What are some policy opportunities or positive opportunities for the City you would want to bring to the table for discussion?
I would want the Council to consider some options for ways to increase the opportunities for employees to live in the City. I would like to explore the possibility of some additional ways of encouraging full year residents, I would like to see Council explore creative ways of decreasing our in-town automobile traffic and I would encourage Council to examine ways to plan for more senior housing.

Would you accept campaign funds from undisclosed sources, or would you be okay with outside groups that do not have to disclose donors spending on your behalf? Why or why not?
I would not accept funds from undisclosed sources and I am not okay with outside groups that do not have to disclose donors spending on my behalf. Names of the individuals donating money should be public.

Would you commit to a transparency pledge, including filing the necessary paperwork if you raise more than $1,000 for your campaign?
Absolutely!

Because the City of Harbor Springs has more second home owners than primary residents, how would you handle making sure all stakeholder voices are heard?
All meetings of the City Council are governed by the Open Meetings Act of Michigan which states that all persons have the right to be heard. Anyone is welcome to attend meetings. Anyone can request to have an e-mail or letter included in the meeting packets. My personal contact information is readily available through the City.

Anything else you’d like people to know?
It is very important to vote and who you vote for matters. The people you elect to the City Council determine the path Harbor Springs will follow in the years ahead.